ANNIE was a perfectly wonderful show during the first three or four years of its run. It was equal part cynical and sweet and entertained kids as well as adults. But it was initially aimed at adults. At some point someone decided that the true audience for the show was little girls and that's how it's been tailored ever since. I applaude DR Matthew's efforts to return it to its roots.
Trying to recruit for this show has been difficult because of exactly what DR Dan (the Man) has said. Ignorant people think that
Annie is about the orphans and what would an adult have to do in the ensemble? Well, truth is, ignorant people, (none of which exist here at HHW) that the orphans have 3 - count them - 3 scenes in the show. (and bits here and there) But to be in the adult ensemble, you are on stage a whole lot more than the orphans are. Still couldn't convince people of that. Oh well.
Last night, when rehearsing the finale with everyone (which is "Tomorrow"), I asked if anyone in the cast really disliked this song. The room was silent and they looked at me like I had three heads. None of them raised their hands. Of course I was happy. Back to the ignorant people - not only do they think this show is about little girls, but the next thing that comes to mind is that "horrible" song "Tomorrow". When you don't know the show, you don't understand the meaning of the song and the context in the show. It's what makes the show so special and full of optimism and hope. Many of those ignorant people out there could stand to sit through a good performance of
Annie.
And that's all I have....
