Show guide
Annie
Annie is a warm-hearted classic about a plucky orphan searching for hope, and eventually a family, during one of America's toughest decades. Its optimism and unforgettable songs have made it a beloved staple for generations.
- Premiered
- 1977
- Composer
- Charles Strouse
- Genre
- Comedy
- Setting
- 1930s
The story of Annie
Set in New York City during the Great Depression of the 1930s, Annie follows a spirited young orphan who dreams of finding her parents while living under the strict rule of the orphanage matron, Miss Hannigan. When billionaire Oliver Warbucks decides to host an orphan for the holidays as a publicity stunt, Annie's optimism and charm begin to change his life, and eventually her own.
The show uses its Depression-era setting to contrast hardship with hope, following Annie's journey from institutional life to unexpected fortune. Its themes of resilience and found family have made it enduringly relatable across generations of audiences.
The music and the makers
The score was composed by Charles Strouse, whose music captures both the scrappy determination of its young heroine and the era's sense of struggle giving way to optimism. The songs range from rousing group numbers to tender, hopeful ballads, all built around Annie's unshakeable sunny outlook.
Based on a classic comic strip, the musical translates its source material's blend of humor and heart into a score full of memorable, singable melodies that have become part of the broader cultural songbook.
Annie on Broadway
Annie opened on Broadway in 1977 and became an instant hit, celebrated for its family-friendly charm and one of musical theatre's most iconic anthems of hope. It has remained a go-to production for revivals, tours, and community theatres ever since.
Its broad, multigenerational appeal comes from pairing a relatable underdog story with music that is both emotionally resonant and easy to love at first listen. Annie continues to introduce new audiences, especially young ones, to the magic of Broadway musicals.
Frequently asked
When did Annie open on Broadway?
Annie opened on Broadway in 1977.
Who composed the music for Annie?
Charles Strouse wrote the score.
What is Annie about?
It follows a young orphan in Depression-era New York who dreams of finding her parents while her optimism transforms the life of a wealthy benefactor.
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