I love sharing new experiences with my kids, which is why I couldn’t let this opportunity pass me by. I was presented with the chance to bring my kids to see Annie at the Boch Center/Wang Theater and jumped at the chance. Musicals are so much fun! I mean, who doesn’t love a feel-good, uplifting story with some catchy songs to sing along with? I sure do, and Annie fits that description perfectly.
I’m not going to lie, I had some reservations about bringing my kids to the theater. They are 5 & 7 and don’t always want to be still and quiet. They do okay at the movies, but this is live theater, I just wasn’t sure how they were going to react. Also, the show was on a weeknight, staring at 7 PM, almost bedtime! But, I decided to take the chance and take them anyway, it is not every day that you can share in this experience.
As soon as we arrived at the theater, my hesitancy vanished. Issie Swickle, the actress playing Annie was out front on the red carpet signing autographs. She was so sweet and even posed for a picture with my daughter!
Once we got in and my kids got to experience the Wang Theater, they were excited for the show. We took a few pictures in the lobby and headed to our seats.
The show was nothing short of amazing. It was easy to see why it is a 7 time Tony Award winner! From the set to the costumes, the choreography, the acting and the singing, it was a masterpiece. Just after the opening scene/song, I looked over at my kids to see their reactions. My daughter was clapping wildly with the rest of the audience and my son was literally on the edge of his seat, with his arms folded on the seat in front of him with his hands on his arms, staring at the stage and waiting for more. I knew at that moment that this was the perfect date-night for the three of us and that even though the following morning would be a struggle getting them to school, I knew going to the show was totally worth it.
One the way home, before the kids passed out, I had the chance to ask them their favorite parts. Colton was quick to say that Hard Knock Life was his favorite part. To his credit, it was well done, the girls all had beautiful voices and were on point with their moves. It is definitely a highlight of the show. Ava was more specific, she loved the “girl with the pigtails”, meaning orphan Molly but her absolute favorite part was when Annie came down the stairs in her signature red dress and her famous red curls.
I always get a little teary when I watch Annie. While it is a light-hearted and fun musical, it touches on some tough topics. For me, the most beautiful part of the show was near the end when Mr. Warbucks and President Roosevelt have to tell Annie that the Mudges are crooks and they are not her real parents. Annie stands near the President silent, not sure what to say and Mr. Warbucks says “well, I love you”. From where I was sitting it looked like his tears were real, and I know mine were too.
I highly recommend sharing in the experience of Annie at the Boch Center/Wang Theater. The show is in town until May 21st. Not only is the show amazing but the experience of taking my kids to their first show is one that will stick with me, and I’m sure they won’t forget anytime soon either. If you would like to purchase tickets, click here
Disclosure: I received tickets for this show for the purpose of writing a review. All opinions expressed are my own and are honest.
