Annie

Gilgumesh Taggett and Issie Swickle as
 Oliver Warbucks and Annie

The U.S. National Tour of ANNIE will play through March 22 at the Academy of Music as part of the Broadway Philadelphia series. Although directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin for the 19^th time, this production of ANNIE is a brand new physical incarnation of the Tony Award winning original.  There is nothing timeworn about it. Every scene, every musical number, every dance routine screams fresh and innovative. Broadway Philadelphia is presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization.  Nine-year-old Issie Swickle is making her National tour debut in the title role of Annie. This extraordinary young lady has the talent and poise of many actresses twice her age. She belts out song after song that resounds throughout the theatre with an astonishing purity. Orphans Angelina Carballo, Adia Dant, LillyBea Ireland, Sydney Shuck, Lilly Mae Stewart and Isabel Wallach demonstrate a great deal of talent as well.  Thanks to choreographer Liza Gennaro, the girls not only sing but dance their way around the orphanage. Lynn Andrews is a comic genius.  She steals every scene she is in with her portrayal of the harsh and devious Miss Hannigan, proprietor of the orphanage. Gilgamesh Taggett is a very convincing Oliver Warbucks, clueless billionaire transformed by Annie’s presence in his household. Annie, likewise, becomes endeared to the very proper household staff who uncharacteristically break out in song and dance..  Beowulf Boritt has outdone himself with the set designs. The complexity of the sets and the multitude of set changes  enrich this already phenomenally vibrant production Tickets are available by calling 215-731-333, visiting online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad and Spruce Sts. (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Academy of Music box office, Broad & Locust Sts. (open during performances only).