"Audiences still get a handful of winning orphans, some nifty sets and a bevy of familiar tunes — from 'You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile' to 'It’s the Hard Knock Life' to 'Maybe,' which Issie Swickle, as Annie, performs in suitably heart-tugging style. It’s likely that no one needs to hear another chorus of 'Tomorrow,' but Ms. Swickle renders it with a laudable lack of mawkishness...The production gets a boost from its surroundings."
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"This tour is a purer and more honest one that reveals most of the simple pleasures in this modern minor-landmark work. The story is rendered in crisp and clear terms that put the focus where it should be: on the people...'Annie' may never again have quite the complex allure that made it famous, but this production makes a cozy case for it as a fusion of elements that can amuse and affect."
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"This touring production is perfectly fine, albeit not quite as visually stunning as the 2012 revival. A 25-member company does what’s necessary to squeeze this schmaltzily endearing show for all its worth. Lynn Andrews’s Miss Hannigan, the...mean-spirited orphanage head, steals the spotlight. Andrews manages to make the character’s nastiness funny enough so we don’t really hate her, and she knows how to shake her considerable booty around with the grace of an overstuffed Giselle Kirkland."
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"'Annie' hits all the right notes that a beloved slice of American cornpone should, and in trying times, it’s nice to be reminded that the sun will indeed come out, tomorrow."
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"Whaddya wanna know? I'd venture it's whether the latest bus-and-truck 'Annie' delivers the full 'Annie' experience....The answer is yes...The people who put this show together know what they are doing, and have done for decades."
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"Charnin’s direction leaves a little to be desired: one can tell it’s his umpteenth time at the rodeo from the mainly uninspired staging. Liza Gennaro’s choreography is well-executed but at times reeks of middle school show choir, even where adults are concerned. And as Annie, Swickle tries hard but fails to hold some of her longer notes, and doesn’t really engage with other actors unless she is speaking or singing at that very moment."
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"It seemed to be a hit — especially among the bevy of excited children clutching little red-haired dolls...The knockout stage set was absolutely breathtaking. But it's the music that reigns: Charles Strouse's enduring melodies, accompanied by the sentimental lyrics could easily melt any grumpy heart...At times, I wanted instant replays. 'Annie' is sugary, almost achingly sweet, and it's impossible to watch it and not smile or, doggone it, wag your tail in appreciation."
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"A swell production that succeeds in delivering its message tied up in cheery holiday wrapping and with a sprightly Annie...This energetic 'Annie' doesn’t skimp on unpalatable realities yet it leaves you uplifted and humming more songs than you realized you knew...There were lags in the show, which runs about 2½ hours with intermission, and at those times I found myself nitpicking."
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