Always a Day Away (Hayswood Theatre)

Annie Based on "Little Orphan Annie" Book By Thomas Meehan Lyrics by Martin Charnin Music by Charles Strouse Directed by Jami Weckstein Review by Brian Kennedy

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Looking for an adorable, fun-filled musical this weekend or next? Hayswood Theatre’s got one with the enjoyable musical Annie.

The Jami Weckstein-directed Annie features the precocious titular character (Maggie Schoenecke for Thursday’s performance) stuck in an orphanage after she was left there as a baby. The other orphans and her live a hard knock life under the most unpleasant attitude of Miss Hannigan (Susan Crocker). As Annie attempts to find her parents, she will encounter a Hooverville, a stray dog she named Sandy (Cooper LaCross) and the billionaire Warbucks (Dustin J. Mattingly). Even President Roosevelt (Jeff Mangum) will get involved.

Crocker was the clear winner in terms of overall performance. If the whistle-blowing wasn’t enough to get everyone’s attention, her mean, sarcastic attitude towards the orphans as well as the loathing of her own lack of standing in life was always entertaining. Crocker’s scheming with Rooster (Joshua Adcock) and Lily (Vivian Bullleit) to take advantage of Annie’s suddenly different situation was hilarious to watch unfold.

Annie and Warbucks’ chemistry was also great to see. Mattingly shows his acting range well as his character makes the most change during the musical, being disinterested in Annie at first before forming a believable father-daughter relationship as time passes. Their dancing together was a joy to watch.

For Annie, meanwhile, Schoenecke was perfectly cast. She’s only a fourth grader, but Schoenecke showcased a confidence well beyond her years. That confidence allowed Schoenecke to hold her own in all of her scenes, particularly her standing up to Hannigan. Her singing on the opening "Maybe" as well as "Tomorrow" were wonderfully adorable.

Also, the rest of the orphaned kids were charming onstage. It was evident early on and, especially during "Hard Knock Life," that these kids were having fun.

With the exception of the lethargic radio scene at the beginning of the Act II, the adults matched the kids energy throughout the rest of the musical.

The energy, adorable performances and a well-known storyline should help Hayswood Theatre have plenty of success the rest of their run with Annie.

Annie Hayswood Theatre

February 12-22 2026 115 S Capitol Ave

Corydon, IN hayswoodtheatre.org