The Twin Cities is full of amazing shows this season! Do you have plans to go to a show for the holidays? Annie is perfect for the whole family. There isn’t a more festive location as you walk through Rice Park on your way to the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts.

Annie‘s story is one of love, hope and family. A small voice to remind us that yes indeed the sun will come out tomorrow. A great quote from the Director, Austene Van, that really touched me – “The definition of family is also on a sliding scale of perspective, and looks very different to different people. How wonderful that we can create this kind of love for ourselves!”. Watching Annie’s attitude, strength and perseverance in the pursuit to find her family and then in the end creating her own is so inspiring. 

Carly Gendell who plays Annie in the evenings knocks it out of the park! Her voice and stage presence definitely carry the show. Annie also has some of my favorite Twin Cities actors. Ann Michels as Grace couldn’t be more perfect and I love Cat Brindisi as Lily St. Regis. PLUS…have I mentioned there is a dog in the show??! Sandy steals the show when she prances onto the stage. You could hear a collective “aaaaw” in the audience.

I can’t finish without mentioning the music, right? It’s always my favorite when the orphans sing Hard Knock Life but I find that Easy Street and Hooverville always stick with me and bring a smile to my face. 🙂

This festive, heart-warming production of Annie is an Ordway Original.

You can find more information and tickets HERE.

Also, to read other Theater Blogger’s reviews, visit our Facebook page @TwinCitiesTheaterBloggers.

Annie’s story reminds us how many older children are searching for a family. During intermission, the Ordway shared information about Ampersand Families. They are a wonderful resource. If you are interested in ways that you can help children and teens who are awaiting adoption, visit www.ampersandfamilies.org.

Happy Holidays!