Annie at Toyota Oakdale Theatre

Grasping onto hope when times are tough can take plenty of determination, and sometimes, plenty of determination comes in a curiously small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded audiences of all ages that sunshine is just around the corner, and now the history’s best musical is returning in a glistening new stage show. ANNIE is spearheaded by Jenn Thompson, boasts the beloved book and score, and is inked by Tony Award®–winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. This nod to family, optimism and the American spirit continues to be the ultimate remedy for all the blows life throws your way.

If you didn’t already know, Thomas Meehan is a huge deal in the theater circuit. He’s a 3x Tony Award-winning librettist for the Broadway smash hit musicals, 1977’s ANNIE, 2001’s The Producers (co-written with Mel Brooks); and 2003’s Hairspray (co–written with Mark O’Donnell). This visionaire has also won over audiences and critics alike on the silver screen as an Emmy Award winning writer of TV comedy. He’s also collaborated on screenplays, like Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs, To Be or Not To Be, The Producers, as well as One Magic Christmas.

While lyricist Martin Charnin is an entertainment veteran who hit the scene running from the 50s when he made the role of Big Deal in the original company of the infamous West Side Story. Martin Charnin assumed the role for a whopping 1,000 performances. Over the years, he has taken part in more than 140 brilliant theatrical, TV, movie, and night club productions as an trailblazing director, producer, composer, and lyricist. This legend can even call himself one of the dozen people who has won Emmys, Tonys, and Grammys, as well as the Peabody Award for Broadcasting. He has helmed ANNIE 19 celebrated times. Now, wearing the hat of director is Jenn Thompson. She is another industry powerhouse included in this world class pool of talent. After taking on the role of Pepper in the original Broadway run, she is excited to spearhead the national tour of ANNIE. Recently, Jenn Thompson has wowed audiences with the World-Premiere musical Anne of Green Gables – A New Musical at Goodspeed Opera House, Gypsy, Bye Bye Birdie, Oklahoma!, and The Music Man. Secure your place now to experience the finest musical in theater history at the stunning Toyota Oakdale Theatre this winter!