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Annie 1977

Opened: April 21, 1977
Closing: January 02, 1983

Annie - 1977 Broadway History , Info & More

Leaping Lizards! Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including "Tomorrow."



In the show, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations... and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt! She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.


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Meet the Cast of LEFT ON TENTH, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Sep 26, 2024


Delia Ephron’s new play Left on Tenth, starring Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild award winner Julianna Margulies and Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award winner Peter Gallagher, is beginning Broadway previews tonight, September 6. Meet the cast of Left on Tenth here!

Beowulf Boritt, Jeff Mahshie, and More Join Creative Team For LEFT ON TENTH on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Aug 20, 2024


Left on Tenth has announced the full creative team for the new Broadway play.  The production is set to begin performances at The James Earl Jones Theatre on September 26, with its official opening on October 23.

The Library for the Performing Arts Acquires the Thomas Meehan Archive
by Stephi Wild - Sep 8, 2023


The Billy Rose Theatre Division at the Library for the Performing Arts has acquired the archive of Thomas Meehan, an American librettist best known for writing the books for the Broadway musicals Annie, The Producers, and Hairspray. Learn more about the archive, and when it will be available to the public, here!

The 101 Greatest Musical Theatre Characters (1940-2020)
by Peter Nason - Apr 30, 2020


BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the best musical theatre characters from 1940-2020; see if your favorites are on our list of the best characters from Broadway musicals.

Original ANNIE Cast Members Will Honor Martin Charnin With THE 1977 ANNIE CHRISTMAS SHOW TV SPECIAL: LIVE!
by Stephi Wild - Dec 13, 2019


Broadway's original Annie, Andrea McArdle will reunite with members of the original Broadway at TV cast in THE 1977 ANNIE CHRISTMAS SHOW TV SPECIAL: LIVE! In Concert, honoring the show's Tony Award winning creator, Martin Charnin, to benefit The Actors Fund. There will be one performance only, at 9:30 on Monday, December 16th, at The Cutting Room. The 1977 Best Musical and TV iconic TV both special feature lyrics by Martin Charnin, music by Charles Strouse, and book by Thomas Meehan.

Neil Simon Theatre Will Dim Lights for Martin Charnin
by Julie Musbach - Jul 11, 2019


The Broadway community mourns the loss of Writer, Composer, Lyricist, Director, and Performer Martin Charnin, who passed away on July 6, 2019 at age 84. To commemorate his life and work, the Committee of Theatre Owners will dim the lights of the Neil Simon Theatre in New York, where his legendary musical Annie first opened, for one minute on Friday, July 12 at exactly 7:45pm.

Josie Todd, J. Robert Spencer, Isabel Keating, Among Stars of Goodspeed's BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE
by Julie Musbach - May 30, 2019


This summer Goodspeed Musicals will produce the heartwarming new musical Because of Winn Dixie. This touching tale based on the award-winning novel by Kate DiCamillo will run June 28 - September 1 at The Goodspeed in East Haddam, Conn.

Charles Strouse, Andy Karl, Ahrens & Flaherty, and More Will Celebrate The Life Of Thomas Meehan
by Stephi Wild - Oct 16, 2018


The Broadway community will celebrate the life of Thomas Meehan on Monday, November 5th at 2:00 PM at the St. James Theatre (246 West 44th Street).

Photo Throwback: Paulette Goddard and Andy Warhol Check Out ANNIE in 1977
by Walter McBride - Oct 15, 2018


Take a look back into BroadwayWorld's archives with this throwback from when stage and screen star Paulette Goddard and pop culture icon Andy Warhol went to see Annie in 1977! Check out the photo below!

Broadway To Dim Its Lights In Memory Of Award Winning Writer Thomas Meehan
by Rebecca Russo - Aug 25, 2017


The Broadway community mourns the loss of multiple Tony Award® winner Thomas Meehan, who passed away on Monday, August 21st at age 88. The marquees of Broadway theatres in New York will be dimmed in his memory on Wednesday, August 30th, at exactly 7:45pm for one minute.

Photo Flash: Remembering Thomas Meehan
by Walter McBride - Aug 23, 2017


As BroadwayWorld sadly reported yesterday, Thomas Meehan, who is best known for his books of such classics as Annie, The Producers and Hairspray, has passed away at 88 years old.

Broadway Mourns the Passing of Thomas Meehan
by Alan Henry - Aug 22, 2017


BroadwayWorld is sad to report that Thomas Meehan, who is best known for his books of such classics as Annie, The Producers and Hairspray, passed away yesterday, August 21, 2017. He was 88 years old.

Book Writer of ANNIE & HAIRSPRAY- Thomas Meehan Passes Away at 88
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 22, 2017


BroadwayWorld is sad to report that Thomas Meehan, who is best known for his books of such classics as Annie, The Producers and Hairspray, passed away yesterday, August 21, 2017. He was 88 years old.

SWEENEY TODD, BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, & More Lead Henegar Center's Season
by Julie Musbach - Mar 8, 2017


The Henegar Center's 17th season will include something for everyone.  A mad, revengeful barber, a young orphan, some rockin' nuns, a trip to Vegas, and a romantic look at Madison County will grace the main stage of The Henegar Center.  Upstairs at the Henegar boasts all female leading ladies.  "It's the time of women and their empowerment," says Hank Rion, Artistic Director.  "Women are speaking out all over the country right now; we should hear their voice on stage, too."

Fabulous Fox Theatre Announces 2016-2017 U.S. Bank Broadway Series
by Louisa Brady - Mar 19, 2016


The Fabulous Fox Theatre announces an extraordinary season of Tony Award-winning Best Musicals in the 2016-2017 U.S. Bank Broadway Series including FUN HOME, Fox Theatricals' own critically-acclaimed 2015 Tony Award-winning Best Musical. FUN HOME is one of six shows making its St. Louis debut and one of seven shows in this season's lineup which can claim the Tony Award for Best Musical honor.

Meryl Streep, Nathan Lane & More Set for Mike Nichols Memorial Service; SPAMALOT's Eric Idle, John Cleese to Perform
by Jessica Khan - Nov 3, 2015


Now, Elaine May has joined the lineup of hosts. Monty Python's Eric Idle and John Cleese are also set to perform (hopefully selections from SPAMALOT!), with readings and other music also planned.

Special Memorial Service for Acclaimed Director Mike Nichols In the Works
by Caryn Robbins - Oct 12, 2015


Lorne Michaels, Brian Lourd, and Barry Diller are currently involved in planning the long overdue event

Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Dutin Hoffman, and More Remember Mike Nichols
by Sally Henry - Sep 12, 2015


Last November, the Broadway community mourned the loss of acclaimed director, producer, writer, and performer Mike Nichols, who passed away at age 83. Vanity Fair collected a thorough oral history of the EGOT-winner, as told in anecdotes and fond memories from film stars like Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, and Dustin Hoffman. See what these stars had to say about Nichols as a director and friend!

Broadway Manager, Producer and BC/EFA Activist Peter Neufeld Passes Away at 78
by BWW News Desk - Jan 27, 2015


A successful Broadway company manager, general manager and producer for more than 20 years, Peter Neufeld passed away peacefully after a long battle with Parkinson's disease this morning, January 27, 2015, at The Actors Fund's Lillian Booth Residence in Englewood, NJ, where he had been living since 2007. He was 78.

Photo Flashback: A Fond Farewell - Remembering The Stars We Lost in 2014
by Walter McBride - Jan 1, 2015


Broadway fans had plenty of reasons to celebrate this year, with dozens of shows having opened since January, hundreds of actors having made their debuts, and many more having returned to the stage for critically acclaimed performances. Not all news was good though, as we also suffered a loss of an incredible amount of talent. Below, BroadwayWorld sends a fond farewell to those who passed away in 2014.

Mike Nichols Memorial to Be Held After New Year's
by BWW News Desk - Dec 8, 2014


Deadline writes that entertainment legend Mike Nichols will be honored with a memorial "sometime after New Year's" to give friends, family and colleagues a chance to pay their respects after the busy holiday season.

Photo Coverage: Remembering Mike Nichols
by Walter McBride - Nov 23, 2014


The Broadway community mourns the loss of acclaimed director, producer, writer, and performer Mike Nichols, who passed away on Wednesday evening at age 83. The marquees of Broadway theatres in New York were dimmed in his memory on November 21st, at exactly 7:45pm for one minute. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you a look back at the last 30 or so years of his career.

Broadway Dims Lights Tonight in Honor of Mike Nichols
by BWW News Desk - Nov 21, 2014


The Broadway community mourns the loss of acclaimed director, producer, writer, and performer Mike Nichols, who passed away on Wednesday evening at age 83. The marquees of Broadway theatres in New York will be dimmed in his memory tonight, November 21st, at exactly 7:45pm for one minute.

Lincoln Center to Pay Tribute to Mike Nichols on 65th Street Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Nov 20, 2014


With the sad news of the passing of stage and screen director Mike Nichols, the distinctive digital signage (known as Blades) along West 65th Street at Lincoln Center will be lit tonight from 7:45 to 8:00 PM with a special message in his honor.

Broadway to Dim Lights Tomorrow in Honor of Mike Nichols
by Tyler Peterson - Nov 20, 2014


The Broadway community mourns the loss of acclaimed director, producer, writer, and performer Mike Nichols, who passed away on Wednesday evening at age 83. The marquees of Broadway theatres in New York will be dimmed in his memory on Friday, November 21st, at exactly 7:45pm for one minute.

Annie History

Other Productions of Annie

1976   East Haddam, CT (Regional) World Premiere
East Haddam, CT (Regional)
1977   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1978   US Tour 1st National Tour
US Tour
1978   West End London Production
West End
1978   US Tour 2nd National Tour
US Tour
1979   US Tour 3rd National Tour
US Tour
1981   US Tour 4th National Tour
US Tour
1982   West End Return Engagement [London]
West End
1997   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1998   West End London Revival
West End
2002   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
2004   US Tour Touring Revival
US Tour
2005   US Tour Touring Revival
US Tour
2012   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2017   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Playhouse Revival
Milburn, NJ (Regional)

Annie - 1977 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1977 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actor - Musical Reid Shelton
1977 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Book Thomas Meehan
1977 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Choreography Peter Gennaro
1977 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Costume Design Theoni V. Aldredge
1977 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Director - Musical Martin Charnin
1977 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical Dorothy Loudon
1977 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lyrics Martin Charnin
1977 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Music Charles Strouse
1977 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Musical 0
1977 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Broadway Musical Dorothy Loudon
1977 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Debut of an Actress Andrea McArdle
1977 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Set Design David Mitchell
1977 Outer Critics Circle Awards Most Refreshing Musical 0
1977 Theatre World Awards Performance Andrea McArdle

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