I used to think I was alone in the world and that I was the only person who was obsessed with “Annie” when I was a kid. Now I am talking long before the show developed that scary cult status with little girls everywhere screaming their heads off, I am talking about the year 1977 when the original production was on Broadway.Safely tucked away in Dundee, Illinois, I was far away from the lights of Times Square and mid-70's New York. I really had no idea what New York was. I was more interested in movie musicals and to me showbiz meant Hollywood. So when Christmas, 1977 rolled around I flipped through the channels and stopped at the image of a young girl singing her heart out on what was called, “The Annie Christmas Special.” Here was Andrea McArdle, here was Broadway and New York City. Sky Rockets went off.
So here I was, fifteen going on sixteen and I was seriously obsessed with all things Broadway “Annie.” For Christmas I got a book that the director, Martin Charnin had written about the making of the musical. It became my bible. I played the cast album over and over again. I belted out “Tomorrow” and was determined to sing just as loud as Andrea. It was all about belting. Eventually Andrea grew too big for the role and went on to do other things. She played young Judy Garland in a TV movie. This was before video tape recorders so I had to settle with tape recording the show and taking still pictures off of the tv. Yes, I painstakingly set my camera up in front of the tv and snapped when appropriate.
Then the national tour arrived in Chicago. I saw the show atleast five times. Four with Mary K. Lombardi and once when she was ill, I saw Dana Tapper. I started collecting Annie memorabilia. I started writing to the cast and getting autographs. I was determined to get all the current Annie's autographs so I sent out letters decorated with hand drawn illustrations of the various Annies. Sarah Jessica Parker wrote me back with a signed letter and thanking me for the drawings and wanting me to design stationary for her. I hate to say it... I NEVER did and I owe her a drawing... someday... maybe... tomorrow?
Just nuts about “Annie.” People were just sick and tired of it. My term paper: “Annie, the making of a broadway musical,” my senior recital: a medley of “Annie” featuring freshman Sue Tynor dressed up in authentic costume that my Mom made with my specific instruction. Yes, I purchased a red curly wig... for SUE, but yes, I tried it on. Didn't try on the dress though, too small. Or did I? Oh, Lord... probably.
Anyone girl under the age of fifteen that visited the house ended up in the dress and wig and belting out “Maybe” or “Tomorrow” under my direction. My cousin Darcy, cousin Kathy, my friend Barb... I was always on the lookout for the perfect sandy haired dog...
Annie was what steered me towards pursuing musical theater in college. Annie was what got me interested in theater graphics and posters. Annie opened my eyes to what a life in the theater was like. I loved it.