Cast of ‘Annie’ sing ‘Tomorrow’ for a better tomorrow

A video featuring the kids of the musical "Annie" singing the show’s iconic anthem made the rounds on social media days before the inauguration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The song itself is catchy and precious, but when held up against a significant moment in our nation’s history, its message of optimism and hope takes on a more poignant, vital meaning.

Filipinos have an especially soft spot for "Annie" because it is through a local production of this musical in 1980 that the public was introduced to Lea Salonga as a lead star.

The 2016 re-staging is led by adorable stage actresses Isabeli Araneta Elizalde and Krystal Brimner, who will alternate in the lead role of Annie in Resorts World Manila’s latest adaptation of the beloved musical.

Photo courtesy of Resorts World Manila

Brimner might be familiar to movie audiences for her role in the 2015 indie hit "Honor Thy Father." Elizalde, meanwhile, is making her major stage musical appearance. She is the daughter of former model Bianca Araneta and businessman Juan Elizalde.

A mix of newcomers and veterans has been cast in the roles of orphans, including former The Voice Kids Philippines contestants, YouTube celebrities, and former members of previous stage productions of RWM.

The adult cast is led by Michael De Mesa as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Agatha Hannigan, Jill Peña as Secretary Grace Farrell and Mako Alonso and Red Concepcion alternating as Daniel “Rooster” Hannigan.

The musical is directed by theater vet Michael Williams.

“On a broad perspective, the challenge is how to take Annie’s story and make it relevant to our audience locally,” Williams says. “There is something quite universal about it which is why "Annie" is fast becoming a modern-day classic.”

"Annie" opens on September 30, 2016 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila. For more information, visit rwmanila.com or call 908-8833. — AT, GMA News

Paul John Caña is a magazine writer and live music geek. He is also co-founder of an online collective of writers and artists. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram as @pauljohncana.