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![\"Annie](\"https:\/\/forallevents.com\/reviews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AnnieSandie.jpg\")
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\nHope, humor, and heart light up the stage.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
A Joyous and Heartfelt Kick-Off to the Holiday Season<\/strong><\/p>\n Berkeley Playhouse opens its holiday season with a bright and beautifully staged production that reminds us why this story continues to resonate across generations. Directed and choreographed by Megan McGrath, the show balances heart, humor, and a professional polish that brings Broadway energy to the Julia Morgan stage.<\/p>\n Story Line<\/strong><\/p>\n Set in Depression-era New York, the musical follows Annie, an irrepressible orphan who refuses to give up hope of finding her parents. Her optimism catches the attention of billionaire Oliver \u201cDaddy\u201d Warbucks, whose generosity transforms not only Annie\u2019s life but his own. Filled with classic songs \u2014 \u201cIt\u2019s the Hard Knock Life,\u201d \u201cEasy Street,\u201d<\/em> and the timeless \u201cTomorrow\u201d<\/em> \u2014 Annie<\/em> celebrates courage, love, and belonging.<\/p>\n On Stage<\/strong><\/p>\n The Annie I saw, Emma Jilizian, delivered a standout performance \u2014 confident, natural, and filled with charm. She commands the stage with an ease that makes you forget her age. The role is shared with Cara Impallomeni, another talented young performer alternating as Annie on select nights, continuing Berkeley Playhouse\u2019s long tradition of nurturing exceptional youth talent.<\/p>\n Brendan Simon gives Warbucks both authority and warmth, Melinda Meeng adds grace and poise as his secretary Grace Farrell, and Sarah Bylsma steals every scene as Miss Hannigan \u2014 delightfully over-the-top but never cartoonish. The production bursts with charm, laughter, and the timeless message that courage and kindness can change lives.<\/p>\n The musical direction by Daniel Alley and choreography by Hannah Martinez-Crow give the show a professional rhythm and energy. Set design, lighting, and costumes evoke the period beautifully, shifting from the shadowy orphanage to the gleam of Warbucks\u2019s mansion with cinematic ease.<\/p>\n Cast Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n This is a large and impressive company. Liam Cody and Maia Campbell bring humor and flair to Rooster and Lily, while Adam Saville adds warmth as President Roosevelt. The ensemble works together with precision and joy, and the alternating youth casts perform with remarkable confidence.<\/p>\n Add in Mac and Penny, the two well-trained dogs alternating as Sandy, and you have a cast of 38 performers \u2014 36 actors and two four-legged scene-stealers.<\/p>\n I went in expecting a cute, good-hearted show \u2014 and was completely surprised by the professional quality of the performances and production. The precision of the choreography, the clarity of the vocals, and the level of ensemble discipline are all exceptional. With nearly 40 performers on stage, there are a lot of moving parts here \u2014 and it all works!<\/p>\n Berkeley Playhouse consistently brings heart, talent, and high production standards to its stage \u2014 and this Annie<\/em> is a perfect example.<\/p>\n Themes & Takeaway<\/strong><\/p>\n Beyond the laughs and music, this Annie<\/em> shines because it feels genuine. It\u2019s about optimism, kindness, and the belief that family can be found in unexpected places. The story may be set in the 1930s, but its message \u2014 that hope endures \u2014 feels especially welcome now.<\/p>\n Annie reminds us that even in hard times, love and optimism can light the way.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Audiences of all ages will leave the theater smiling, humming \u201cTomorrow,\u201d<\/em> and maybe feeling just a little lighter.<\/p>\n Musical Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n The show runs two and a half hours with intermission and moves quickly from start to finish. Familiar songs like \u201cMaybe,\u201d \u201cEasy Street,\u201d \u201cYou\u2019re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,\u201d<\/em> and \u201cA New Deal for Christmas\u201d<\/em> are performed with freshness and style. The orchestra, under Daniel Alley\u2019s direction, gives the score warmth and momentum without overpowering the singers.<\/p>\n Full Song List<\/strong><\/p>\n ACT I<\/strong> ACT II<\/strong> Performances<\/strong> Berkeley Playhouse<\/em> Tickets<\/strong> Purchase<\/strong> An outstanding production that blends heart, humor, and Broadway-level professionalism \u2014 a treat for all ages.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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\nAnnie, Daddy Warbucks, Miss Hannigan, and Sandy the dog star in this heartwarming holiday production.<\/em><\/p>\n
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\nPhoto Credit: Berkeley Playhouse<\/span><\/p>\n
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\n\u25bc click to see<\/span><\/strong><\/summary>\n
\nOverture \u2014 Orchestra
\nMaybe \u2014 Annie, Orphans
\nHard Knock Life \u2014 Annie, Orphans
\nHard Knock Life (Reprise) \u2014 Orphans
\nTomorrow \u2014 Annie
\nHooverville \u2014 Ensemble
\nLittle Girls \u2014 Miss Hannigan
\nLittle Girls (Reprise) \u2014 Miss Hannigan
\nI Think I\u2019m Gonna Like It Here \u2014 Grace, Annie, Ensemble
\nN.Y.C. \u2014 Warbucks, Grace, Annie, Star-to-Be, Ensemble
\nEasy Street \u2014 Rooster, Miss Hannigan, Lily
\nWhy Should I Change a Thing? \u2014 Warbucks
\nYou Won\u2019t Be an Orphan for Long \u2014 Grace, Warbucks, Ensemble
\nMaybe (Reprise) \u2014 Annie<\/p>\n
\nEntr\u2019acte \u2014 Annie, Orchestra
\nYou\u2019re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile \u2014 Bert Healy, Boylan Sisters
\nYou\u2019re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile (Reprise) \u2014 Orphans
\nEasy Street (Reprise) \u2014 Rooster, Miss Hannigan, Lily
\nTomorrow (Cabinet Reprise) \u2014 Annie, Roosevelt, Warbucks, Cabinet
\nSomething Was Missing \u2014 Warbucks
\nI Don\u2019t Need Anything But You \u2014 Warbucks, Annie, Ensemble
\nSame Effect on Everyone \u2014 Annie
\nA New Deal for Christmas \u2014 Company
\nBows \u2014 Company<\/p>\n<\/details>\n
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\nNovember 7 \u2013 December 21, 2025
\nFridays \u2013 Sundays + select weekday evenings<\/p>\n
\nJulia Morgan Theater
\n2640 College Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704<\/p>\n
\n$29 (previews) \u2022 $19 \u2013 $55 (regular) + $3.95 vendor fee per ticket
\nGroup rates available for 10 or more people.
\nPrices subject to change without notice.<\/p>\n
\n(510) 845-8542 ext. 351
\nwww.berkeleyplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n
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