Annie at Wang Theatre
A whirlwind of emotions will come gushing to you this February as you immerse yourself in one of the most iconic Broadway musicals of all time. Visit the Wang Theater At The Boch Center and prepare to laugh, cry, and be inspired by the exciting adventures of the world’s most beloved orphan, Annie. Yes, that’s right. The award-winning musical about a child’s infectious optimism during one of the darkest periods of history is a classic story perfect for the entire family. Set in the enchanting backdrop of 1930s New York City, follow Annie as she embarks on a quest to find her true family. If you’re feeling down and need inspiration, Annie is an excellent reminder that the sun will always come out tomorrow. So plan your February now, and be sure to add seeing this musical to your calendars. Put on your favorite dress or suit, and remember to smile. After all, you’re never fully dressed without a smile, right?
Annie Tickets
“This revival of “Annie” is fabulous. – Wallstreet Journal
“A winning presentation of an unapologetically sentimental show that tips its hat to an earlier era in musical theater.” – Hollywood Reporter
“Though the story may be familiar, the new production feels as fresh as a Lower East Side bialy on a Sunday morning.” – Entertainment Weekly
Estimated to be performed 700 to 900 times each year in the United States, Annie is undoubtedly one of the most famous musicals of all time. Originally performed in 1977, the Broadway original debuted at the Alvin Theatre on April 21. Some of Broadway’s notable stars played the lead roles, which eventually earned them acclaim and nominations. Andrea McArdle played Annie, Reid Shelton was Warbucks, Dorothy Loudon was Miss Hannigan, Sandy Faison was Grace Farrell, and the smallest and youngest orphan, Molly, was played by Danielle Brisebois. This original production was an instant success, and although some of the original casts would be replaced over the years, it went on to capture theatergoers’ love and affection. Among the famous actresses who played the titular role are Sarah Jessica Parker, Allison Smith, Shelley Bruce, and Alyson Kirk.
The original Broadway production transferred from the Alvin Theatre (now the Neil Simon Theatre) to ANTA (now the August Wilson) in September 1981. It then moved to the Eugene O’Neill Theatre and eventually found its final home at the Uris (now the Gershwin). At 2,377 performances, the musical finally came to a conclusion on January 2, 1983. It had previously held the record for the longest-running production at the Alvin Theatre until Hairspray broke it in 2009. Apart from this milestone, Annie is a critically acclaimed musical that has garnered several awards and nominations from some of the most reputable award-giving bodies. The original Broadway production alone won seven out of 11 nominations in the 1977 Tony Awards, including “Best Musical,” “Best Choreography,” and “Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical.” In addition, it also bagged seven trophies from the Drama Desk Awards and a Grammy Award for “Best Cast Show Album.”
Because of Annie’s success, many touring companies were launched from the original production to tour the major North American cities. The tour started in 1978 in Toronto and went on to different cities in both Canada and the US. Several touring companies followed suit, including the West Coast and Dallas productions, which were all massively successful. The same touring success was also mirrored in the UK after the musical’s West End original production closed in November 1981 after 1,485 performances.
It took two decades after Annie ended on both Broadway and the West End that a Broadway revival of it was made. In 1997, the 20th anniversary Broadway revival took place at the Martin Beck Theatre (now called the Al Hirschfeld Theatre). The production was met with mixed criticisms and had its fair share of controversies. Although the revival’s run wasn’t so massive on Broadway, the national tour was warmly received by fans and theatergoers. The tour also extended to other countries, with Australia and the UK staging their own productions from 2001 to 2010. In 2005, US national tours were held for the 30th anniversary of the beloved musical. This traveling production went to several cities before concluding the show in Baltimore, Maryland’s Hippodrome Theatre in 2010.
“Even if you’re a child-hating curmudgeon, you’ll come home grinning in spite of yourself.” – Wallstreet Journal
“This enduring ode to optimism remains a sterling example of expert musical-theater craftsmanship.” – The Hollywood Reporter
Over the years, Annie was produced countless times both in and out of Broadway. From 2012 to 2014, the second Broadway revival was produced. Starting in September 2014, a 40th-anniversary traveling production of Annie was launched by TROIKA Entertainment. Since then, the touring company has been performing the musical in some of the most memorable venues in the country. Slated to end in 2025, the tour will once again bring the memorable story of Annie and her infectious optimism to the theatres all over the country — and this February, Annie and all her gang of orphans will touch your hearts with memorable tunes and top-notch acting at the Wang Theatre at the Boch Center.
The titular role of Annie will be played by Rainier Trevino. She will take center stage as the endearing orphan, bringing her infectious charm and boundless optimism to life. Stefanie Londino steps into the role of the hilariously wicked Miss Hannigan, while Christopher Swan embodies the wealthy and kind-hearted Oliver Warbucks. Together with an ensemble of talented actors, they promise to deliver a spellbinding performance that will leave you humming the classic tunes long after the final curtain.
From February 6 -11, 2024, Annie will illuminate the famous Boston stage with its iconic music, incredible choreography, enchanting set design, and the timeless themes of resilience, family, and the belief in a better tomorrow! Whether you’re reliving the magic or introducing a new generation to this Broadway classic, Annie at the Wang Theatre is an experience not to be missed. Tickets are now available, and you can get yours here by hitting the “Get Tickets” link.
