The Sun’ll Come Out (and So Will Your Inner Theatre Kid): ANNIE Hits Sydney

It’s official: the sun came out, the seats were packed, and Sydney fell head over heels for ANNIE the Musical. What started as a feel-good preview turned into an unforgettable night of powerhouse vocals, pint-sized talent, scruffy dogs and full-body chills — thanks to a cast that delivered on every beat and a production that brought the streets of 1930s New York to life using staging magic and just the right dose of nostalgia. If you’ve been on the fence about seeing it, consider this your glowing nudge. ANNIE isn’t just back — it’s arrived bigger, brighter and bolder than ever before.

The Buzz: A Packed House and a Standing Ovation

Let’s start with the obvious — this wasn’t just a show, it was a moment. The Capitol Theatre was buzzing. From toddlers in tutus to grown adults who definitely cried and pretended it was hayfever, this was the kind of crowd you only get when a production really hits. By the end of the show? Full standing ovation. Not the slow, awkward kind — the instant, shouty, “elbow-your-partner-in-the-ribs” kind. People were on their feet before the cast had taken their final bows. It was joy. Loud, unfiltered joy.

The Stage Design: A Modern Love Letter to 1930s NYC

If you’re expecting cardboard sets and slow scene changes, think again. This ANNIE production goes all-in with modern stage tech to create a fast-paced, cinematic take on Depression-era New York. Think clever projection mapping, rotating streets, and seamless transitions that feel more like a movie montage than a stage shuffle. From gritty orphanage to sleek mansion, the staging never missed — everything felt alive, immersive, and surprisingly elegant. Honestly? The set deserves its own encore.

Family Night or Grown-Up Escape? Yes and Yes.

Whether you’re taking the whole family or looking for an excuse to wear lipstick that isn’t a tinted balm, ANNIE is that rare show that ticks every box. It’s wholesome without being boring, musical without being corny, and surprisingly funny in all the right places. Planning a parents’ night out? Even better. It’s 2 hours of feel-good nostalgia and toe-tapping escapism, with zero kitchen clean-up and no Paw Patrol reruns in sight. And if you’re a parent who has stepped on Duplo barefoot this week? You deserve this.

The Cast: Every Voice, Every Moment, Every Goosebump

Anthony Warlow as Daddy Warbucks

Our OG icon. The man, the myth, the Phantom. Warlow brings his signature command and velvet voice to Warbucks, and the result is pure class. He’s the heart of the show — gruff, tender, and magnetic in every scene.

Debora Krizak as Miss Hannigan

If there were a Tony for chaotic comedy, Debora Krizak would’ve won it by intermission. Her Miss Hannigan is wild, washed-up, and absolutely unforgettable. The comedic timing. The sass. The boozy belting. We lived for it.

Amanda Lea LaVergne as Grace Farrell

Grace can easily fade into the background — but not here. LaVergne is luminous. Kind, clever, and vocally stunning, she gives Grace the edge and elegance we didn’t know we needed.

Greg Page as President Roosevelt
Plot twist of the decade? OG Yellow Wiggle Greg Page takes a hard left turn into presidential territory — and nails it. It’s the casting surprise you never saw coming, and it somehow works perfectly. Wiggles to White House. We love a career pivot.

Dakota Chanel + The Orphans = Scene-Stealing Brilliance

The role of Annie is shared between four stars, and on the night we attended, Dakota Chanel was in the spotlight — and she lit it up. From her crystal-clear vocals to her fierce stage presence and adorable, in-control bond with Sandy the dog, Dakota delivered a masterclass in confidence. Her “Tomorrow” drew gasps — and not just from the parents. And yes, Sandy deserves his flowers too. The scruffy pup performed flawlessly in front of hundreds. No barking. No bolting. Just pure pro energy. Give him a Tony. Or at least a treat. The rest of the orphans? Tiny, talented dynamos. Sharp choreography, perfect pitch, and unmatched sass. We’ll say it: those kids are going to outsell us all one day.

The Music: Still a Banger Line-Up

You know the hits. “Hard-Knock Life.” “Easy Street.” “Maybe.” And of course, that tearjerker — “Tomorrow.” Live, they’re electric. Thanks to a full orchestra and a cast who truly felt every note, these songs hit deeper, land harder, and stick with you long after curtain call. You’ll catch yourself humming “It’s the Hard-Knock Life” at the school drop-off. We don’t make the rules.

Why ANNIE Works (Especially Now)

Let’s be real. It’s been a lot the last few years. So when a little girl with a big voice reminds us all that hope is a thing that grows — it hits you right in the feels. ANNIE is cathartic joy. A reminder that things get better. That kindness matters. That you can find family, love, and laughter in the most unexpected places. In a world of back-to-back to-do lists, this show is your permission slip to feel something real.

Should You See It?

Yes. Yes. And yes again. Whether you’re a theatre nerd, an exhausted mum, a dad who loves a good tap number, or just someone who needs a reminder that the world isn’t always terrible — this show will land. Tickets start around $70, and compared to a movie, dinner, or babysitting-fuelled night of emotional damage, this is one of the best investments you’ll make in your mental wellbeing this month.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t just another musical. It’s a celebration of resilience, joy, and scrappy optimism wrapped in red bows and harmonies. ANNIE is the feel-good hit we all needed. It’s the red lipstick of theatre. A boost. A spark. A little magic when you’ve had a long week and need to believe the sun will come out — even if the laundry didn’t get folded.

When & Where

Sydney – Capitol Theatre: Now playing
Melbourne – Princess Theatre: From 10 July
Tickets available here 

Red accessories encouraged.
Singing “Tomorrow” all the way home? Strongly supported