This was a Disney made for TV movie version of the Broadway musical Annie. It is by far the best version on video. The cast led by Victor Garber and Kathy Bates is fantastic. Audra McDonald plays Grace Farrel. It is very obvious from her performance here why she won three Tony awards before she turned 30. Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cummings also are great as well. Clearly, you will never see a cast this good on Broadway. There is also a cameo appearance by Andrea McArdle, Broadway's original Annie. She still has the charisma she displayed as Annie.
With such a strong cast it is almost impossible for Disney not to make a good movie. However in 1982, the first film version of the play was made with also an all-star cast, and it failed. This TV-movie succeeds. The stage and look are wonderful. Kudos to Disney.
With such a strong cast it is almost impossible for Disney not to make a good movie. However in 1982, the first film version of the play was made with also an all-star cast, and it failed. This TV-movie succeeds. The stage and look are wonderful. Kudos to Disney.