Annie (1977 Original Broadway Cast)

The original Broadway cast recording of Annie still has as much charm as it did in 1977. Charles Strouse wrote the snappy music and Martin Charnin's clever lyrics capture the misery of the Great Depression, the glitter of the upper-crust life, and the character of the FDR administration. Andrea McArdle shines in the title role, most notably with the classic anthem "Tomorrow," while Tony-winner Dorothy Loudon and Reid Shelton provide support as the hag Miss Hannigan and the benevolent Daddy Warbucks, respectively.

The 1998 remastered edition includes as bonus material 17 minutes of tape Strouse and Charnin recorded for backers' auditions in 1972. They present the seven songs with some plot structure and early ideas for characters ("Miss Asthma" was a precursor for Miss Hannigan). Many of the songs didn't survive the final cut, but "Just Wait" eventually became "Little Girls" and "We Got Annie" was resurrected for the 1982 film. "Tomorrow" also appears--touted as the song's earliest recording--and Strouse and Charnin's rendition will increase your appreciation of McArdle. You won't listen to this rough draft every time you play the CD, but you'll enjoy it if you have any interest in the show. The booklet includes the original synopsis and production notes as well as new notes by Charnin on the extra tracks, but no lyrics. --David Horiuchi Amazon.com

Definitive ANNIE Recording

Simply put, this is the DEFINITIVE recording of this musical. Dorothy Loudon will always be the best Ms. Hannigan (sorry Carol!), Andrea McArdle will always be the best Annie, and Reid Shelton will always be the best and brassiest Daddy Warbucks. Also, the wonderful songs that were cut from the 1982 film are all here and an absolute delight: "We'd Like to Thank You, Herbert Hoover," "NYC," "Getting a New Deal For Christmas," etc. Don't hesitate to buy this delightful album to a musical that is far more political than smaltzy than most people would think. October 5, 2008

Still Great! After All These Years!!!

I believe it was 1978 when my parents bought me the original broadway cast recording of Annie on vinyl. It was my favorite record of my childhood and now I'm grateful to be able to have it on CD and play it for my daughter. And while not everyone may appreciate it...I'll admit I got a big misty when I heard the first public performance of Tomorrow (track 27). While it horrifies me to think that there are people out there that truly believe Aileen Quinn was a better Annie than Andrea McArdle, it's nothing new to me either. My parents took me to see Annie on Broadway at the Alvin Theater in NYC for my 7th birthday (Allison Smith was in the role at the time) and shortly after that, the movie debuted. Those I knew who had seen it on Broadway and knew what everything was supposed to sound like (and knew the storyline of the musical) were incredibly disappointed with the movie...while those who only had the movie as their reference liked (in some cases loved) it. I guess if you're a bigger fan of the movie, mabye the musical soundtrack is not for you- BUT please be aware that the creators of Annie intended to have this sound the way you hear it on this Broadway soundtrack. I recommend this to any true Annie fan out there (and now my old vinyl album can just rest in a safe place- since it's already been very well loved). July 30, 2008

The sun'll come out....

My kids have not stopped singing these songs since this CD arrived! Timeless songs from my childhood passed down to theirs. If you are a fan of the musical, you will really enjoy this CD. July 6, 2008

Andrea McCardle was, is and will forever will be the only Annie! This is the version to buy!

Andrea McCardle was, is and will forever will be the only Annie! This is the version to buy! May 16, 2008

Does this one need a review?

It is so good and popular that it seems somehow pretentious and vain to attempt any review. The songs are marvelous, the story is catchy to all ages, the orchestrations are great. Even Broadway amateurs should get this, being as popular as FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, WEST SIDE STORY or MAN OF LA MANCHA. A golden member of the ABC of musicals. May 9, 2008

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