You’re never fully dressed without a smile…

And so Annie delighted viewers in Jakarta during the Broadway production’s international tour this past summer.

What started out as a 1924 comic strip called Little Orphan Annie has finally evolved into a phenomenon with the story existing in various forms, including radio shows and three motion pictures – the original 1982 version, a made-for-TV movie in 1999 by Walt Disney Productions (Academy Award winner Kathy Bates played the infamous Miss Hannigan while Alan Cumming and pre-Wicked Kristin Chenoweth took on the roles of Rooster and Lily St Regis) and the latest modernized version with the great Jamie Foxx as big-hearted millionaire Oliver Warbucks. On theater, Annie is now a Tony-winning show with a worldwide appeal, and I had the privilege of seeing its Jakarta debut on August 6th at the Ciputra Artpreneur Theater & Gallery, home to all the Broadway shows that have made their way to Jakarta (beginning with Beauty and the Beast last year, followed by The Sound of Music and Shrek).

Set in 1930’s New York, the plot revolves around Annie as she ventures the city in search of her parents, not knowing Mr. Warbucks is her key to everything. The rags to riches theme couldn’t have been more majestically delivered. Promising starlet Heidi Grey’s portrayal of Annie was fantastic, making her worthy to root for. The girl’s got spunk and charm. All the tunes I’m sure we’re all familiar with also added to my enjoyment. From the timeless classic “Tomorrow” and the glorious “NYC” to Miss Hannigan’s personal anthem about her persistence in finding that “Easy Street” and “Something Was Missing” that emphasizes the bond between Annie and Mr. Warbucks, these songs intertwine with the classic story that still remains relevant today with its ongoing message about bravery and staying optimistic through hard times as it paints a portrait of humanity in Great Depression-era New York.

A number of merchandises were sold at the venue, including a program book, an exclusive T-shirt with the Annie logo on it and a tumbler.