Theater

By 1977, I was self-programmed to think Sondheim was God, and initially I sniffed at Annie, so full of hope and memorable tunes. But really, who could resist the charms of the little red-haired girl? From the snappy rhythms of "It's a Hard Knock Life" to the cheer of "You're Never Fully Dressed" to the anthemic "Tomorrow," the show about the world's pluckiest orphan had us leaving the theater singing the songs and Annie's praises.

If the musical, by Charles Strouse and Thomas Meehan, was a tasty dose of nostalgia in 1977, it's a double dose now. Wait, make that a triple: The current tour features yester-TV favorites Conrad John Schuck (McMillan and Wife) as Daddy Warbucks, and MacKenzie Phillips (One Day at a Time) as the saucy Lily St. Regis.

It's like having an old friend in town. You haven't seen her for nearly 30 years, and it's time to get reacquainted. She was always terrific company, comfortable and funny, and somehow you know she wears her years lightly (even if you don't).

Annie, Tue.-Wed., Nov. 22-23, 7:30 p.m., through Nov. 27, $25-$90, Cadillac Broadway at the Academy series, Academy of Music, 300 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999.