Citadel Theatre's 'Annie' brings comedy, optimism, song, and dance for the holidays to Chicago's suburbs
It's been nearly 100 years since Little Orphan Annie first appeared in the comic pages of a daily newspaper and given that her story is set in New York City, people might be surprised to learn the character's origin was in Chicago. She was created by cartoonist Harold Gray, who worked for the CHICAGO TRIBUNE, and inspired by an orphan girl he had met on the streets of Chicago. Most comic strips of the era had boys as their central characters, so Gray thought audiences would enjoy one with a street-smart, scrappy girl as its heroine. The Tribune at first rejected the idea, but another paper - THE NEW YORK DAILY NEWS - picked it up. The comic strip "Little Orphan Annie" debuted on August 25, 1924 and was soon carried by other newspapers. Thus began an 86-year run as a newspaper comic strip seen around the world, with story lines reflecting the events of the decades. The red-haired orphan last appeared in her own strip in 2010, but thanks to the Broadway musical ANNIE, which Citadel Theater in Lake Forest is producing through January 4, 2020, Annie lives on as a popular character.
Though Little Orphan Annie as a comic strip character lived in storylines spanning most of the 20th Century, the musical ANNIE is set during the Great Depression, with a story played out on the mean streets as well as in the mansions of New York City. Its colorful cast of characters includes the very poor, the very rich, orphans, con men and even President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Though some of the characters bemoan their "hard-knock life," the story is wrapped up in the optimistic message of the musical's signature song "Tomorrow." The musical has been a favorite ever since opening on Broadway in 1977 for its blend of comedy, music and dance - not to mention its cast including adorable kids and a dog.
In ANNIE, we meet our red-haired orphan in the orphanage overseen by the evil, alcoholic Miss Hannigan. After Annie escapes from the orphanage and is taken in by Oliver Warbucks, the wealthy Warbucks announced a nationwide search for Annie's parents. Looking for a big reward, Miss Hannigan's conniving brother Rooster and his girlfriend Lily pose of her parents in hopes of claiming a big reward. The show's score includes comedy numbers like "It's a Hard Knock Life," "Easy Street," and "We'd Like to Thank You, Herbert Hoover;" the plaintive ballad "Maybe," and the iconic "Tomorrow." Citadel is bringing all the color, tunefulness and energetic dance to this classic musical in the intimacy of its 144-seat theater in Lake Forest.
Citadel's ANNIE is directed by Robert D. Estrin, who directed last year's JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT and the Jeff Award-winning THE EXPLORERS CLUB. Ryan Brewster is Music Director and Jake Ganzer is Choreographer.
The cast of 30 includes Sophie Kaegi and Kayla Norris alternating in the title role. Playing Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks is John B. Boss. Citadel Theatre co-founder and Actors Equity member Ellen Phelps plays the orphanage mistress Miss Hannigan while Kyle Ryan and Becca Duff create the roles of Rooster Hannigan and Lily St. Regis, and Chamaya Moody will play Warbucks' secretary, Grace Farrell.
Two groups of young performers alternate as the other orphans under Miss Hannigan's care: Isabel Ackerman (Kate), Lila Bahng (Molly), Emiko Chichester (Pepper), Sara Deodhar (Tessie), Jocelyn Goldman (Duffy), Cate Gordon (Duffy), Allison Gregorio (Pepper), Nora Hubert (Kate), Sammy Menapace (Tessie), Everleigh Murphy (Molly), and Sophia Smith (July).
The adult cast also includes Anne Arza, John Benischek, Bill Chamberlain, Jonah Cochin, Jimmy Hogan, Emily Lewis, Rebecca Marowitz, Nicky Mendelsohn, Alexander Rubin, Michael Ryan, Alison Stake, and Shaina Summerville. David Lemrise is understudy for the role of Oliver Warbucks.
ANNIE will be performed through January 5. Citadel Theatre is located at 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest, IL. The performance schedule can be viewed and tickets purchased at www.citadeltheatre.org or by phone at 847-735-8554, ext. 1.
Citadel Theatre is one of Chicagoland's premier live theatres, producing hundreds of performances annually and inspiring audiences for over 16 years. Founded by Scott and Ellen Phelps in 2002, Citadel Theatre is comprised of its Main Stage performances, its On Tour programs, and its theatre acting classes for children. A proud member of the League of Chicago Theatres and the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff ArtsLink, Citadel Theatre offers a unique intimate theatre experience that transports you to another setting and leaves you feeling exhilarated and wanting more. A recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Citadel can accept tax-deductible donations. For more information, ticketing, and to donate, please visit Citadel online at www.CitadelTheatre.org or call 847.735.8554.