After more than 20 years,
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres returns to the feel-good musical
Annie that showcases the power of "little girls." And one of those little girls from their first production of the show in 1983, Tamara Kangas Erickson, is now co-owner and Artistic Director of the theater, and director/choreographer of this show, proving that there really is no limit to what "little girls" can do when they grow up and change the world. Or at least, I hope they will. And that's one thing
Annie has in abundance - hope. The belief that we can make the world a better place by believing it can be better, by working together, by standing up for what's right, and maybe by singing a song together. This nearly 50-year-old show (it'll return to Broadway for its 50th anniversary next year), set nearly 100 years ago, is eerily resonant with today's world, with the increasing gap between the haves and the have-nots, average Americans unable to afford to feed their families, and a dissatisfaction with the powers-that-be who don't seem to care about the plight of the people. Annie inspired the president to come up with a New Deal to help pull the country out of the depression; "A New Deal for Christmas" is the optimistic finale of the show. Things feel a little less hopeful today, but maybe we'll get a new deal for Christmas too, if we believe like Annie does (and #vote). In the meantime, head West to Chanhassen to experience a healthy dose of optimism, delivered to us by a ridiculously talented cast, creative team, and staff, who also deliver dinner, drinks, and dessert to your table as you enjoy the show (
continuing through February 27).
