Christopher Swan News

What did our critic think of ANNIE at Kentucky Performing Arts? When most people think of Annie, I'm sure the first thing that comes to mind is the 80s film, starring the iconic likes of Carol Burnett, Ann Reinking, Tim Curry, and Bernadette Peters. However, before that now-classic film, Annie started as a musical stage adaptation of the Little Orphan Annie comic strips. The show opened on Broadway in 1977, where it was a smash success in its own right, even before the film adaptation that would come later. The show and story have undoubtedly stood the test of time, what with numerous stage revivals, three film adaptations, and a live TV version broadcast on NBC. Not to mention every family-based community theatre in the country has had it as part of their seasons for the past 40 years.

It’s always nerve-racking to revisit a show as an adult that was so important to you as a kid. I can’t even count how many times I saw the movie ANNIE as a kid; and it also holds the place in my memory of being the first touring Broadway musical I ever saw. So this production playing at PPAC through February 5th has some big shoes to fill, but I’m happy to report that the exceptional cast, classic songs and fantastic sets made this a magical night. All the favorite songs and scenes are comforting and exciting, but watching with adult eyes made this feel new but still resonant.

Leapin’ Lizards! Broadway In Detroit has announced that an all-new tour of the iconic Tony Award®-winning musical ANNIE will play at the Fisher Theatre from April 25-30.

What did our critic Linda Hodgesthink of ANNIE at Broadway San Jose? It's a hard knock life for sure, but Broadway San Jose's ANNIE infuses even today's troubled times with unrestrained optimism. And even though the sun isn't really shining in rain ravaged Northern California, it didn't stop the carloads of boys and girls and their adults from streaming into San Jose for the show.

Leapin' Lizards! Broadway in Cincinnati announced today that the individual tickets for an all-new tour of the iconic Tony Award-winning musical ANNIE are on sale now.

Leapin' Lizards! The all-new tour of ANNIE will play the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) January 31 – February 5, 2023.

With the state of the world these days, we need a heroine like Annie. With her positive outlook, her moxie, she should be a role model of hopefulness. We just need a better Annie. And Annie deserves a better vehicle.

Leapin' Lizards!  Broadway in Jackson has announced that an all-new tour of the iconic Tony Award-winning musical ANNIE will play at Thalia Mara Hall on May 3rd, 2023. Tickets for the Jackson engagement go on sale Friday, December 2nd, 2023.

Leapin' Lizards!  Broadway San Jose, a Nederlander Presentation, announced today that the all-new tour of the iconic Tony Award-winning musical ANNIE will play San Jose's Center for the Performing Arts (255 S. Almaden Blvd.) from January 10–15, 2023.

​​​​​​​Leapin' Lizards! Broadway in Cincinnati announced today that the individual tickets for an all-new tour of the iconic Tony Award-winning musical ANNIE are on sale now, as part of the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati series.

Leapin’ Lizards! Brand new publicity photos and promotional video of the new national tour of ANNIE have just been released. Check them out here! ANNIE is directed by Jenn Thompson, who at the age of 10 stepped into the role of “Pepper” in the Original Broadway production.

Leapin' Lizards! The national tour of ANNIE, produced by Troika Entertainment, LLC, launches tonight at The Landmark Theatre in Syracuse, NY for six performances only, October 4-8, 2022, followed by a multi-season tour that will visit more than 50 cities in the 2022-2023 season.

Leapin’ Lizards! The full cast and creative team has been announced for the all-new tour of the iconic Tony Award®-winning musical ANNIE. In the title role of Annie is Ellie Pulsifer, a 12-year-old actress from South Florida, making her tour debut. 

Hang on to your big hair and take a trip back to the 1960’s with the current US touring company of the Tony Award winning musical Hairspray playing through this Sunday at the National Theatre.

Dance the night away with Hairspray at Hershey. The musical adaption of the John Waters' film is a celebration of acceptance and individuality. Niki Metcalf stars as vibrant teen, Tracy Turnblad. Metcalf is a joyful performer who exudes confidence. Metcalf has a good voice and uses it to great effect. One minor critique is that while she is a competent dancer, her moves don't really pop like I have seen in other productions. Tracy usually sticks out (in a good way) compared to the other teens, but that just wasn't coming across. Perhaps the flaw lies the choreography, not the dancer?

According to an announcement from the National Tour team, the performance of Hairspray that was scheduled to play at the State Theatre on April 16 has been rescheduled to February 18, 2023. 

The Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Shubert Organization present the musical comedy phenomenon, HAIRSPRAY, winner of eight 2003 Tony Awards including Best New Musical. As part of the Kimmel Cultural Campus' 21-22 Broadway Series, the show plays the Miller Theater (formerly the Merriam Theater) from Tuesday, May 17 – Sunday, May 22, 2022.

HAIRSPRAY, the hit Broadway musical opened at The Fox Theater in St. Louis Tuesday evening. HAIRSPRAY is set in 1962 in segregated Baltimore. A plump young teen, Tracy Turnblad (Niki Metcalf), tries out to become a dancer on a popular Saturday afternoon show. During her five minutes of fame, Tracy takes on segregation with her new-found celebrity. Her mother, Edna (Andrew Levitt) is a self-conscious, agoraphobic housewife and a loving parent who worries that Tracy is taking on too much for a young teen. These two roles are critical to the success of HAIRSPRAY and if not perfectly cast could turn fun campy roles into odd caricatures. In the hands of Ms. Metcalf and Mr. Levitt this production quickly hits its stride and never looks back.

HAIRSPRAY, Broadway's Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon, announced the principal cast that will feature Andrew Levitt (aka Nina West), Sandie Lee and introducing Niki Metcalf. This new North American tour, helmed by original director Jack O'Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will play April 5-9 in St. Louis at the Fabulous Fox Theatre.

HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning musical comedy phenomenon, is coming to Sioux Falls! This new North American tour, helmed by original director Jack O’Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will play March 25–26, 2022, at the Washington Pavilion.