Reviewed by Beate Birzniece

The sun has come out at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre with the dazzling revival of Annie, and it’s nothing short of spectacular. The timelessly beloved story of the vibrantly optimistic Annie has taken the stage once again in Sydney, reimagined with fresh choreography and vibrant sets, captivating audiences across all ages. 

It was a crisp Sydney evening, and as the golden lights of the Capitol Theatre twinkled like stars over Campbell Street, a buzzing crowd of all ages gathered in excited anticipation. 

From wide-eyed kids clutching Annie dolls to seasoned theatre lovers sipping bubbly at the bar, you could feel it in the air: this wasn’t just a night out, it was an event.

The iconic Capitol Theatre, already a jewel in Sydney’s cultural crown, transformed into a glowing beacon of warmth and wonder. The lavish sculptures, ornate star flecked ceilings, and a soft hum of conversation set the perfect stage for the return of Annie. 

And let me tell you, this isn’t just any production. This is the Annie of 2025, a reimagined delight that delivers charm, heart and goosebumps by the dozen.

From the moment the orchestra struck those first hopeful notes and the spotlight caught the silhouette of a tiny girl with a mighty voice, the audience was spellbound.

The utterly sensational Dakota Chanel has delivered the performance of the year. Dakota doesn’t just play Annie. She becomes her. She channels every ounce of optimism, grit and innocence that makes this character widely original and iconic. Her voice? Clear as crystal and bursting with soul. Her energy? Boundless. Her stage presence? That of a seasoned star, with the wide-eyed heart of a dreamer. When she launched into “Tomorrow,” not a single dry eye could be spotted: just a sea of smiles and a few hopeful sniffles.

But Annie never walks alone. And this production brings together a dream team of talent, starting with Anthony Warlow, returning triumphantly as the steely but soft-hearted ‘Daddy’ Warbucks. Warlow’s portrayal is warm, layered and effortlessly charismatic and his on-stage chemistry with Dakota is electric, at times tender, at times joyful but always genuine.

Then there’s the incredibly captivating and sassy Debora Krizak as Miss Hannigan, who commands the stage with comic genius and just the right dose of menace. Her rendition of “Little Girls” was a wickedly wonderful delight. Pair her with Keanu Gonzalez as the slick Rooster and Mackenzie Dunn as the energetic Lily St. Regis, and you’ve got a trio of troublemakers that sizzle on stage during “Easy Street.”

Let’s not forget the magic of Amanda Lea LaVergne as Grace Farrell, whose poise and presence offer a perfect counterbalance to the chaos. And yes, even the President himself, played with gusto by Greg Page, gets swept up in Annie’s infectious hope.

Thanks to director Karen Johnson Mortimer and choreographer Mitchell Woodcock, the show bursts with fresh energy while honouring its timeless roots. The choreography is crisp, the pacing electric, and the transitions between scenes, especially in the lively N.Y.C. number, seem almost cinematic, often feeling like you’ve entered the magical world of New York City. 

Visually, the show is a feast. From the gritty orphanage floors to the grandeur of Warbucks’ mansion, every set piece is richly detailed and alive with atmosphere.

And the orphans. These young performers are a tour de force. They radiate charisma and camaraderie, their harmonies tight, their moves slick, their timing impeccable. These kids are set to be the future of Australian theatre and they’re already lighting it up like a Christmas tree. When they launched into “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” the theatre shook with applause and cheers as their vocals flew through the space. 

A special shout-out goes to Sandy the dog, who padded onstage to a collective “aw” from the audience, tail wagging and stage-ready. Even the canine casting is on point!

What makes Annie so enduring is its central message: hope, no matter how dark the days, is always worth holding onto. And in today’s world, this story lands with extra sparkle and significance. This production doesn’t just tug at the heartstrings, it grabs you by the soul and lifts you sky-high.

By the time the curtain fell, the Capitol Theatre had turned into a temple of joy. Standing ovations, whoops of delight and a buzz that followed patrons out into the Sydney night: Annie had delivered on every promise and more.

Final thoughts? Run, don’t walk, to get tickets. This is more than a musical. It’s a bright, beautiful hug wrapped in song and dance. Dakota Chanel is a revelation, the entire cast a dream, and the production itself a love letter to resilience and joy. It’s not just about “Tomorrow”, it’s about making tonight unforgettable.

What: Annie the Musical

Where: Capitol Theatre

When: Now! 

To find out more and to book tickets Click Here