I would be lying if I said I wasn't ecstatic when I found out I was getting tickets to see Annie tonight at the Fox Theatre for the 8:00 showing. I was fortunate enough to see Annie as a little girl here at the Fox Theater and tonight I was able to bring my oldest son who is 5 1/2 to share it with him.
For anyone who has never been to The Fox Theatre I highly recommend seeing a production here. It is as beautiful on the inside of the theatre as the historic sign out front. The concessions are affordable and there is even a bottomless bucket of popcorn for under $10. For $14 I was able to get a big bucket of popcorn, a drink and a movie theatre size candy. For those who like an adult beverage with their production the concessions also offer beer, wine, and mixed drinks.
Now for the production of Annie. It was everything I was expecting it to be and more. As a huge fan of the original movie I had very high standards coming in. I memorized every song as a child and seeing the numbers performed live brought it all back. I don't want to give away too much, but the show opener of “Maybe” performed by Annie and the orphans pulls you right into the story. This was followed by “It's The Hard Knock Life” performed by the orphans. Annie was played by an adorable little red head who sounded and had similar mannerisms to the Annie played in the movie. Other highlights of Act 1 were (1)performances by the woman we all love to hate, Ms. Hannigan, the performance of “Tomorrow” sung by Annie, and the introduction of the furry and adorable Sandy the dog. After about a 10 minute intermission the performance opened back up with a “Maybe” reprise and the Bert Healy and the Boylan Sisters radio show featuring “You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.” This directly moved into the Orphans performing it which brought the crowd to life. The second act also has many other standout songs including “Annie,” “I Don't Need Anything But You,” and a “Tomorrow” reprise sung by President Roosevelt and his cabinet in the the Oval Office.
My son's favorite parts (the ones that made him smile with glee or sit up a little taller in his seat) were all the songs the orphans sung, any appearance of Sandy the dog, Annie, and of course, the bottomless popcorn bucket. I enjoyed every minute of it!
Some Tips: The show started a little after 8:00 PM and it ended right at 10:35PM so again, those with young children, be prepared for it to be a late night if you are seeing a late showing.
**For parents with young kids, please be aware that there are a few curse words throughout the musical (nothing too vulgar, but they are definitely noticeable). My 5 year old didn't seem to even notice them, but I sure did. There are booster seats located just inside the curtains for the little ones who don't weigh enough to keep the chair from closing up or for those who just want add a few more inches so he/she can see over someone's head. Parking is a bit of a situation, as it is right in the heart of downtown, so give yourself plenty of time to park.
All in all, this was a great experience and I am so glad I got to share it with my eldest son!
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Annie, the beloved story of Annie, Daddy Warbucks and Sandy will play a limited engagement March 17-19 at The Fox Theatre as a special to the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta 2016/2017 season.
The Fox Theatre Performance Schedule: 5 performances only!
Friday, March 17 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 18 at 2 p.m., 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 19 at 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
TICKETS: Use MK code FRIENDS for discount!
Tickets start at $33.50 and are available by visiting www.foxtheatre.org/annie, calling 1-855-285-8499 or visiting the Fox Theatre Box Office (660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308). Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000.
STUDENT RUSH DISCOUNT:
Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta will offer a special $25 Student Rush Ticket price to ANNIE. College students simply need to bring valid college student identification with them to the Fox Theatre Box Office two hours prior to each scheduled performance. The Student Rush Ticket price will be valid for all performances with a two-ticket limit per student ID. Student Rush Tickets may be purchased with cash or credit card and will apply to any open seat in the house, subject to availability.
For more information, visit www.broadwayinatlanta.com
