When favourite Aussie musical star Anthony Warlow takes to the Annie stage as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, it will be his fourth time playing the iconic character. He said this time, he has the gravitas and experience to bring out the best in Daddy Warbucks.
“When the show was offered, first of all I said well now I actually feel like the right age for it,” Warlow laughed when chatting to The AJN. “When we started and I first did it, I was a sapling; I looked like the son of Daddy Warbucks. And while we did it, I did the role and sang it, each time I’ve had the opportunity to revisit it, I’ve found more gravitas in the role, which is what I try to find in most of the characters that I play. And now, I’m fairly grounded as a human being. I think there’s less angst about performing this role. The dialogue is sweet, it’s not complex, but it can be coloured with some backstories, as we say in the acting professions, to fill the character with some interest. And I think I’ve got that naturally now, so I don’t have to search too much to find it.”
Few shows have captured hearts quite like Annie.
This beloved tale of a spirited orphan’s journey from hardship to happiness continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, and Australia is once again embracing the iconic musical as it returns to our shores.
Annie endures largely due to its broad appeal.
As Warlow points out, it’s generational. “People are inviting and introducing their kids and grandchildren to the show, and while some people might say it’s dated, it does have a universality about it.”
Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the story follows eleven-year-old Annie as she escapes the clutches of the cruel orphanage matron Miss Hannigan and finds an unexpected home with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Through Annie’s unwavering belief that “the sun will come out tomorrow,” the musical delivers a powerful message about hope and resilience that transcends generations.
As Warlow explained, the crux of the show, and the reason it resonates with so many people, is Annie herself. “[It’s] the tenacity and the joy that this one individual brings to life,” Warlow described. “She is the constant optimist in a world at the time … it was a pessimistic time in the world. There’s the hope that this child brings to society.”
Warlow described a particular scene in Hooverville where the poor are in their shelters and they’ve lost the will and want to be happy. And in comes this child who views life so positively: “They constantly question her, you know ‘what are these newspapers for blankets’ and she says ‘well, you can read in bed’.”
Warlow said it’s the same with Annie and Daddy Warbucks, explaining that she comes in and opens his eyes to what life is really all about. “He changes; she changes him,” he said. “The universal story is hope and joy, and it’s just an uplifting story. She is the catalyst to the uplift.”
Warlow will be joined on stage by original yellow Wiggle Greg Page, who will be playing the role of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Debra Krizak as Miss Hannigan and Amanda Lea LaVergne as Grace Farrell. Four young performers, who Warlow describes as “extraordinary”, will share the titular role of Annie.
Also joining the cast is 8-year-old Emanuel student Yasha Galperin, who will be sharing the role of Kate.
Galperin is very proud of the achievement. “I’ve watched the Annie movies so many times since I was four years old. I can’t believe that I’m actually going to be performing in Annie, at the Capitol Theatre, in front of all my friends and family.”
“The universal story is hope and joy, and it’s just an uplifting story. She is the catalyst to the uplift…” – Anthony Warlow
While Galperin said she’s excited about the red carpet – “of course” – she’s enjoying making new friends during rehearsals and is most excited to be on stage.
Behind the spectacle of Annie, which has won seven Tony Awards and been performed in more than 22 countries worldwide, lies a story with surprising depth. The musical explores themes of found family, economic inequality, and social responsibility – topics that remain remarkably relevant today.
When the show first premiered on Broadway in 1977, it captured the zeitgeist of a nation recovering from economic challenges and seeking optimism. And today, its message of perseverance through adversity continues to strike a chord with audiences.
One of the most awarded and loved musicals of all time, with its iconic score featuring classics like It’s the Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street and Tomorrow, Annie is truly a timeless masterpiece.
As it returns to Australian theatres, it brings both nostalgia and comfort to those who grew up with the story, and a fresh introduction to new generations.
But most of all, it will bring joy to all who sit in the audience, especially to those waiting for the sun to come out once again.
Annie will be playing at The Capitol Theatre, Sydney, from March 25. For tickets, visit anniemusical.com.au
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