Just in time for the holiday season, America’s favorite inspirational, curly-haired orphan is making a reappearance on Broadway — and she has a lot to live up to.

Expectations are high as the audience members take their seats, with enthusiastic children littered throughout the theater. Their enthusiasm is contagious, a feeling that only strengthens as the orchestra opens with a powerful brass medley before the curtain, made of hanging laundry, rises to reveal the cleverly crafted one-dimensional set.

But the feeling of awe and childlike giddiness does not last for very long. There is no denying that this Annie (Lilla Crawford) is a vocal powerhouse. With a strong, commanding voice that was made to be showcased Crawford will doubtless be an excellent professional singer one day, but her performance as Annie is a bit like the set: one dimensional. Read more.