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After thirty-five years, one 1997 revival and thousands of school productions, Depression-era musical, Annie returns to Broadway. The family musical, starring Lilla Crawford in the title role, opened November 8 at the Palace Theatre.
The production received favorable reviews, with Crawford and Anthony Warlow, who plays Daddy Warbucks, earning universal praise. The show’s Miss Hannigan, however, played by Katie Finneran, did not fare so well. Accused of falling into familiarity, the Tony Award winner for Noises Off and Promises, Promises seems to still be finding her way into the character. Though, her naturalism, rather than caricature, is appreciated.
By most accounts, it’s cute without being cutesy…or too cutesy… and is a charming presentation of a shamelessly sentimental show. The only real weakness noted is Andy Blankenbueler’s choreography. His work is better suited for contemporary musicals like In the Heights and Bring It On, not a traditional production like Annie.
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