0% found this document useful (0 votes)
436 views7 pages

Annie: A Short Play Script

Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
436 views7 pages

Annie: A Short Play Script

Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Annie: A Short Play

Duration: 30 minutes

Cast:

● Annie (Main Character)


● Miss Hannigan (Head of the Orphanage)
● Grace Farrell (Warbucks’ Secretary)
● Daddy Warbucks (Wealthy Businessman)
● Rooster (Miss Hannigan’s Brother)
● Lily St. Regis (Rooster’s Girlfriend)
● Orphans (Up to 15 children; including Molly)
● Servants (Up to 5; Butler, Maid, Cook)

Opening Scene: The Orphanage


Narrator:
(Spotlight on the narrator)
"In a rundown orphanage on the outskirts of the city, a group of young girls dreams of better days.
Among them is Annie, a spirited girl with an unshakable belief that her parents are out there
somewhere, waiting to take her home."

(Spotlight dims as the scene begins.)

(Stage: Beds on one side, a door at the back, and a desk on the other side. Thunder and lightning
sound effects as rain is heard outside.)

Orphan 1: (Tired, sitting on a bed) "Annie, it’s so cold in here."


Molly: (Sniffling) "I wish I had my mom here to keep me warm."
Orphan 2: (Whining) "We’re all orphans. No one’s coming for us."

Annie: (Standing up confidently) "That’s not true! I’m not an orphan! My parents will come for me.
They’re just...lost for now."
Orphan 3: (Doubtful) "Lost? Sure they are, Annie."
Molly: (Tearing up) "I wish mine were lost too..."

Annie: (Sitting beside Molly, comforting her) "Hey, Molly. You’ve got all of us, okay? We’re family too.
And someday, we’ll all get out of here."
Orphans: (Cheering up slightly) "Maybe..."

[Song: "Maybe" - Annie and Molly sing as Annie hugs and comforts Molly. The other orphans hum along
all while sitting in a circle.]
Miss Hannigan: (Storming in, loud and grumpy) "Up! All of you lazy girls! Time for chores!"
(The orphans scatter, cleaning the stage—sweeping, scrubbing, etc.)

Miss Hannigan: (To audience, exasperated) "Running this orphanage is the worst job in the world.
Always stuck with these girls!"

Grace Farrell: (Entering, calm and professional) "Good morning! I’m here on behalf of Mr. Warbucks to
adopt a child."

Miss Hannigan: (Sneering) "The billionaire, Mr. Warbucks? He sent you here?!"
(Annie’s ears perk up; she makes exaggerated expressions, catching Grace’s attention.)

Grace: (Glancing at Annie) "I am looking for a smart, cheerful young girl. About 12 years old."
Miss Hannigan: "Cheerful? These kids? Hah!"
(Annie steps forward, smiling brightly, trying to impress Grace.)

Grace: (Amused) "She seems like a good fit. I’ll take her."
Miss Hannigan: (Protesting) "You can’t just—"
Grace: (Firmly) "I can call the orphanage board if necessary."
Miss Hannigan: (Reluctantly) "Fine. Take her. Good luck!"

(The orphans cheer as Grace leads Annie out. Annie waves goodbye to her friends, while Miss Hannigan
mutters angrily.)

Scene 2: Warbucks’ Mansion


(As Annie leaves the orphanage with Grace, the narrator steps forward.)

Narrator:
"Against all odds, Annie’s optimism leads her to the grand mansion of Mr. Warbucks—a man who has
everything but happiness. Will Annie’s light bring warmth to his life, or will her search for her parents
dim her hopes of finding a family here?"

(The stage shifts to Warbucks’ mansion.)

(Stage: A grand room with a large table, chairs, and elegant decor. Annie and Grace arrive.)

Butler: (Opening the door) "Welcome to the Warbucks Mansion!"


Grace: (Introducing Annie) "This is Annie, the girl we have adopted."

Daddy Warbucks: (Entering, brisk and formal) "I thought you’d be a boy."
Annie: (Frowning slightly) "Sorry to disappoint you, mister."
Grace: (Quickly) "She’s a bright, charming young girl. I’m sure you’ll see that soon enough."

Daddy Warbucks: (Distracted) "Fine. Grace, show her around."


(Annie looks a little deflated but follows Grace.)
[Song: "I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here" - Grace, Annie, and the servants sing as they show Annie the
mansion. Annie gradually becomes more excited, while Warbucks watches from afar, still hesitant.]

Scene 3: Growing Closer


(Stage: Warbucks’ study. Annie sits cross-legged on the floor, reading a book while Warbucks works at
his desk. She glances at him and smiles.)

Annie: "You work all the time, Mr. Warbucks. Don’t you ever take a break?"
Daddy Warbucks: (Without looking up) "Breaks don’t build empires, Annie."
Annie: (Standing up) "But breaks can make life fun! Don’t you know any games?"

(She starts humming “Tomorrow” and twirls around the room. Warbucks watches out of the corner of
his eye, trying to stay stern but softening.)

Daddy Warbucks: (Sighing, setting down his pen) "Alright, what game are we playing now?"
Annie: (Giggling) "It’s not a game. It’s called ‘lighten up.’"

(She grabs his hands, pulling him into a simple dance. Warbucks resists at first but eventually spins her, a
small smile creeping onto his face.)

Annie: (After a moment, holding up her locket) "Do you think my parents could dance like this? They
gave me this locket before they left me. I know they’re out there somewhere."
(Warbucks hesitates, then kneels to look at the locket.)

Daddy Warbucks: "Annie...how about we try to find them? I’ll put out ads and offer a reward. If they’re
alive, we’ll bring them here."
Annie: (Eyes widening, emotional) "You mean it? You’d really do that for me?"
Daddy Warbucks: (Nodding, smiling faintly) "It’s the least I can do for someone who makes me...lighten
up."

(He rings a bell, and Grace enters.)

Daddy Warbucks: "Grace, get the papers. I want an announcement—$50,000 for information on Annie’s
parents."
Grace: "Yes, sir."

(As Grace exits, Warbucks looks at Annie. She beams, teary-eyed.)

Annie: "Thank you, Mr. Warbucks."


Daddy Warbucks: (Softly) "Don’t thank me yet, kid."

(Annie hums “Tomorrow” as Warbucks listens, a warm smile now fully on his face.)

(After Annie begins to win Warbucks’ heart, the narrator interjects during a quiet moment.)
Narrator:
"Annie’s charm slowly works its magic on Mr. Warbucks. In her, he finds something he never knew he
was missing—a sense of joy and purpose. But her locket, a symbol of her hope, reminds them both of
the family she still longs to find."

Scene 4: The Scheme


Narrator:
"News of the reward spreads like wildfire, reaching even the ears of Miss Hannigan’s scheming brother,
Rooster, and his girlfriend, Lily. What begins as a spark of hope for Annie becomes a plot filled with
danger and deception."

(Scene shifts to Miss Hannigan’s office.)

(Miss Hannigan’s Office. Rooster and Lily enter, plotting.)

Rooster: "Sis, here’s the plan: we pretend to be Annie’s parents and take Warbucks’ reward money!"
Lily: "We’ll be rich!"

(The orphans overhear from the hallway and rush to Grace.)

Orphan 1: "Miss Grace! Miss Hannigan and those two are planning something bad!"
Grace: "Don’t worry, I’ll handle this."

Scene 5: The Big Reveal


(Back at the mansion. Rooster and Lily, disguised, arrive to claim Annie.)

Grace: (Interrupting) "Stop! They’re lying!"


(The police arrive, arresting Rooster, Lily, and Miss Hannigan.)

Grace: (Gently to Annie) "Annie, we found out your real parents...they passed away a long time ago."
Annie: (Tearing up) "Oh..."

Daddy Warbucks: (Stepping forward) "Annie, I thought I was just helping you find your family. But now, I
realize...you are my family. Will you stay with me?"

Annie: (Smiling through tears) "Yes!"


(Warbucks hugs her as the cast gathers.)

Narrator:

"In a world filled with challenges, Annie’s unshakable hope reminds us that even in the darkest of times,
tomorrow is only a day away."
[Song: "Tomorrow" (Finale) - Everyone sings, celebrating hope and family.]
Annie - Songs
1) Maybe
[Link] [0:00-0:59]

Maybe far away


Or maybe real nearby
He may be pouring her coffee
She may be straightening his tie
Maybe in a house
All hidden by a hill
She's sitting playing piano
He's sitting paying a bill
Betcha they're young
Betcha they're smart
Bet they collect things
Like ashtrays and art
Betcha they're good
Why shouldn't they be?
Their one mistake
Was giving up me

2) I think I’m gonna like it here


[Link] [00:00- 1:25]
I think I'm gonna like it here!
I think I'm gonna like it
I'm sure I'm gonna like it
I think I'm gonna like it here!
So, think it and it shall appear
A: I think I'm gonna like it here
G: Because it knows just what you want to see
A. Wait! I think about it and it comes to me?!
G: Here's something grand for you to play
A: Wait! I couldn't do that yesterday!
I think I'm gonna like it here
G: It's very hard not to, my dear
Yes! Yes! I think I'm gonna like it here
Yes! Yes! I think I'm gonna like it here
Think I'm gonna like it here
I think I'm gonna like it here
Yes! Yes! I think I'm gonna like it here
Yes! Yes! I think I'm gonna like it here
Think I'm gonna like it here

3) Tomorrow (Annie’s solo version)


[Link] [00:00-1:00]
The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar
That tomorrow there'll be sun
Just thinkin' about
Tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs
And the sorrow 'til there's none
When I'm stuck with a day
That's gray and lonely
I just stick out my chin
And grin and say, oh
The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
'Til tomorrow come what may
Tomorrow, tomorrow
I love ya tomorrow
You're always, a day away

4) Tomorrow [Finale Version]


[Link] [00:00-1:16]
Lyrics remain the same.

Common questions

Powered by AI

Music in the play emphasizes Annie's emotional resilience and optimism. "Maybe" expresses her longing for her parents and belief in their future reunion, creating a foundation of hope despite her current circumstances . "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here" marks Annie's transition to a new life at Warbucks' mansion, highlighting her growing excitement and adaptation . Finally, songs like "Tomorrow" metaphorically represent Annie's ever-present optimism and serve as an emotional anchor that reinforces her resilience even against life's adversities .

Grace Farrell functions as a character and symbolic embodiment of the theme of 'grace' within the narrative. Narratively, she facilitates Annie's adoption by Warbucks and acts as an intermediary between the orphanage and a life of luxury, influencing positive change . Thematically, her character embodies kindness and the transformative power of grace, subtly guiding Warbucks and fostering an environment where Annie can thrive. Her name and actions consistently underline themes of compassion and benevolence, showing that grace, both as an interpersonal quality and a life-changing force, is pivotal in leading characters towards growth and redemption .

Annie's belief in finding her parents instills hope and positivity among the other orphans, as seen when she comforts Molly by insisting that they are family and will eventually leave the orphanage together . Her optimism also stands out to authority figures like Grace, ultimately leading to her adoption by Daddy Warbucks, who is initially hesitant but convinced by her cheerful demeanor . Her belief also leads to the pivotal plot of finding her parents, orchestrated by Warbucks, highlighting her influence both emotionally and within the events of the play .

The play suggests that family is less about biological connections and more about love, care, and chosen bonds. Despite Annie's initial longing for her biological parents, which drives her actions, she finds a true family with Daddy Warbucks and his household, who care for and appreciate her for who she is . The emphasis moves from Annie's quest for biological parents to gaining emotional support and familial love, as shown in her acceptance of Warbucks' adoption offer despite learning about her parents' passing . This thematic transition asserts that genuine familial bonds often form through personal connections rather than genetics.

The play's resolution, with Annie being adopted by Warbucks and the dismissal of the deceitful plans of Miss Hannigan and Rooster, underscores the triumph of hope over adversity. Throughout the narrative, Annie's optimistic spirit keeps her resilient despite numerous challenges, including the deception surrounding her parents. Her eventual acceptance by Warbucks as family not only validates her hope but also presents her life overcoming the bleakness of the orphanage scenario, solidifying a future filled with love and security . The arrest of the antagonists and Annie's embrace of a new family illustrates the play's message that hope and perseverance can lead to overcoming even the most ingrained adversities .

The transition from the orphanage to Warbucks' mansion symbolizes a dramatic shift from hardship and lack to opportunity and care in Annie's life. The orphanage, marked by coldness and scarcity, represents Annie's difficult past filled with longing and unfulfilled hope . In contrast, Warbucks' mansion, with its grandeur and nurturing environment, epitomizes a welcoming future rich with possibilities, comfort, and familial love, aligning with Annie's optimistic nature and her dream of finding a better life . This shift underscores the transformative power of hope and environment in pursuing happiness and fulfillment.

"Tomorrow" serves as the anthem of optimism and embodies the central theme of enduring hope throughout the play. Its placement at crucial junctures—where Annie reassures herself and others of inevitable better days, as well as during moments of emotional transitions—reinforces the importance of maintaining a positive outlook even when faced with despair . By concluding the play with a collective rendition of "Tomorrow," the narrative emphasizes that hopefulness is a universal and renewing force, encouraging all characters, and the audience, to look forward to brighter futures irrespective of present struggles .

Initially, Daddy Warbucks is disappointed Annie is not a boy, showing a lack of personal engagement and understanding . However, as Annie's cheerful and hopeful nature gradually influences those around her, including Warbucks, he grows increasingly fond of her. This culminates in his decision to help find her parents and, ultimately, his realization that she is already family to him, showcased by his offer to formally adopt her . Their relationship evolves from mere formal adoption towards genuine familial bonds, influenced by Annie's inherent positivity and Warbucks' search for happiness and completeness .

Miss Hannigan and Rooster serve as antagonists by exploiting the orphanage's children and devising a plan to fraudulently claim Warbucks' reward by pretending to be Annie's parents. Their actions introduce conflict and danger, highlighting Annie's vulnerability in her search for family. The exposure and arrest of their deceitful plot underscore the themes of justice and the triumph of hope over deception. Their scheme ultimately serves as a catalyst for the revelation about Annie's real parents, and helps solidify her future with Warbucks .

Annie's locket symbolizes her unwavering hope and connection to her parents. It serves as a constant reminder of her quest to reunite with her family, motivating her actions and interactions. The locket also propels the plot when Warbucks decides to search for her parents, offering a reward for their identification . It represents a bridge between Annie's past and her hopeful future, serving as a symbolic token that ultimately leads to a realization that her 'family' is found through bonds of affection formed with Warbucks, rather than through biological ties .

You might also like