ANNIE

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Welcome Anniston to our production of Annie! We are so pleased you have joined us tonight to relive this timeless American musical. My absolute favorite part about this show is that everyone has a very specific response to it. Do you remember how old you were when you first saw it? Or heard about it? Or maybe you saw the movie with a certain loved one or at particularly difficult moment in your life? I’m guessing that no matter where or when you saw it, something about this show made you smile or helped brighten your day. That is the truly remarkable thing about this story, and the little red headed girl herself. As an orphan in perhaps the darkest time of American history, the great depression, Annie is somehow full of nothing but joy and optimism for her situation in life and the people she comes in contact with. Whether it’s the poor Hoovervilles down in the slums or Warbucks himself in his billionaire mansion, Annie is the person who brings everyone around her a spirit of hope and the dream of a better life!

As the director and choreographer of this production, it was very important to me not to shy or belittle the darkness and utter devastation of the great depression. What Annie is able to do is no small feat. Think of yourself in this situation, would you be the little red headed girl talking about maybes and tomorrows, or would you be the presidential cabinet or Rooster and Lily: more concerned about your next meal and your next pay check? When does our childlike optimism transition to adulthood cynicism and how can we hang on to that American hope? How can we pursue that American dream a little longer?

I’m not saying it is easy, nor am I saying life isn’t dark or miserable at times. I’m simply asking what if? What if we all aspired to attack life’s challenges with a smile, or shake off fear and self-doubt with a sweet saying or a humble hug? What if we lived our lives moment to moment and sang our hearts out the way Annie does?  Maybe…. Just maybe the world could be a better place if we all simply took each day as it came, expecting the best out of ourselves and the people around us, and, yes, when challenged with seemingly insurmountable odds and the darkest of situations, we would just wait, for The Sun’ll Come Out Tomorrow. It always does.

This show is for you Anniston! And to the Annie’s in our community who make the small miracles happen. May we all strive to be ever more like you.

-Carrie Colton

Director/Choreographer