ANNIE THE MUSICAL
Review by Caroline Russo
Annie has endured as one of the world’s most beloved musicals, its origins tracing back to Harold Gray’s 1920s comic strip Little Orphan Annie. The character made the leap to the stage in 1977 when lyricist Martin Charnin, composer Charles Strouse, and book writer Thomas Meehan transformed the plucky redhead into a Broadway sensation. After a successful tryout at the Goodspeed Opera House, Annie opened on Broadway to enormous acclaim, winning seven Tony Awards and running for nearly six years.
The musical’s popularity soon extended to the screen, most notably with John Huston’s 1982 film, starring Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney, and a scene-stealing Carol Burnett as Miss Hannigan. While darker in tone, the film cemented Annie in popular culture and was followed by a brighter Disney television adaptation in 1999 and a modern reimagining in 2014.
Nearly five decades on, Annie continues to resonate across generations. Its themes of resilience, optimism, and the search for family remain timeless—proof that even in the toughest times, hope can still come out tomorrow.
Brisbane has kicked off the year in fine theatrical form with yet another superb production presented by master producer John Frost, alongside Crossroads Live Australia, Fowles, and PowerArts Entertainment. From the moment the curtain rose, the audience was captivated, rewarding this classic musical with well-deserved standing ovations.
Under the assured direction of Karen Johnson Mortimer, Annie shines with impressive production values and a cast that delivers across the board. Returning to a role he has made iconic, Anthony Warlow commands the stage with extraordinary presence. His vocal power and emotional depth continue to add thrilling gravitas to the production.
Debora Krizak is a standout as Miss Hannigan, bringing comic flair, sparkle, and seasoned theatrical skill to the role. She is ably supported by Mackenzie Dunn as Lily St Regis and Keanu Gonzalez as Rooster Hannigan, both adding energy and sharp characterisation. Grace Farrell (Amanda Lea Lavergne) is another highlight, delivering warmth and strength in her performance.
A special mention goes to Greg Page, making his musical theatre debut as Franklin D. Roosevelt. Known to many as the Yellow Wiggle, Page brings genuine excitement to the production and is warmly received by audiences—he is a delight on stage. Our interview with Greg last year.
Centre stage, however, is Annie herself. On opening night, Matilda Casey stole hearts with a confident, heartfelt performance and beautifully delivered vocals. She is joined across the season by Dakota Chanel and Isabella Hayden, all three young performers clearly destined to shine. The orphan ensemble deserves equal praise, performing with infectious energy and charm—no doubt to the pride of many families in the audience.
The iconic score never loses its impact, while the set design and visual elements elevate the storytelling, ticking all the boxes for a production of this scale. The orchestra, under the direction of David Piper, adds richness and precision, and Sandy the dog earns applause for impeccable timing.
I’ve seen Annie many times, yet it never loses its magic. Brisbane, this is a joyful, polished production and a wonderful way to launch the 2026 theatre season. It’s a short run—so if you’re lucky enough to have a ticket, enjoy one of the finest productions I’ve seen.
strictly limited season to 31 January 2026 at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC in Brisbane. Tix
