On February 18, 2025, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts welcomed the touring company of Annie, a timeless crowd-pleaser. Families gathered, humming and even quietly singing along to familiar tunes, booing the villains, and cheering for the beloved heroes of this classic tale.
Annie has a rich history, originating from the 1885 poem Little Orphant Annie by James Whitcomb Riley before evolving into a 1924 comic strip, a 1930 radio show, and multiple film adaptations. But its most famous incarnation remains the 1977 Broadway musical, with book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics and original direction by Martin Charnin. As a product of its time, Annie has long charmed audiences with its mix of catchy tunes, endearing characters, and the irresistible “aww” factor of kids and dogs.
Hazel Vogel as ‘Annie’ and Kevin as Sandy in the 2024-2025 National Tour of ANNIE – Photo by Matthew Murphy, MurphyMade (c) 2024.
In this touring production, Hazel Vogel shines as Annie. Her natural delivery and warm stage presence make her a delight to watch, and her genuine affection for her orphaned dog, Sandy (played by Kevin/Cooper), adds heart to the story. Despite some slight strain on the high notes, she is a solid young actress, embodying the character in such a natural way that it draws the audience to her and carries the show with remarkable confidence for such a young performer.
Stefanie Londino brings a fresh take to Miss Hannigan, steering clear of caricature. Instead, she plays Hannigan like a frazzled Mother Goose with a mean streak, her humor and unpredictability eliciting both snickers and warnings from the audience.
Christopher Swan as ‘Oliver Warbucks’ and Hazel Vogel as ‘Annie’ in the 2024-2025 National Tour of ANNIE – Photo by Matthew Murphy, MurphyMade (c) 2024
Julia Nicole Hunter is a graceful, commanding presence as Grace Farrell, her powerful voice and poised demeanor manages to steer Annie toward a new life. While Christopher Swan’s Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks evolution from a hardened businessman to a doting father figure, delivers a character that is both touching and believable.
The ensemble of high-kicking dancers and spirited vocalists adds to the production’s nostalgic charm, with Mark Woodard’s FDR providing a cheerful nod to history. Rhett Guter is a standout, as the delightfully devious Rooster, a vaudevillian rascal, whose charm almost makes us forget his villainy. Alongside him is Isabella De Souza Moore’s high-pitched Lily St. Regis who adds comic flair. Meanwhile, the orphan ensemble delivers full-throttle energy in song and dance, though at times pushing the decibels into screechy territory.
The adorable Orphans of the 2024-2025 National Tour of ANNIE – Photo by Matthew Murphy, MurphyMade (c) 2024
Director Jenn Thompson, a former Annie cast member herself (she played Pepper in the original Broadway production), opts for a simple yet effective approach, favoring character-driven storytelling over grand spectacle. While choreographer Patricia Wilcox leans into a Disney-esque style, filled with “ta-da” moments that worked well with the production’s tone. The show remains rooted in its historical backdrop, offering glimpses of Depression-era struggles, like Hooverville’s homeless settlements beneath New York’s bridges.
Julia Nicole Hunter as ‘Grace Farrell’, Christopher Swan as ‘Oliver Warbucks’ and Hazel Vogel as ‘Annie’ in the 2024-2025 National Tour of ANNIE – Photo by Matthew Murphy, MurphyMade (c) 2024
Overall, Annie delivers a fun, nostalgic evening of theater. The audience—including the children, were delightfully well-behaved—embracing its classic songs, with a generation of parents also quietly singing along. Gratefully, this production does not attempt to reinvent Annie, nor does it need to. It stays true to its heart, offering a charming and enjoyable theatrical experience.
Ensemble: Nick Abbott, Anthony DaSilva, Savannah Fisher, Alloria Frayser, Matt Gibson, Caroline Glazier, Danny Lindgren, Ryan Mulvaney Melinda Parrett, Drew Tanabe.
Orphans: Aria Valentina Aldea, Eva Lizette Carreon, Anna Dillon, Kylie Noelle Patterson, Olive Ross-Kline, Nora West.
Annie continues through February 23 at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit their website.
Written by Joanne DiVito for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Hazel Vogel as ‘Annie’ and the Orphans in the 2024-2025 National Tour of ANNIE – Photo by Matthew Murphy, MurphyMade (c) 2024.
