Heartwarming “Annie” arrives in Boston

Anthony Paquette
Angelina Carballo, who plays the lead in “Annie” during the current Boston run, talks with student reporters on the red carpet outside the Wang Theatre on May 10, 2017.

Ava Hayward, Kimora Yancey, Campbell Pelton-Cairns, Maisie Rounds, Nina Paquette, and Hadiya Khan
May 18, 2017

It’s a hard knock life for all of us, especially for the orphans of the Hudson Street orphanage in the musical “Annie.”

This particular musical has come to Boston, at the Boch Center / Wang Theatre until May 21, 2017. The summary of this show is that an orphan named Annie meets a millionaire — no billionaire! — Oliver Warbucks who helps her try to find her real birth parents. But when false parents try to get a hold of her, things start to go crazy.

Most of us have heard of “Annie” or have hummed the songs many, many times, but have most of us seen “Annie” on stage?

The current production of “Annie” stars Angelina Carballo as Annie. The orphans, Miss Hannigan, and all the other characters bring a musical favorite into life in front of your eyes. This musical is just right for the family, but it might have some minor language. It is recommended for kids 6 and older, because kids younger most likely wouldn’t understand the historic piece of the story and the complicated plot.

Anthony Paquette
Angelina Carballo, who has the lead role in “Annie,” and Gilgamesh Taggett (Daddy Warbucks) talk with reporters on the red carpet outside the Boch Center/Wang Theatre before their show May 10, 2017.

Erin Fish plays Miss Hannigan. Her opinion about playing the “bad guy”’ is that “bad guys move the story forward.”

Amanda Wylie, Katie Wylie, and Amanda Swickle all play orphans, but when their characters take a break, “Animal Jam” is what occupies the talented actresses backstage.

They also said that it is amazing to have the spotlight on them or to have a solo.

Anythony Paquette
Sisters Katie (left) and Amanda Wylie from the cast of “Annie” talk with reporters on the red carpet outside the Boch Center/Wang Theatre before their show May 10, 2017.

The young actresses were asked for advice for people who want to be actors, and they said to believe in yourself. It’s not just talent, it’s that you need to try hard, too.

All in all though, “Annie” deserves to celebrate its 40th anniversary joyfully! Annie is a great show that is only available in Boston until May 21, so get your tickets now!

   (For more information about “Annie,” go to the Boch Center/Wang Theatre website.)

Members of the cast of “Annie” — (sitting, from left) Gilgamesh Taggett, Erin Fish, Katie Wylie, Amanda Swickle, and Amanda Wylie — pose with student reporters during a news conference in the Boch Center/Wang Theatre before their show May 10, 2017.

–May 17, 2017–