When my daughter was in fourth grade, she received the thrilling news that she had been cast as the adorable and feisty red-headed orphan in her school’s production of ANNIE. Little did we know that this was just the beginning of our journey with this iconic musical. Fast forward a few years, and she found herself in the spotlight once again, this time in a community production where she landed the role of Annie once more and where she got to perform with her big sister who snagged the part of Miss Hannigan. Between my two daughters, we found ourselves immersed in three different productions of ANNIE over the years. To say that this musical has been a significant part of our theater journey is an understatement and we have been anxiously awaiting to see Broadway Sacramento’s production of it at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center since it was announced.

ANNIE is the timeless Broadway musical that follows the heartwarming journey of a plucky young orphan in 1930s New York City. Despite facing adversity in the form of Miss Hannigan and her dreary orphanage, Annie maintains an unwavering optimism and dreams of finding her real parents. When she is chosen to spend Christmas with the wealthy Oliver Warbucks, her life takes an unexpected turn. Alongside her loveable mutt, Sandy, Annie embarks on a whirlwind adventure filled with friendship, hope, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

Watching young actors take the stage is always a treat and this production of ANNIE was no exception, especially with its talented group of orphans. From the spirited Pepper, portrayed by Saylor Curran, to the endearing Molly, played by Jade Smith, each young actor brought a unique charm to their roles. Their performances in iconic numbers like “It’s a Hard Knock Life” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” were highlights of the show. And let’s not forget Rainier (Rainey) Trevino, who delivered a powerhouse performance as Annie. Not only did she embody the spirit of the feisty orphan flawlessly, but her seamless interactions with a scene-stealing canine added an extra layer of heartwarming authenticity to the production.

Speaking of that scene-stealing canine, Sandy played by Seamus, was a crowd favorite, winning over hearts with his adorable antics. His training was nothing short of impressive, as he confidently took the stage solo in front of hundreds of people as well as all the other interactions happening on stage. With each well-executed cue and endearing wag of his tail, Seamus proved himself to be a true professional.

I was impressed by the performances of Christopher Swan as Oliver Warbucks and Jeffrey T. Kelly as Rooster Hannigan. Both actors embodied the essence of their characters, delivering powerful performances that left me feeling happy. Additionally, Stefanie Londino’s portrayal of Miss Hannigan was unforgettable, and Julia Nicole Hunter’s portrayal of Grace Farrell was one of my most favorites. Her presence on the stage, coupled with her remarkable vocal talents, added depth and richness to the production. Watching these talented actors was an absolute pleasure and they truly elevated the overall experience of the show.

The attention to detail in both sets and costumes elevated the production to another level. I couldn’t help but be captivated by the immersive world created onstage. From the grandeur of Warbucks Manor to the humble yet vibrant scenes of New York City, each set transported the audience seamlessly into the heart of the story. Additionally, the authenticity of the period’s props and costumes was fun to see on stage. From Miss Hannigan’s old-style radio to FDR’s wheelchair, and Grace Farrells beautiful Christmas gown to the ragtag yet endearing outfits worn by the orphans, not only spoke volumes about the era but also contributed to the overall cohesion of the production.

ANNIE shares the timeless message of hope, resilience, and the power of optimism. It’s a celebration of the human spirit and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s always a “tomorrow” to look forward to. If you need a little lift, or even if you don’t, take a trip to see ANNIE playing now through April 21 at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. We bet it will leave you fully dressed with a smile. Learn more here.