No one delivers plunky optimism quite like Annie. 

Even in the worst of circumstances, Annie can always find a silver lining which can be demonstrated in a moment when a homeless person complains of empty pockets to which Annie responds, ‘At least you got pockets.’

Set designer Wilson Chin has beautifully captured a classic and overcast New York landscape with rolling fog over the towering Brooklyn Bridge that illustrates Annie’s signature phrase that the sun will come out tomorrow.  Blending costume designer Alejo Vietti’s gradually bursting hues in 30s-era fashion, Phillip Rosenberg’s rich and colorful lighting, and Chin’s transformative and exceptional rolling set design, Annie is absolutely right.

Generations have grown up with some version of little orphan Annie who by chance meets gruff billionaire tycoon Oliver Warbucks during Depression-era New York.  It is a classic family tale for all ages with the eternal promise that no matter what happens, there is always hope.  As the brilliant orchestra chimed its first triumphant, horn-infused notes beautifully orchestrated by Dan Delange, the national tour of Annie proves this steadfast musical favorite never goes out of style.

With innovative direction by Jenn Thompson, snappy choreography with a swing era twist by Patricia Wilcox, and remarkable Music Direction by Jennifer Christina, Annie continues at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, February 11.   Click here for more information and for tickets.

What is such fun about Annie is although the tale remains the same, there is always room to perform it a little differently each time.  Having seen the beloved 1982 film adaptation featuring a brilliant cast including Tim Curry, Carol Burnett, Bernadette Peters, Aileen Quinn, and Albert Finney, it is easy to forget the stage musical version sticks to the storyline for the most part, but also contains additional songs.  A group of homeless New Yorkers offer a spirited version of Hooverville, which dials into social injustices during the Great Depression.  Christopher Swan as dapper, tough-minded tycoon Oliver Warbucks pays tribute to the Big City with N.Y.C. before later performing a touching rendition of You Won’t Be an Orphan for Long.  These are just a few of the additional songs included in the stage version of the musical.

From wealthy city shoppers to house staff to radio personalities during the Golden Age of Radio to government officials including FDR depicted with warmhearted humor and gravitas by Mark Woodard to the glittering Radio City Rockettes, this delightful ensemble fueled by euphonious vocals seamlessly enhances the lighthearted atmosphere of this captivating production including You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile a particular highlight with Kaleb Jenkins as a stellar Burt Healey.

Donning straight red hair, burgundy cardigan, and black boots, Rainier “Rainey” Treviño delivers spunky charm as Annie, her stirring vocals navigate through various renditions of Maybe, each version implying new meaning and later a soaring rendition of her signature song, Tomorrow that is sure to bring a lot of smiles.  Treviño shares some endearing chemistry with Daddy Warbucks and Julia Nicole Hunter as Grace.  Annie’s trusty dog Sandy is a ringer for the dog in other adaptations and the pair establish themselves as immediate kindred spirits.

Stefanie Londino relishes in the fiery role of sarcastic and snarky Miss Hannigan making a wobbly yet grand entrance as only Miss Hannigan can.  In a multi-patterned dress with curly brown hair and a thick Brooklyn accent, Londino makes the role her own while certain inflections wonderfully resemble Carol Burnett’s delivery.

Londino’s sharp, comedic timing and a powerful belt never shines brighter than during the hilarious number, Little Girls as the orphans mischievously make their presence known in various surprise antics.  The orphans skillfully navigate the memorable number It’s a Hard Knock Life as buckets slide and brooms glide in a rhythmic chorus.  With Jade Smith’s standout performance as adorable Molly, the orphans are strong, talented, and enchanting.

In a wide brimmed hat, Jeffrey T. Kelly conveys sleazy charisma as ‘Rooster’ and Samantha Stevens articulates shrill and seeming airhead with panache.  They make quite a pair especially joined by Londino in a rollicking rendition of Easy Street.

With soaring and silvery vocals and a sophisticated dual toned blue suit, Julia Nicole Hunter elegantly depicts Grace Farrell, Oliver Warbucks’s levelheaded secretary.  Hunter participates in a frequent battle of wills with Stefanie Londino as Miss Hannigan and their smug verbal exchanges are a riot.

Don’t wait for tomorrow to see this marvelous Annie.  With innovative direction by Jenn Thompson, snappy choreography with a swing era twist by Patricia Wilcox, and remarkably musically directed by Jennifer Christina, Annie continues at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, February 11.   Click here for more information and for tickets.