Wednesday, December 3, 2008

America's Most Beloved Musical 'Annie' Returns to The Grand

America’s most beloved musical, “Annie,” is back in its 30th anniversary tour, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie will be coming to Macon for two shows at The Grand Opera House, a performing arts center of Mercer University, Tuesday-Wednesday, Dec. 16-17. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tickets range $45-$49 and can be purchased through Mercer Ticket Sales at (478) 301-5470 or online at TheGrandMacon.com.

Boasting one of Broadway’s most memorable scores, including “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.” and the ever-optimistic “Tomorrow,” “Annie” is a delightful theatrical experience for the entire family. “One of the best musicals ever,” proclaims the “Chicago Tribune.” The “Chicago Sun-Times” says, “Ageless “Annie” as engaging as ever.”

Set in New York City during the holiday season, the musical tells the tale of 11-year-old Annie, who decides to run away to find her parents who left her with nothing but half of a silver locket and a written promise to return. Annie sneaks out of the New York City Municipal Orphanage and comes across Sandy, an abandoned mutt who becomes her fast friend and constant companion. Soon after her escape, the police catch up with Annie, and she is returned to the villainous orphanage director Miss Hannigan. In the meantime, Grace Farrell, personal secretary of billionaire Oliver Warbucks, pays a visit to the orphanage. Warbucks wants to invite an orphan to visit his mansion for the Christmas holiday, and though Miss Hannigan does everything in her power to discredit Annie, Grace is drawn to the girl and is determined to take her back to the mansion. As Warbucks gets to know the young girl he decides to help her find her parents.

The original Broadway production of “Annie” won seven 1977 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score. It ran for 2,377 performances, and has subsequently been produced all over the world. The original production is one of the top 20 longest-running shows in Broadway history, and “Annie” continues to be one of the most successful musicals ever.

“Annie,” with music by Charles Strouse and book by Thomas Meehan, is again directed by its lyricist, Martin Charnin, who brought the original production of “Annie” to Broadway in 1977. Tony Award-winning set designer, Ming Cho Lee, has created a fresh look for this new production.

In addition to Charnin, Meehan, Strouse and Lee, the creative team for “Annie” includes original Broadway musical staging by Peter Gennaro, choreography by Liza Gennaro, lighting design by Ken Billington, costume design by Theoni Aldridge and sound design by Peter Hylenski. “Annie” is being produced by Networks Presentations, LLC. For more information, visit annieontour.com.

Tickets for the Macon performances of “Annie” are available now through Mercer Ticket Sales at (478) 301-5470, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., or online anytime at TheGrandMacon.com. “Annie” is the third of seven nationally-touring shows in The Grand’s 2008-2009 Broadway Series that runs from October to May.

The Grand Opera House, a performing arts center of Mercer University, is a historical 1,000-seat theater located in downtown Macon, Ga. The Grand brings the very best in live, professional performing arts and entertainment to central Georgia. In addition to its popular “Broadway Series” of nationally touring productions and its “GrandKids Arts Education Series” for thousands of elementary, middle and high school students, The Grand hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. It is also home to the Macon Symphony Orchestra and The Nutcracker of Middle Georgia. For a complete schedule of upcoming performances, contact Mercer Ticket Sales at (478) 301-5470 or visit TheGrandMacon.com.

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