Optimism.

It is a quality in short supply across the land these days, but if it is something you crave, take a cue from a spunky carrot-topped orphan who inspires optimism in a Depression-era Hooverville of homeless souls as well as in FDR and his presidential cabinet.
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I’m referring, of course, to the musical Annie, currently receiving a near-perfect production at Boca Raton’s Wick Theatre, headlined by an anything-for-a-laugh clown named Sally Struthers as alcoholic, child-detesting orphanage matron, Aggie Hannigan. The Wick has had its troubles over the years injecting box office names into its shows, but Struthers is the casting choice that demonstrates how successful such a commercial strategy can be.

Sally Struthers as a hissy Miss Hannigan and her nemesis “little girls” stole the show at The Wick’s “Annie” opening night.

The Broadway musical runs through Dec. 23 at the professional theater on Federal Highway if you haven’t been there before.

The “All in the Family” actress hisses and whistle blows her way through the Miss Hannigan role. Even her socks are funny. The audience belly-laughed her every move. Worth the ticket price just to see her dismantle a doll.

Executive producer Marilynn Wick told the audience the orphans were locals. That means there’s enough talent here to satisfy an audience used to New York theater. The kids were a great ensemble. But the youngest and smallest, Emily Jewel Hoder, stood out.
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Not to ignore Daddy Warbucks and Annie herself. Both George Dvosrsky and Peyton Ella have major theatrical credits. It shows. His includes Broadway and she was on NBC’s “Sound of Music Live.” Both project good solid voices and stage presence and own their parts in the show.

BroadwayWorld is taking our readers behind the scenes of The Muny's production of ANNIE today on our Instagram!

Tune in when the Peyton Ella, who plays Broadway's favorite Orphan takes over our Instagram story to give you a behind the scenes look at what it takes to put on a musical at the world's largest outdoor musical theatre!
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Peyton Ella is honored to be at the MUNY! Credits include: NBC's Sound of Music LIVE w Carrie Underwood (Gretl), role of Annie, Paper Mill Playhouse & Westchester Broadway Theater, Grey Gardens (Lee Bouvier) Ahmanson Theater, Los Angeles, PBS' Live from Lincoln Center: the NY Philharmonic's production of ShowBoat (young Kim), The Late Show w Stephen Colbert(performance w Matthew Broderick, CBS) Gypsy (Netflix), Whistle Down the Wind's LIVE concert recording at 54 Below, NYC (Broadway Records) ,School of Rock (Summer) & A Little Princess, KOTA (Off-Broadway, Signature Theater). Gratitude to MUNY creative team John, Mike, Colin, & Megan, coaches Bob Marks & Amelia DeMayo, Eddie Rabon. Love to my parents, siblings Alexis, Madison, Taylor & Elliot, whose Kinky Boots family is my inspiration. Dedicated to NuNu, Mimi & Poppy, Martin Charnin & the late Thomas Meehan. Peyton is thrilled to be following in the footsteps of her mother, who played an orphan & the title role of Annie in the original Broadway production.

The story of the red-headed orphan who escapes the wrath of Miss Hannigan for a trip to meet millionaire Oliver Warbucks has charmed audiences of stage (and screen) for decades. The Muny production directed by John Tartaglia also stars Peyton Ella is Annie, two-time Tony nominee Christopher Sieber as Daddy Warbucks, Tony nominee Jennifer Simard as Miss Hannigan, Holly Ann Butler as Lily, Jon Rua as Rooster, and John Scherer as FDR.
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From its massive size (it takes a lot longer to cross from stage left to right) to its quick rehearsal period (11 days!) to performing under changing lighting as the sun sets on Forest Park, Coleman spoke to Playbill about her inaugural Muny experience, what makes this Annie special, and why she thinks she’s gonna like it here.

Read the full article on The Hudson Independant here!

Peyton Ella is currently appearing in ANNIE - learn all about it on her ANNIE AT WBT page.  

KOTA presents, Lyrics for Life, at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center on Sat, March 19th at 7:30 PM.

​Hosted by Madisyn Shipman ("Game Shakers", Broadway's Enron) and Casey Simpson ("Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn"), the event features talent from TV, film, Broadway, singer/songwriters, dancers, and musicians. Directed by Laura Luc, with the evening features music direction by Ed Bell.

Proceeds will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, an organization that raises awareness, funds scientific research and provides resources and aid to those affected by suicide.

READ in Broadway World.


Tickets range from $25-$65. Call the Box Office at (323) 964-9766 or purchase online at www.LyricsforLife-LA.com.