annie tour reviews 2022

National tour of ‘Annie’ brightens Syracuse Landmark with sunny optimism (Review)

• Updated: Oct. 06, 2022, 12:19 p.m. |
• Published: Oct. 06, 2022, 10:10 a.m.

Sophie Stromberg, Vivianne Neely, Valeria Velasco, Kenzie Rees, Riglee Ruth Bryson and Bronte Harrison in the National Tour of "Annie." Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

• Linda Lowen

“Annie” is the musical theater equivalent of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a staple of childhood that’s still enjoyed by adults. Maybe you like it, maybe you don’t, but you know exactly what you’re getting and it’s easy to digest, satisfying, and appeals to a wide range of tastes. In the case of Broadway in Syracuse’s touring company production of “Annie” onstage at the Landmark Theatre through Saturday Oct. 8, the almost-full house of satisfied theatergoers included 60-something season subscriber Mary Pat from Marcellus, 8th grader Riley and her two friends on a school trip from Watertown, and this reviewer. The show brought smiles to our faces and the audience to its feet for a standing ovation. In other words, a good time was had by all.

With book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Martin Charnin, “Annie” is looking pretty good at 45 years of age -- the show, not the title character who is forever 11. The original Broadway production opened in 1977 and ran for almost six years, and just like the sun coming out tomorrow, the musical -- about a spunky red-headed Depression-era orphan who charms a bald billionaire -- keeps circling the globe, from Broadway revivals, multiple touring companies in the U.S., UK and Australia, productions in dozens of countries, film versions, and of course regional and community theater performances.

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‘Annie Live!’ Review: The Sun, as Always, Came Out

NBC’s latest live musical had some gaffes. But after another challenging year, it was a treat to watch talented people sing and dance their way through a hopeful bipartisan fable.

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By Noel Murray

It is surprising that it took so long for the 1977 Tony winner “Annie” to join the live TV musical wave that began with NBC’s “The Sound of Music Live!” back in 2013. One of the most popular shows of the past 50 years — previously inspiring two big-budget movies and a 1999 TV adaptation — “Annie” is a staple of touring companies and regional theaters, and has received multiple Broadway revivals. The material still plays.

Last night’s three-hour “Annie Live!” on NBC — directed by Lear deBessonet and Alex Rudzinski, with choreography by Sergio Trujillo — did not radically reimagine or reinterpret the original show, adapted by the book-writer Thomas Meehan, lyricist Martin Charnin and composer Charles Strouse from Harold Gray’s long-running comic strip, “Little Orphan Annie.” But neither did this version disappoint in any significant way.

If anything, after another hard year of Covid restrictions and political upheaval, it was a treat to watch a lot of talented people gather in one place to sing and dance their way through a bipartisan fable about a ridiculously rich industrialist — and proud Republican — who becomes a better-rounded person when he takes in a good-hearted orphan who has compassion for the underprivileged. Give a lot of credit to NBC’s two winning leads: Celina Smith as the wide-eyed waif Annie and the crooner Harry Connick Jr. as the bossy Daddy Warbucks.

The musical’s story remains appealingly simple. After the plucky Annie defies the cruel Miss Hannigan (Taraji P. Henson) at her spartan group home, she draws the attention of Grace (Nicole Scherzinger), who invites the 11-year-old to spend two weeks over Christmas with the gruff billionaire Oliver Warbucks. The grateful kid helps the old man appreciate the joy his money can bring, but before the two can live happily ever after they have to fend off a pair of grifters, Rooster (Tituss Burgess) and Lily (Megan Hilty), who are in cahoots with Hannigan.

This TV version was staged in front of a small studio audience rather than in a big theater; the more confined space may have contributed to the occasional gaffes in blocking, with actors or crew members momentarily obstructing shots. In general, the visual side of the show felt a little repetitive, relying on many of the same tight frames and sparse sets, over and over.

There were a few flourishes, though, including a rousing rendition of one of the show’s best-known songs, “Hard Knock Life,” performed by children doing dynamic gymnastic moves. The number “N.Y.C.” also was a wonder, with a big chorus of dancers and singers performing in front of colorful backdrops, conveying both the splendor of 1930s New York and the ravages of the Great Depression.

The supporting performers kept the evening from slipping too far into stodginess. Henson followed in the footsteps of great scenery-chewing Hannigans like Carol Burnett and Nell Carter, playing the character as a chaotic force of malevolence. Burgess and Hilty seemed to delight in putting unexpected spins on their lines, keeping each other spry. And Scherzinger had one of the evening’s highlights with the dance number “We Got Annie,” a song that originated in the 1982 movie as a showcase for that production’s Grace, Ann Reinking, who died last December . Scherzinger’s version was likely a homage — and a sweet one.

“Annie” has always been something of a Broadway underdog. When it opened at what was then called the Alvin Theater (today the Neil Simon Theater), its sunniness stood out in a decade filled with glummer and more adult-themed musicals.

The show has been criticized over the years for taking so many liberties with Gray’s original comics, which were weighted more toward rollicking adventure than to domestic drama — and which often served as a platform for its author’s right-wing politics. While the musical venerates President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (played in the NBC production by Alan Toy), Gray actually railed against the New Deal in the strip.

Yet in a larger pop-culture context, the original “Annie” arrived right on time, just as movie theaters filled with the likes of “Rocky,” “Star Wars” and “Superman,” and TV viewers fell for “The Muppet Show” and “Happy Days.” Simultaneously triumphant and nostalgic, “Annie” hit a similar sweet spot.

So like much of the feel-good entertainment aimed at Generation X, “Annie” has endured — even with its quaint references to radio stars and the tennis player Don Budge. That may be why, aside from the multiracial cast and a pointed, crowd-pleasing, post-pandemic mention of “Broadway getting back on its feet,” NBC’s “Annie” stayed pretty firmly stuck in the past. It was not, in any overtly apparent way, a comment on the modern world.

Nevertheless, it did resonate when Smith’s Annie sang, in “Maybe,” about the fulfilling life her birth parents might be living without her. And it will always be hard not to be moved by the show’s signature hit, “Tomorrow,” which promises a better day.

So perhaps it was only proper that this musical about earnest, plain-spoken yearning arrived on TV in 2021 — when it would hit the hardest — instead of in 2013. This show may be dated by design, but when it’s clicking, it can still clear away the cobwebs and the sorrow.

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Annie: Review – The Alexandra Birmingham

[AD press tickets]

Be prepared to step back in time to 1930s New York. It’s the Great Depression and Annie finds herself stuck in Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. But it’s not all doom and gloom as her luck changes and she is chosen to spend Christmas with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Miss Hannigan sets out to ruin Annie’s determined search for her parents and we are off on an all-singing, all dancing musical adventure. Look out for the classic songs including “Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow”. If you haven’t already booked tickets to see Annie at The Alexandra Birmingham , you are missing out. This fantastic family show will be on until Saturday 15th April. Ideal for an Easter treat.

About Annie

Since opening in Broadway in 1977, Annie has become iconic on both stage and screen. After a hugely successful run in the West End, the production is now touring in theatres around the UK.

The audience is introduced to Annie and her peers in the Orphanage in the charge of evil Miss Hannigan. Annie’s kindness and optimism are obvious despite her circumstances. It is clear early on that Annie is convinced her parents will come back for her, having left her at the orphanage as a baby with a note and a locket. Seeing an opportunity to escape, Annie gets away from Miss Hannigan and heads for the streets. Whilst there, she introduces us to Sandy the dog. But it’s not long before the police catch up with her and she’s back in Miss Hannigan’s office in the orphanage.

Fortunately for Annie, her escape plan puts her in the right place at the right time when a billionaire is looking to invite an orphan to stay with him during the holidays. Annie soon finds herself in the home of “Daddy Warbucks” where she is treated like royalty. They get on so well that Warbucks wants to adopt Annie, but she has other ideas.

They set out to find Annie’s family and before we know it, Miss Hannigan is back with her scheming brother Rooster. Rooster and his partner claim to be Annie’s parents and they even seem to have proof. Fortunately, with the help of President Franklin D Roosevelt, there is a happy ending.

My children were beside themselves with delight to discover that Craig Revel Horwood was starring as Miss Hannigan in the 2023 tour of Annie. Alongside him were Alex Bourne as Oliver Warbucks, Paul French as Rooster, Amelia Adams as Grace Farrell, and Billie-Kay as Lily St. Regis.

The title role of Annie is shared by Zoe Akinyosade, Harlie Barthram and Poppy Cunningham. They are joined by three teams of young performers who play the residents of Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Completing the cast are Emily Barnett-Salter, Alistair Beattie, David Burrows, Sergi Ibanez, Rosalind James, Belle Kizzy Green, Ellie May-Wilson, Martin McCarthy, Phoebe Roberts, Lukin Simmonds, Matthew Sweet, Dawn Williams, and Tommy Wade-Smith.

Annie: Review – The Alexandra Birmingham

From the moment the children in the orphanage come on stage and settle into their beds for the night, the audience is in for a treat. Action packed from the get-go, all the performers are exceptionally talented. Whilst Craig Revel Horwood is nothing short of fabulous as Miss Hannigan, one particular star stole the show every time they were on stage. Sandy the dog, played by golden retriever Lily was a complete pro.

Most of us know at least some of the songs from Annie, so the audience were all tapping their feet and enjoying the music. Opening night at the Alexandra Theatre Birmingham saw Zoe Akinyosade playing Annie. Along with all the orphans, Annie’s singing and dancing was incredible. The talented young performers all held their own with the adults and put on a spirited show.

There was a slightly odd moment towards the end of the first half of the show where something seemed to go wrong. The curtain came down and an announcement was made that the interval would take place slightly early. Strangely, the second half started in the usual place, leaving us unsure as to how the first half was supposed to end. Despite this, we all had a fantastic evening and thoroughly enjoyed the show.

Following the sad death of Paul O’Grady last week, the performers dedicated the show to his memory. This was a lovely touch as he had been sharing the role of Miss Hannigan with Craig Revel Horwood.

Annie at The Alexandra Birmingham: FAQs

Annie is at the Alexandra Theatre Birmingham until Saturday 15th April 2023. It then moves on to Oxford New Theatre from Monday 17th to Saturday 22nd April before continuing around the country until November 2023. Full details of each venue are on the Annie website .

As it’s a child’s role, Annie is shared by three people, Zoe Akinyosade, Harlie Barthram and Poppy Cunningham.

Absolutely. My girls are aged 8 and 10 and they LOVED it. There were lots of children both in the audience and in the show and I see no reason not to take them. It is certainly an inspiring show for children to watch if they are interested in performing on stage themselves. On the Annie website, they recommend it for children aged 5 and up.

Around two and a half hours including a twenty minute interval.

To see Annie at the Alexandra Theatre Birmingham, head to their website . Details of how to book tickets for the rest of the tour are on the Annie website .

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Tours To You

Your home for information about the touring broadway productions in north america, ‘annie’ national tour to begin fall 2022.

Leapin’ Lizards! TROIKA Entertainment, LLC announced today that an all-new tour of Annie will hit the road in the fall of 2022.

This new tour of the iconic Tony Award ® -winning production is directed by  Jenn Thompson , who at the age of 10 stepped into the role of “Pepper” in the Original Broadway production. Scenic designs for the touring production are by Wilson Chin , whose work was most recently featured on Broadway in the critically acclaimed production of  Pass Over .

“This show, with its iconic title character, continues to delight generations of theatre-lovers old and new by joyfully singing directly into the face of great adversity with perseverance, guts and guile,” said director Jenn Thompson. “For decades, Annie has continued to shine brightly, not only as an appeal to our better angels, but also as an example of the thrill of hope, hard-won: promising a better ‘Tomorrow’ not only for Annie herself, but for all who need her message now more than ever.”

TROIKA Entertainment’s COO and Executive Producer, Kori Prior adds, “We are thrilled and excited to have Jenn Thompson helm this new tour of Annie . She brings such admiration and connection to the material that we know this production will be fresh, new and full of the heart that makes Annie the show we all love.”

A multi-week city tour schedule beginning in the fall of 2022, as well as the full design team, will be announced later this spring.  For more information, visit  AnnieTour.com . Visit our show page to keep track of where the show will go as engagements are announced.

BIOGRAPHIES

JENN THOMPSON  ( Director ). Recent credits include  MonsterSongs  (developmental workshop TheaterWorks Hartford),  Into The Woods  (Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival),  The Music Man  (Goodspeed),  Anne of Green Gables: A New Folk Rock Musical  (Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival);  A Doll’s House, Part II  (TheaterWorks);  Shiller’s Mary Stuart  (Chicago Shakespeare Theater);  Conflict  (Mint Theater, NYC);  Oklahoma!  (Goodspeed),  The Secret Garden  (Denver Center),  Miss Bennet, A Christmas at Pemberley  (Rep Theatre of St. Louis). Jenn’s production of  Women Without Men  (Mint Theatre) garnered 2016 Lortel and Off-Broadway Alliance Award nominations for Outstanding Revival as well as 5 Drama Desk Award nominations including Outstanding Director and Revival. Former Co-Artistic Director of Off-Broadway’s TACT/The Actors Company Theatre. Jenn was a 2012 finalist for the SDC’s Joe A. Callaway Award, for excellence in New York City directing. Up next:  Anne of Green Gables  (Goodspeed),  Diary of a Wimpy Kid  (Children’s Theatre Company) and  Chains  at the Mint Theater in NYC.  jennthompsondirector.com

WILSON CHIN  ( Set Designer ). Broadway and Off-Broadway:  Pass Over  (Broadway, Lortel Award nomination),  Next Fall  (Broadway),  Cost of Living  (Manhattan Theatre Club),  A Commercial Jingle for Regina Comet  (DR2),  Space Dogs  (MCC),  The Thanksgiving Play  (Playwrights Horizons). With director Jenn Thompson:  The Secret Garden  (Denver Center Theatre),  Oklahoma  and  Anne of Green Gables  (Goodspeed Musicals). Opera:  Lucia di Lammermoor  (Lyric Opera of Chicago),  Eine Florentinische Tragödie / Gianni Schicchi  (Canadian Opera, Dora Award). Film/television:  Pass Over  (dir. Spike Lee), “Game Theory with Bomani Jones” (HBO), “Blindspot” (NBC). Eastern Region Board member of Local USA 829. Instagram: @wilsonchindesign

TROIKA ENTERTAINMENT  ( Producer ). For more than 30 years, TROIKA Entertainment has been producing, managing, booking, and bringing the Broadway experience to audiences around the world. As an innovative, full-service theatrical production company, we pride ourselves on creating high-quality productions and being adaptable to the ever-changing needs of the present and future marketplace. Current productions include  CATS, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical ,  My Fair Lady, The Phantom of the Opera  and  Tootsie.   www.TROIKA.com

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The Cast of Ghostbusters : Where Are They Now?

It's hard to believe, but the classic film turns 40 years old on June 8, 2024

Columbia Pictures

When there was something weird going on in the neighborhood, these guys answered the call.

Ghostbusters premiered on June 8, 1984, a perfect early summer offering (PEOPLE's review called it "irresistible nonsense") that has since become a beloved cultural touchstone, producing countless sequels and product lines and one very catchy theme song.

Anchored by stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson and Sigourney Weaver , and directed by Ivan Reitman, the movie went on to make $300 million at the box office.

As the movie celebrates its 40th anniversary, catch up with the cast of Ghostbusters, then and now.

Dan Aykroyd as Dr. Raymond Stantz

Columbia/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock; Noam Galai/Getty

Dan Aykroyd co-wrote Ghostbusters with costar Harold Ramis, bringing the comedy skills he'd honed on Saturday Night Live a few years prior to the page. PEOPLE called the actor "a hoot" in the film, crediting his banter with costar Bill Murray for creating "the perfect summer tonic for raising spirits."

Aykroyd was fresh off a handful of other favorite films — Blues Brothers, Trading Places and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom among them — and has since had a non-stop acting career that includes My Girl, Driving Miss Daisy (for which he earned an Oscar nod), Tommy Boy, 50 First Dates, Crossroads, Pearl Harbor and series including Soul Man and Workin' Moms. Like many of his Ghostbusters costars, he appeared in many of the film's sequels and spinoffs, most recently, 2024's Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

The 71-year-old separated from Donna Dixon , his wife of 39 years, in 2022; together they have three daughters.

Billy Murray as Dr. Peter Venkman

Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection; VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty 

At the time of the film's release, PEOPLE said Bill Murray 's "delivery is a fail-safe mechanism for laughter," helping to make the movie "something like Abbott & Costello Meet the Exorcist."

Like Aykroyd, he rose to fame on Saturday Night Live, and followed Ghostbusters with other '80s and '90s favorites including Little Shop of Horrors, What About Bob? and Groundhog Day. He earned an Oscar nomination and Golden Globe Award for his work in Lost in Translation, before joining the Wes Anderson world for films including Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Darjeeling Limited and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. He most recently won an Emmy Award for 2015's Olive Kitteridge.

Murray was the subject of allegations of inappropriate behavior on set in 2022 , which prompted other stars to speak out about negative experiences they had with the star. He reportedly paid a $100,000 settlement to his colleague on the 2022 film, and in the years since, has continued working in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

Twice married, the 73-year-old has six sons .

Harold Ramis as Dr. Egon Spengler

Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock; Barry Brecheisen/WireImage

The film's co-writer Harold Ramis recalled the difficult task of making the movie when speaking to PEOPLE in 1984.

"Danny, Bill and I had to act against characters who weren't there. 'Look scared' was the main direction. Then, 'Look more scared,' " he explained.

Ramis — who came up through Canada's Second City Television —  went on to feature in Groundhog Day, High Fidelity, As Good as It Gets and Knocked Up , but was just as known for his writing, penning Groundhog Day in addition to Analyze This and Analyze That.

Ramis died in 2014 at the age of 69. He was survived by his wife of 25 years, Erica Mann Ramis, their two sons and his daughter from a previous marriage.

Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddmore

Columbia Pictures; Karwai Tang/WireImage

In a 2023 interview on SiriusXM, Ernie Hudson said that filming Ghostbusters was "probably the most difficult movie I ever did just from the psychological perspective."

"I was the guy who was brought in, and so finding my place in the middle of that — and they were all welcoming and inclusive," the actor said of the cast, per The Hollywood Reporter . "The studio wasn’t, and the studio continued not to be. So it made it very, very difficult because I was a part of it, but then I very selectively was pushed aside."

“Now," he said, "I know the fans see it differently, and I’m so thankful for the fans because the fans basically identified with Winston."

Prior to Ghostbusters, Hudson had been busy working in television, and hasn't slowed down since, appearing in everything from The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Oz and The Crow to The Basketball Diaries, Miss Congeniality and Grace and Frankie.

Most recently Hudson, 78, earned notice for his fit physique while promoting Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. He has been married to wife Linda Kingsberg for nearly 40 years and has children from his previous marriage.

Sigourney Weaver as Dana Barrett

Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock ; Marc Piasecki/Getty

Sigourney Weaver had Annie Hall and the first Alien movie to her name before joining Ghostbusters as the gang's haunted (and beautiful) client.

She immediately went on to the rest of the four-part Alien series, earning her first Oscar nod for 1986's Aliens (she followed that up with two more for Working Girl  and  Gorillas in the Mist ) before jumping into films including Galaxy Quest, Heartbreakers, Abduction, A Monster Calls and the Avatar franchise. She also has a Grammy (best spoken word album for her narration of Jon Stewart's  Earth (The Book) ) , and four Emmy nominations, the most recent for her narration on Secrets of the Whales.

Weaver, 74, has been married to theater director Jim Simpson since October 1984; together they have one daughter.

Rick Moranis as Louis Tully

Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock; Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic

Also an alumnus of the Canadian sketch series  Second City Television,  Rick Moranis was another '80s and '90s favorite, with standout roles in Little Shop of Horrors, Spaceballs, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Parenthood  and  My Blue Heaven  on his résumé prior to his part as Dana's nerdy neighbor in Ghostbusters.

Later on in the '90s, Moranis took a step back from acting following the death of his wife, costume designer Ann Belsky.

"I took a break, which turned into a longer break,"  he told  The Hollywood Reporter  in 2015. "Stuff happens to people all the time, and people make adjustments, change careers, move to another city. Really, that's all I did."

Moranis, now 71, has made a few cameos in recent years, and was slated to star in a 2020s  Honey I Shrunk the Kids  reboot  that was ultimately scrapped.

The actor has two grown children with Belsky.

Annie Potts as Janine Melnitz

Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock; Amanda Edwards/FilmMagic

Annie Potts kept the Ghostbusters going as the group's secretary, returning alongside much of the cast for 1989's Ghostbusters II.

She followed up with a string of hits including Pretty in Pink, Jumpin' Jack Flash, Love & War, Any Day Now  and the beloved series Designing Women , in addition to voicing Bo Peep in the Toy Story franchise.

More recently, Potts has stayed busy with roles on  Law & Order: SVU ,  GCB ,  Chicago Med and The Fosters  and in films like 2016's all-female Ghostbusters  (Weaver cameoed, too) and 2024's  Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire . She also has made Broadway appearances in  God of Carnage  in 2009 and  Pippin  in 2014. Her latest series, Young Sheldon, just ended.

Potts, 71, married husband  James Hayman  in 1990; together they have two children. She also has one child from her first marriage.

William Atherton as Walter Peck

Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock; Michael Loccisano/WireImage

As the sole non-ghost bad guy of the film, William Atherton tried to take the Ghostbusters down, to no avail.

Prior to the film, he'd starred both on Broadway and in The Sugarland Express and The Day of the Locust. He's gone on to return for many of the subsequent Ghostbusters films and video games, in addition to Die Hard, The Pelican Brief, Bio-Dome, The Last Samurai and Desperate Housewives, among countless other TV roles.

Atherton, 76, is married to Bobbi Goldin.

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Find the best cruise for you

Featured cruise deals, cruising guide, why take a cruise vacation.

If you have a place on your bucket list, chances are, a cruise will get you there – provided the destination is along a coastline or inland waterway. Cruises cover the world, taking millions of passengers each year to regions such as the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, the Mediterranean and even Antarctica. Cruising offers a tremendous value, with trips that include your lodging, meals and entertainment – all rolled into one. Some luxury cruise lines even offer fully inclusive vacations, which cover drinks and tours ashore. And best of all, cruising means seeing the world conveniently after unpacking only once.

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If you're a flexible traveler, you'll have a better chance of finding cheap cruises. Take a cruise that doesn't sail over the summer or holidays, when prices are highest. Book an inside cabin, or take your chances with a "guarantee cabin," ideal for passengers who aren't picky about their stateroom location but really want the lowest price available. Book cabins on lower decks, which often come with lower prices than those rooms on higher floors – that is staterooms over suites.

Cruise brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International offer rates that might drop as low as $75 per person per night -- and sometimes even lower.

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What are Tips to Finding Last-Minute Cruise Deals?

While being flexible date wise will always get you the best last-minute cruise deals, it's particularly helpful if you live near a cruise port and can quickly drive there. That way you'll probably be able to jump on those deals that might pop up just a week or two before the ship is scheduled to sail.

Or if you don't have flexibility with either departure dates or embarkation locations, be willing to compromise on exact destinations. This will allow you to find a wider range of last-minute deals traveling to locations in their off-season or so-called shoulder season.

Do plenty of research and know what your ideal cruise is and costs on average, so both are already on your radar. When you see it drop, pounce! (Many cruise lines update pricing several times per day, so preparation is crucial.)

Best cruises in 2024

There's truly a cruise style and ship for everyone, and that has never been more the case than in 2024, as vessels continue to come in an array of sizes – from riverboats and expedition vessels to the largest-ever mega ships. And it's not an exaggeration to say some are loaded with so many activities that you couldn't possibly enjoy them all in a single sailing.

Families will find plenty of options and activities onboard big ships, which have transformed cruising, making the vessels as exciting as the destinations themselves. The Caribbean is always a great option for families, offering lots of sunshine, great beaches and culture. Alaska, famous for its incredible vistas and abundant wildlife, is also a solid family cruise option. Consider cruise brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and even Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line for a great multi-generational voyage.

Or on the smaller side, by comparison, river cruising remains a hot ticket item this year, with exciting routes that send eager guests down the Danube or Rhine rivers in Europe or to lesser-frequented locations, like the Mekong River in Cambodia or Vietnam, or soon the Magdalena River in Colombia. Popular river cruises embark in timeless cities like Amsterdam, Budapest and Lisbon. River cruise lines to consider encompass Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises, Tauck, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Riverside Luxury Cruises, as well as American Cruise Lines for a domestic alternative.

If you're an adventurer at heart, an expedition cruise might be best for you. These voyages, often onboard small ships (only a few hundred passengers tops), offer an intimate experience that brings passengers right up next to glaciers, whales, penguins and iguanas. Ships visit tiny spots all over the world – from pole to pole – including the Arctic, Alaska, Australia, Greenland, the Galapagos and, of course, Antarctica. Passengers will spend their time zodiacing, kayaking, hiking, biking and exploring with expert guides and knowledgeable naturalists. Expedition travelers love cruise lines such as Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, UnCruise Adventures, Silversea, HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), Ponant and Quark Expeditions, as well as an ever-expanding list that now even extends to Seabourn and Viking.

But for the most decadent form of travel, luxury cruises offer all-inclusive experiences onboard small to median-sized ships (usually under a thousand passengers) with perks like butlers, high-end amenities and personalized, intuitive service, not to mention the finest dining at sea. Ships often feature luxury touches like marble and crystal decor, intimate spaces and beautiful spas. Because luxury ships tend to be on the smaller size, they can often reach off-the-beaten-path destinations bigger ships simply cannot access -- ports like St. Tropez or Guadeloupe. If you're looking for a luxury cruise, consider Crystal, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, Explora Journeys, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and upcoming Four Seasons Yachts.

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Annie (Non-Equity) Revival Tour 2022

Annie (non-equity) - 2022 - us tour history , info & more.

Brick Breeden Fieldhouse

Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most. ANNIE, directed by Jenn Thompson, features the iconic book and score, written by Tony Award®—winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way.

Annie (Non-Equity) - 2022 - US Tour Cast

Christopher Swan

Stefanie Londino

Mark Woodard

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Broadway in Portland will present the all-new tour of the iconic Tony Award-winning musical ANNIE will play Keller Auditorium. Learn how to purchase tickets.

In the world of theater, there exists a sisterhood of women who can count an appearance as an orphan (maybe even THE orphan) in a production of Annie as either their first onstage role or one of their most vivid onstage performances. But for Murfreesboro native Julia Nicole Hunter, who now stars as Grace Farrell in the national touring company of the seven-time Tony Award-winning musical coming to  Tennessee Performing Arts Center this week, her current role as Oliver Warbucks’ faithful assistant marks her first time ever in the show.

Mounting a non-union production of a story about unfair working conditions and class disparity in New Deal-era America takes some gall. Watching such a production on the heels of a record-breaking WGA strike and in the midst of an ongoing SAG-AFTRA one only adds to the irony. But setting aside the ethics of it all, the ANNIE on stage in Orlando transcends any low expectations one might reserve for a non-Equity, not-from-Broadway tour...

Casting has been announced for the 2023-24 North American Tour of ANNIE that launches in Paducah, KY before a two-week engagement in Ft. Lauderdale, FL Tuesday, October 10th. Find out who is starring in the show here!

Other Productions of Annie (Non-Equity)

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