By AJ Jaffari

What happens when a little red-headed orphan steals the stage? Annie at Palo Alto Players delivers joy, laughter, and a healthy dose of nostalgia, proving that this timeless musical still has plenty of heart to go around. Few shows are as iconic as Annie—from its instantly recognizable songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard-Knock Life” to its enduring message of optimism in the face of hardship. Palo Alto Players honors that legacy while adding a spark of fresh energy that makes this production feel both classic and new.

Set in Depression-era New York, Annie follows the plucky orphan determined to find her parents but instead discovers the true meaning of family. Surrounded by a colorful cast of characters—from the larger-than-life Miss Hannigan to the kindhearted Oliver Warbucks—Annie’s story continues to resonate with audiences young and old. This production captures that magic beautifully, balancing humor, warmth, and heart with the kind of theatrical joy that reminds you why Annie remains one of Broadway’s most beloved shows.

Palo Alto Players continues to be such a force in the Bay Area theater scene, known for their larger-than-life productions and their consistent ability to deliver high-quality community theater. Annie is no exception. With a generously sized cast, the stage felt full of life and energy, supported by some truly impressive production elements that brought the story to vibrant, joyful life.

At the heart of this production, the ensemble truly shines. This is a show that asks a lot of its ensemble, and I genuinely noticed each and every member on that stage. Too often, ensembles get overlooked or fade into the background—but not here. I found myself grinning through the big group numbers, watching how every performer brought their own personality and character to the moment. A special shoutout to friend of the pod, RoLo (Robert Lopez), and the wonderful star-in-the-making, Mercedes Dawnte Long, who both stood out in such memorable ways!

The trio of troublemakers—Miss Hannigan, Rooster, and Lily—were a joy to watch. Morgan Dayley brought some truly strong and memorable acting beats to Miss Hannigan, earning plenty of well-deserved laughs. Brandon Savage delivered just the right balance of charm and scheming as Rooster, making every moment he was onstage delightfully slippery. And finally, Vanessa Mendy shined as Lily, matching Rooster’s energy with a perfectly comedic voice and irresistible stage presence (and no, I’m not just saying that because she’s my dear friend 😉). Together, the three made every scene they shared a blast.

One thing’s for sure: artistic director Patrick Klein is a master of scenic design. I loved noticing how several of the larger set pieces were cleverly repurposed throughout the show—it’s the kind of thoughtful stagecraft that keeps the production feeling fresh and seamless. The real star of the design team for me, though, was Nolan Miranda’s costumes. Every single look was crafted with precision and care, and honestly, it’s rare for me to love every costume in a show—but this time, I did. The color palettes were spot-on, and each outfit felt perfectly suited to the character wearing it.

Edward Hunter nailed the lighting design once again, adding just the right glow and energy to every scene. And of course, a huge hand goes to the incredible orchestra led by Pamela Serrano, who brought this iconic score to life with true Broadway-level precision. This is a timeless show, and the music was handled with such care and richness that it deserves special recognition.

I truly hope you can make it out to see this one—it’s a heartwarming production made for the whole family.

Annie runs through November 23 and tickets are available here.