A Classic Show for a Perfect Holiday Getaway -- ANNIE at Stratford
- John Sloan III
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
The Stratford Festival's ANNIE runs through December 14th
*Sponsored Content
It’s December — that time of year when families gather around the TV and replay holiday classics. A Christmas Carol, Rudolph, A Year Without a Santa Claus — these are the films many of us return to every season. More modern family hits like Toy Story and The Incredibles follow the same winning formula: youthful energy and clearly accessible representation for children, paired with sly, layered humor and emotional depth for those of us with graying hair.
In many ways, the classic musical ANNIE does the exact same thing — and Stratford’s radiant production is a wonderful chance to experience that magic live before the Festival closes this season.
Picture this: you’re a kid again, or watching with one, and a character on screen or stage says something that makes both of you laugh — but for different reasons. That’s the sweet spot of family entertainment. Modern classics like Toy Story and The Incredibles thrive because they give children vivid protagonists they can relate to while slipping into the storytelling a dose of adult wit and emotional depth. ANNIE — with its bright songs, heroic optimism, and wry comedic tone — is a musical ancestor to that approach. Stratford’s production captures that spirit, making it ideal for a holiday family outing.
A quick history (just in case you’ve been living under a rock)
Annie premiered on Broadway in 1977, adapted from Harold Gray’s Little Orphan Annie comic strip. With music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan, the musical quickly became a cultural fixture. Its signature tune — “Tomorrow” — and its irrepressible optimism have kept it a family favorite for decades.
The musical follows the plucky orphan Annie, who lives in a harsh orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Fate brings Annie into the orbit of wealthy benefactor Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, who helps search for Annie’s family and eventually finds a new, loving home for her. Along the way are high-stakes moments, big-hearted friendships, and songs that remind us why hope feels like the best holiday gift.
The story has been refreshed for new audiences on screen (notably the 2014 film with Quvenzhané Wallis, Jamie Foxx, and Audra McDonald) and reimagined onstage by generations of creative teams — which is part of why Annie still feels both familiar and alive.
Stratford’s staging turns the musical’s cheer up visually and physically: vivid, candy-colored costumes bring Annie’s world to life, while clever, kinetic choreography keeps the action moving from orphanage shenanigans to high-spirited crowd numbers. The production is buoyed by a vibrant, energetic ensemble of adult and youth performers — the kind of company that sells every group number, makes the dance sequences snap, and gives the quieter scenes real emotional weight. For families, that mix of visual spectacle, propulsive movement, and an exuberant company means there’s always something onstage for kids to marvel at and for adults to admire.
More than a show — a weekend gift (and Stratford isn’t just for summers)
Stratford is the kind of town that turns a night at the theatre into a small, restorative holiday weekend. Think river walks, cozy cafés, and the slow rhythm of a place where you can linger after a performance and talk about what you saw. Stratford isn’t only a summer destination; its quieter months make for ideal holiday escapes — fewer crowds, relaxed pacing, and more time to savor a single show or build a two-night theatre weekend. For many Michiganders, the short trip across the border is not only convenient but culturally nourishing: a ritual that combines artistry and community in a compact, memorable package (and it’s an easy two-to-three-hour drive for many Michigan families).
Stratford’s outreach and accessibility programs, its educational offerings, and the Festival’s longstanding connection with Michigan audiences mean a visit can be as much about discovery as it is about entertainment. Whether you’re introducing a child to live musical theatre for the first time or returning to Stratford because it feels like home, ANNIE is the kind of show that rewards the trip.
This production of ANNIE is a final opportunity this season to enjoy Stratford’s staging of a beloved classic. So take your kids, their friends, your parents, or even drag your oddly grumpy Scrooge of a neighbor. Whether old or young, this production promises to be a burst of excitement this holiday season.
And for more on why Stratford has such a special pull for Michigan audiences, Encore Michigan’s feature “Stratford & Michigan: A Cultural Connection Across Borders” explains the cross-border relationship and why Stratford has long been enjoyed by Michigan residents.
