How to go
What: “Annie”
Where: Clark State Performing Arts Center, Kuss Auditorium, 300 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10
Admission: $52, $42, $32
More info: 937-328-3874 or pac.clarkstate.edu/events/calendar/annie-broadway-national-tour/
You can bet your bottom dollar that the sun will come out in the Kuss Auditorium — with the help of a spunky red-headed orphan and her faithful dog,
Throw in a few leapin’ lizards and the original director and lyricist and you’ve got one of the most family-friendly Broadway smashes sure to clear away the cobwebs and the sorrow.
The national touring production of “Annie” will brighten the Clark State Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10.
This is a joint presentation for the Broadway and Beyond Series, presented by the Clark State Performing Arts Center and the Springfield Arts Council.
" 'Annie' has always been timeless. It's perfect for families, leaving a warm and fuzzy feeling," said Conner Simpson, a London, Ohio, native who plays multiple parts in the production.
The musical follows the adventures of orphan Annie, who stays positive despite living a hard-knock life in a miserable orphanage during the Great Depression.
Holding out hope she’ll find her parents and finding a stray dog companion, Sandy, Annie’s luck changes when super-rich Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks opens his home to an orphan for the Christmas season and Annie is selected.
But there are still devious people who want in on the action. These people include orphanage director Miss Hannigan, who will challenge Annie for her happy ending.
Simpson said having original director and lyricist Martin Charnin involved has made a difference. Charnin performed in the original cast of “West Side Story” before going on the production side of Broadway.
Debuting in 1977, “Annie” garnered seven Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Original Score.
“Tomorrow” has become one of the most recognizable Broadway songs, along with “It’s a Hard Knock Life” and “Easy Street.”
A previous “Annie” revival put the focus more on the Depression-era setting and not so much on Annie, something this production rethought.
“He has renewed the vision,” Simpson said. “Martin brings back the joy and hope and the focus on Annie.”
A cast of 30 along with an 11-piece orchestra and beautiful set design give “Annie” the grand production feel that has made it an audience favorite for nearly 40 years.
“It’s a big, fun production, one Springfield should be glad to have,” Simpson said. “It harkens back to the golden era (of theater) — a good night out.”
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