Continuing Stage Door's Cast Album Masters Series is the CD debut of the 'Annie' Original London Cast Recording.

Based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip 'Little Orphan Annie', with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and book by Thomas Meehan, 'Annie' transferred to the West End in 1978 following its multi Tony award winning Broadway debut the previous year.

The London production of 'Annie' opened at the Victoria Palace Theatre on May 3rd 1978 where it ran for a total of 1485 performances. The original London Cast of 'Annie' featured Broadway's original Annie, Andrea McArdle in the title role, playing the first 40 performances before the role was taken over by British actress Ann-Marie Gwatkin (who features on the London Cast Recording). Also starring in the original London cast were Sheila Hancock as Miss Hannigan, Stratford Johns as Daddy Warbucks, Kenneth Nelson as Rooster, Judith Paris as Grace Farrell and Matt Zimmerman as Bert Healy. The London production of 'Annie' was named "Best Musical" at the 1978 Evening Standard Theatre Awards and received 3 S.W.E.T. Award nominations, including "Musical Of The Year".

Produced by Nicky Graham and recorded by CBS Records in June 1978, the London Cast Recording of 'Annie' effectively captures Charles Strouse and Martin Charin's vibrant and timeless score, featuring the musical theatre standards 'Tomorrow', 'The Hard-Knock Life' and 'You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile'.

The release of 'Annie' continues Stage Door's 'Cast Album Masters Series'. Licensing recordings from the major labels, the series presents the CD debut of many London Cast Recordings from the 1960s and 1970s, all digitally remastered from the studio master tapes. 

The 'Annie' London Cast Recording is licensed courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited.

RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 28th, 2020
CATALOGUE #: STAGE 9070
BARCODE: 5055122190707