‘It must be in the DNA somewhere' - Annie star credits her famous gran
Cast as the dopey but spirited Lily St. Regis in a new Annie production, she shares the stage with Australian luminaries such as Anthony Warlow. At 30, she has an infectious optimism, intelligence and a clear sense of her role in Australia's music theatre scene.
In fact, her cheerful nature echoes the very heart of Annie's appeal. Just as Annie brims with optimism in the grim surrounds of her 1930s orphanage, there's something about Dunn that's heartening amid our doomscrolling and global anxieties.
Perched in a chilly rehearsal room with a snug yellow beanie and opinions to spare, she's a spirited advocate both for original new Australian work, and for comforting revivals.
'People still need hope. I think its good to go back to your inner child no matter what age you are, and Annie reminds us of family and of passion. We need something that's uplifting and I think Annie is the perfect show for any age.'
In her iconic red dress, Annie is brave and optimistic amid depression-era misery. Based originally on the comic strip Little Orphan Annie that began in the 1920s, the tale tells of mean Miss Hannigan and her brood of neglected little girls. Annie is rescued by a would-be philanthropist, Oliver 'Daddy' Warbucks, who offers to host an orphan for a short spell in his mansion. Escaping squalor, Annie gets a taste of luxury and love.
Inexplicably, American president Franklin D. Roosevelt makes an appearance – with a bit to say about the New Deal, a nod to Annie's sense of fairness – and the dastardly duo of Rooster and his gold-digging girlfriend Lily set off to dupe Warbucks, and make money out of Annie's sudden good fortune.
The original Broadway musical, created by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, opened in 1977 and blitzed that year's Tony Awards. Chernin's reflections very much bear out the need for hope and light in dark times.
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