I have a theory that a reason McArdle was so successful in the role was because she was the first. She wasn't awestruck from seeing another girl play the role. She wasn't seduced by the potential to "shine" on stage as
ANNIE. She was a girl looking for a home, simple and heartfelt.
So many little girls know they can sing, know they can say the lines, know they look good in red and have a burning desire to dazzle on stage. They are so polished they come off as affected and insincere.
The best Annie I ever saw was an alternate in a community production. She wasn't the best singer, but you instantly CARED about whether she found a home or not.
ANNIE can either be an emotionally moving show with some good laughs or a boring showcase for child's developing ego.
I vote for Jackie Hoffman as Hannigan.
Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people. - Eleanor Roosevelt