Compass Rose Theater’s production of Annie is a colorful celebration of singing and dancing with an optimistic outlook even in the darkest of times. The beloved musical, with book and lyrics by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Martin Charnin, features the loveable red-headed orphan Annie during the Great Depression. Directed by Tracy Adler, with musical direction by Barrett Johnson and choreography by Tori Farnsworth, the show is a fun way to kick off the new season.
Jules Kanarek plays Annie with equal parts love and determination, breaking up fights between the orphans and comforting one of them. She repeatedly breaks out of the orphanage to find her parents, defying the threats of Miss Hannigan (Hayley Adler). She wins over Warbucks (James M. Toler) by leaning against him and sighing. Throughout the show, she changes the tone of “Maybe” from a sweet, hopeful song to one filled with disappointment. “Tomorrow” is full of joyful hope.
The girls playing the other orphans are impressively talented. Baylor Cherneski gives a rough edge to Pepper, arguing with the others and fighting them. Tabitha Belle Popernack as July fights her back in a wonderfully staged scene. Sophia Vincent as Tessie seems innocent but pulls pranks on Miss Hannigan. Julia Ballenger as Molly ends up in comical places such as a laundry hamper and a pail. Their “It’s the Hard Knock Life” is defiant against their harsh treatment, while “Fully Dressed” is a fun reprise of a radio song, all while doing handstands, lifts, leaps, and somersaults.
Hayley Adler brings excellent comic timing to orphanage manager Miss Hannigan. She blows a whistle and yells at the girls while sipping from a flask. “Little Girls” shows her exasperation with her charges, in a sultry, jazzy mood. Tyler M. White plays her conman brother Rooster with a zest for the next score, while Tori Farnsworth brings a comic ditziness to his moll Lily. They slide across the stage in “Easy Street” figuring out get-rich-quick schemes.
James M. Toler plays billionaire Warbucks with authority, barking for his secretary and butler, and making snap decisions on artwork and phone calls. His phone call to President Roosevelt is hilarious, as he tries to hide his distaste for the Democrat Roosevelt. Though he’s initially comically awkward with Annie, they quickly bond, and he twirls her around while singing “I Don’t Need Anything but You.” He sings of his love for the noisy, hustling city in “N.Y.C.” and shows his love for Annie in “Something Was Missing.”
Taryn Murphy brings an eagerness to Grace, Warbucks’ secretary, confidently helping any way she can. She has great comic tension with Miss Hannigan, as she politely but firmly tells the orphanage manager Warbucks’ plans for Annie. C.C. Gallagher plays Bundles the laundry man with cheer, casually dismissing Miss Hannigan’s flirtations. As FDR he is aristocratic and charming, welcoming Annie. He can be commanding as well, ordering his Cabinet to sing in “Cabinet Tomorrow.” Jewel Freeman shines as a star-to-be in “N.Y.C.,” singing of her hopes for the big city. C.C. Gallagher radiates authority as officer Lt. Ward, the beat cop, who confronts Annie. Andrew Agner-Nichols as Drake, the butler, is comically eager, popping up as soon as Warbucks calls for him, and as radio announcer Healy, he smoothly transitions from dramatic to charming as his subject changes. “Fully Dressed” is an amusing, memorable jingle. Lizzy Grice is quietly efficient as the maid Sophie. Sequel is clever as the dog Sandy, doing little tricks as Annie sings “Tomorrow.”
Set Designers Kerry and Laurie Brandon and Philip Aaron have large blocks throughout the stage for multiple uses, from beds at the orphanage to the call letters of the radio studio and as seats. A chair, table, and telephone sit off in the front corner, while desks, chairs, and other items come in as needed. Costume and Prop Designer Susan Flynn evokes the Depression era with outfits that distinguish each character, with Grace in elegant business wear, Miss Hannigan in less-expensive-looking dresses, and Rooster in a loud, striped blue suit. Annie wears several dresses throughout, including her famous red one.
Lighting Designer Marianne Meadows turns off the lights during scene changes. Spotlights shine on the actors during emotional moments. Sound Designers Ryan Squires and Barrett Johnson, also Music Director, ensure the music never overwhelms the singing. Choreographer Tori Farnsworth creates beautiful and athletic dances, with clever swings, twirls, and lifts. Director Tracy Adler gives the show lots of movement, with actors using all parts of the stage. They hit all the right comic and vulnerable moments, singing and dancing with high energy and emotion. Annie exudes something for audiences of all ages, especially hope and love, at a time when both are sorely needed.
Running Time: Two hours and 45 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
Annie plays through October 19, 2025, presented by Compass Rose Theater, performing at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts (third floor), 801 Chase Street, Annapolis, MD. For tickets ($15–$55 plus fees), call the box office at 410-980-6662 or purchase online.
A virtual playbill is available here.
