1930s America is in the grip of a pallid economy, the likes of which was never seen before. Days are dreary and depressing. The dregs of society, faces: pale, anaemic, in a pallor. They scuffle their feet aimlessly along the street not because they have anywhere to go to but to keep warm. From the depths of a winter’s chill, Annie, a spunky redhead with an eternal optimism brighter than a summer’s sun surges onto the scene to bring cheer and hope to all those around her.
The setting, language, historical context, mannerisms and fashion will definitely seem unfamiliar but the central message of hope and optimism rings true, through the ages. The entire 2.5 hour long modern rags to riches fairytale is warm and uplifting at every turn. This latest production harks back to the original 1970s adaptation, doing away with subsequent changes in the number of characters and regional revisions. Featuring the evergreen Tony Award®-winning score of favourites like “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the appeal to great expectations, “Tomorrow”, by Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, don’t be surprised if your feet are still tapping and the chorus is still ringing in your head when you reach home. Take a sneak peek at some of the most memorable songs from the current production at the Marina Bay Sands Mastercard Theatres:
Don’t miss Sandy, the adorable, plucky street hound adopted by Annie and her band of mildly irascible orphans, always on the verge of a scuffle as they journey the tumultuous days of depression era New York. As cute as a bug’s ear, the six little orphans were picked locally from a hopeful clutch of over 100. Each of them performed spectacularly and held up the performance with an equal amount of talent, grit and personality. They are definitely ones to watch out for over the next decade. After all, Hollywood greats such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Alyssa Milano and Catherine Zeta-Jones have all played Annie or characters in the theatrical production early in their careers.
What: Annie – The Musical
When: 24 Aug 2016 to 11 Sep 2016; Tue – Fri: 7.30pm; Sat: 2pm and 7.30pm; Sun: 1pm NS 6pm
Where: MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Tickets: Tickets start from S$65 via Sistic.
