The Sun Comes Out at Greater Boston Stage Company's "Annie"

We’re livin’ on easy street!

Greater Boston Stage Company presents the classic story of “Annie.” Set in 1930s New York City during the Great Depression, the story follows Annie, an optimistic redheaded orphan, who escapes from the orphanage and is taken in by billionaire Oliver Warbucks. She wishes to find her biological parents.

Leapin’ Lizards! The sun came out for Greater Boston Stage Company’s lively production of “Annie.” “Annie” has been performed countless times, but one thing I enjoyed about GBSC’s production is how it manages to find new interpretations of this endearing story.

Stepping into the rambunctious orphan’s shoes, Helen M. Brady is a sensation as Annie. Brady captures the resilience, playfulness, and spirit of the iconic character. The young actress excels in her musical performance of the hit song ‘Tomorrow.’ Annie is an exceptional and determined leader who refuses to give up.

“Annie” has several memorable characters. The ensemble is filled with dedicated and talented actors, all of whom sang and danced their hearts out.

As Oliver Warbucks, De’Lon Grant gave the character a compassionate, humble personality. Scenes between Annie and Warbucks are affectionate, especially in their song, ‘I Don’t Need Anyone but You.’

I never thought about it until now, but “Annie” is a tremendous example of chosen family. Annie, Warbucks, and Grace Ferrell (Tader Shipley) become their own tight-knit family. This should be recognized more.

Ceit Zwell is hilarious as the tyrannical, ready-to-explode Miss Hannigan, the orphanage director. She can never catch a break. Zwell’s reactions are comical, and she does an outstanding job in Hannigan’s signature number, ‘Little Girls.’

In enters Hannigan’s fiendish brother, Rooster, and his girlfriend Lily St. Regis, played magnificently by Mark Linehan and Kathy St. George. They make a notable evil trio, setting up their evil plan in ‘Easy Street.’

As I have said, and will continue to believe, no small part exists in the theater. The children’s ensemble who play the orphans have fantastic energy in ‘It’s a Hard Knock Life’ and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.”

I guess I haven’t seen the stage version of “Annie” enough, having often seen the JR. version. The adult ensemble has more to do than you think. The adult ensemble is remarkable and high-energy. ‘We’d Like to Thank You, Hubert Hoover’ was an enjoyable number.

Everyone brings enthusiastic energy and interpretations to their roles. Stephen Markarian doesn’t play the average butler, adding whimsical comedy to Drake.

And let’s not forget four-legged actor Gideon as Sandy. Gideon was obedient in all his scenes and made a special friend for Annie.

Tyler Rosati’s direction enacted a fun, imaginative show. “Annie” has been done countless times in the theater, but Rosati finds new moments to shine and recreate scenes. GBSC’s rendition has a lot of spunk.

I really like the set design. Katy Monthei’s set design has walls that open like a child’s storybook. All sets are drawn like children’s pictures. For example, Warbucks' mansion has a staircase, but when the walls open, they reveal drawings of a lamp, flowers on a table, and curtains. It invites audiences into the story through a child’s perspective.

“Annie” is well-known to several audiences. So many smiles lit up the auditorium. They also bopped their heads to the songs, orchestrated by music director Bethany Aiken.

Greater Boston Stage Company’s “Annie” is endearing, uplifting, and gets you singing all the famous songs. This is a show you’re not going to want to miss. Get your friends together and catch a show. You may want to see it twice as there are two young casts. Catch it playing at GBSC until Sunday, June 28.