Actress from Original Broadway Production of ‘Annie’ to Direct National Tour

When Jenn Thompson landed the role of Pepper in the original Broadway production of “Annie,” she felt like she had “hit the lottery,” she says.

“It was every little girl actress’ dream to be a part of this astounding, moving, mega-hit musical,” Thompson remembers of taking on the rollicking musical numbers in this female-driven production.

Now she will help tell Little Orphan Annie’s story on stage again – only this time, as director of the Broadway musical’s national tour.

Thompson will not only draw from her personal love for this musical, she says, but also from the precious insights she gleaned while working under the musical’s original director Martin Charnin, whose uplifting production of “Annie” earned seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Book.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to inherit this legacy from its original creators, all of whom shaped and influenced me in too many ways to enumerate,” Thompson says.

With this heartwarming musical visiting The Smith Center November 22 to 27, Thompson plans to honor Charnin’s legacy by presenting “Annie” in its classic form.

This includes showcasing the musical’s electrifying choreography, its upbeat songs like “Hard-Knock Life” and “Tomorrow” – and its message of unfailing optimism that has lifted the world’s spirits for decades.

“The fact that these gorgeous life-lessons reside in such a beautifully built and wonderfully entertaining show, only further makes the case for why ‘Annie’ never disappoints and always inspires,” Thompson says.

Surprises in Store

Most audiences grew up with Annie and her spunky band of friends through film versions of her story, particularly the Oscar-nominated 1982 movie co-starring Carol Burnett and Bernadette Peters.

But fans of the film can expect some surprises in the live musical.

Of course, audiences will still enjoy the exploits of familiar characters like Annie, her dog Sandy, Daddy Warbucks and Miss. Hannigan. But the Broadway production features a variety of different plot elements from the film, including a different ending. The musical also offers a variety of energizing songs not included in the movie.

On top of this, the musical takes place during Christmas, offering festive decorations, costuming and melodies that will help Southern Nevadans ring in the holiday season.

“To be entrusted, along with my incredible creative team, with presenting (Annie) to a new generation is the honor of my career,” Thompson says.

A Message of Optimism in Challenging Times

With its plucky characters and lively songs, “Annie” remains a strong draw for audiences of all ages, Thompson says, ideal for children’s first introduction to live theater.

“As a mother myself, I know that sophisticated family fare is always at a premium,” Thompson says.

But she expects the musical to especially resonate with adults, due to its themes of remaining hopeful under the hardest circumstances.

Many will surely find this relevant to the challenges from the past years of the pandemic, she notes.

“For decades, ‘Annie’ has continued to shine brightly, not only as an appeal to our better angels, but also an example of the thrill of hope, hard-won,” Thompson says. “Her brand of optimism isn’t some empty-headed cliché. It is a choice. A calling. A light turned on, in a cold, dark night. And my goodness, don’t we need her now, more than ever?”

SEE THE SHOW

“Annie” runs November 22 to 27 at The Smith Center – for tickets, CLICK HERE.