Annie at Toyota Oakdale Theatre

Clinching onto hope when times are tough can take a whole lot of determination, and sometimes, a whole lot of determination comes in a surprisingly tiny package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of spectators that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the greatest musical in history returns in a shiny new stage production. ANNIE is directed by Jenn Thompson, features the beloved book and score, and is penned by Tony Award®–winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. This salute to family, optimism and the good old American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way.

Thomas Meehan is a major deal in the theater world. He’s a three-times Tony Award winning librettist for the Broadway musicals, including ANNIE (1977), The Producers (2001, (co-written with Mel Brooks); and Hairspray (2003 co–written with Mark O’Donnell). This powerhouse has also triumphed on the silver screen as an Emmy Award winning writer of televised comedy, and a collaborator on screenplays, such as Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs, To Be or Not To Be, The Producers, and One Magic Christmas.

Meanwhile, lyricist Martin Charnin is an entertainment powerhouse who burst onto the scene in the 50s when he cultivated the role of Big Deal in the original company of West Side Story. Martin Charnin played the role for precisely 1,000 performances. Along the way, he has been involved in more than 140 theatrical, TV, movie, and night club productions as an acclaimed director, producer, composer, or lyricist. This icon is even one of the dozen people who has bagged Emmys, Tonys, and Grammys, as well as the Peabody Award for Broadcasting. Martin Charnin has directed ANNIE 19 history-making times. Now, taking on the role of director is Jenn Thompson. She is another industry heavyweight included in this all-star creative team. After starring as Pepper in the original Broadway run, she is thrilled to helm the national tour of Annie. Jenn Thompson’s recent credits include the World-Premiere musical Anne of Green Gables – A New Musical at Goodspeed Opera House, Gypsy, Bye Bye Birdie, Oklahoma!, as well as The Music Man.

Book your tickets now to experience the greatest musical of all time at the esteemed Toyota Oakdale Theatre!