Behind the Footlights: A Hard Knock Life—Annie Onstage at The Walnut

By Ellen Wilson Dilks

Leapin’ Lizards who would have thought a Depression-era comic strip would become a successful Broadway musical. Or that it would continually be produced throughout the world since its New York premiere in 1977. With a book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, Annie will hit the stage at the Walnut Street Theater from November 7, 2017 through January 7, 2018.

With a name inspired by a James Whitcomb Riley poem, Harold Gray’s “Little Orphan Annie” made its debut as a daily comic strip on August 5^th, 1924. It depicted the life of an orphaned girl and her dog Sandy in New York City, becoming exceedingly popular during The Great Depression. Annie is rescued from the orphanage by wealthy businessman Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks. In addition to its appeal to kids, the strip attracted adults with its commentary on such things as the New Deal, organized labor and Communism. The strip had continued success in syndication until June of 2010, with a number of artists taking over after Gray’s death in 1968.

Annie, the musical, hit Broadway in 1977 and ran for six years. It won the Tony Award for Best Musical that year, and spawned numerous productions in many countries, as well as national tours. The musical's most popular numbers include “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” and the classic “Tomorrow.” The New York Times estimates that Annie is produced 700 to 900 times each year in the United States.

The Walnut Street Theater’s production will run through the holiday season, and will make a great treat for the whole family. The production will feature a predominately Philadelphia cast, including audience favorites Paul Schoeffler as “Daddy Warbucks” and Mary Martello as “Miss Hannigan.” John Daniels will handle the music direction, while choreography is provided by Michelle Gaudetter. At the helm of the entire project is Director Glenn Casale. California based, Mr. Casale has directed a number of national tours and is looking forward to working on Annie at the Walnut. 

Delaware County Magazine recently chatted with him by phone to get some inside info on the production:

Sunny with Tony Award-winning Animal Trainer, William Berloni.

DCM: Have you directed children before?

Mr. Casale: Oh yes. I love working with these young actors. I’ve done a couple productions of Peter Pan, as well as a previous production of Annie, and I’ve enjoyed both experiences immensely.

DCM: Will you be double-casting the girls playing Annie?

Mr. Casale: Actually, we’re double-casting all of the orphans. And we’re upholding the tradition of using a rescue dog to play “Sandy.” Our dog is named “Sunny” A great dog, and our trainer is terrific as well.

DCM: What are your goals for this production?

Mr. Casale: I want the connections to be real, heartfelt. Full of truth and honesty. Each of the young actresses will create a bio for their character so they know who they are and why they’re in this orphanage.

DCM: So, I guess you’ll be giving them lots of info on the Great Depression?

Mr. Casale: Oh yes, we’ll learn about “Hoovervilles,” the New Deal, all of it.

DCM: Will you be able to relate that time to what kids today are experiencing?

Mr. Casale: Well, there are some parallels. More and more people are needing food banks and the like. And the various marches and protests we’ve had recently can certainly be related to Annie’s life.

DCM: Sounds like these actors will be getting quite an education in addition to a wonderful theatrical experience. Thank you so much for your time.

Mr. Casale: You're welcome. I hope your readers come and see the show.

If You Go: The Walnut Street Theater is located at 825 Walnut Street (19107). The Box Office phone number is 215-574-3550. Annie runs from November 7, 2017 to January 7, 2018, with each performance lasting 2 hours and 20 minutes (including an intermission). There will be an ASL and Audio Described performance at 8pm on December 19; an Open captioned performance will be performed on December 3 and there will be talk-backs with the actors following the 8pm performance on November 8 and the 2pm performance on November 19. For more information on these events, directions, etc. either call the number above or visit the theatre’s website at www.walnutstreettheater.org