The story of Annie is one that is known by all. Thirty years ago, Annie was performed at the Jacksonville Theater Guild. It was the first in the United States to receive permission to perform it. On November 30 to December 2 and December 7 to December 9, the Theater Guild performed this iconic play once again.
Annie, a mischievous girl, is an 11-year-old orphan who lives in an orphanage run by Miss Hannigan. Miss Hannigan mistreats the orphans and is always finding chores for the girls to do. However, Annie’s luck soon turns around. She is selected to spend Christmas at the home of billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Annie’s innocent charm not only wins over Warbucks and his staff, but also the hearts of the audience.
The performance of Annie at the Jacksonville Theater Guild included almost sixty talented actors, two of which are students at Jacksonville High School: Clara Lee and Laura Maruna. The small town performance had some big city talent.
The uplifting musical was full of great music and laugh-out-loud humor. The talent of such young children is both entertaining and heartwarming. The production’s ending included a group of young girls with bright red, curly Annie wigs singing Annie’s most famous musical numbers, Tomorrow and Maybe; it was a unique and extremely charming end to a wonderful performance.