The “Tomorrow” of the title is the hit tune from the smash musical Annie, which ran for nearly six years in New York and toured widely before being made into a major motion picture (and is now in revival). The bulk of this charming documentary from Julie Stevens and Gil Cates, Jr. consists of reminiscences by women who—as children—played either the title role or one of the other orphans on Broadway or on the road. Some of the interviewees—Sarah Jessica Parker and Danielle Brisebois, for example—went on to bigger showbiz careers, but most have settled into more conventional lifestyles, though some express the hope of returning to the stage. The engaging women tell interesting stories about auditions, peculiarities during performances, backstage brouhahas, and the pain of being dismissed due to growth spurts, while also enthusiastically agreeing to repeat some of the old numbers, illustrating just how well the routines were memorized. In addition, Life After Tomorrow features observations from the show's songwriters Martin Charnin and Charles Strouse, as well as excerpts from a tour of the private “Annie Museum” assembled over the years by rabid fan Jon Merrill. Although the organization of the material isn't ideal—the film has a rather haphazard feel—this should appeal to both Broadway buffs and those interested in the impact of an acting career on youngsters. DVD extras include extended interviews and a slideshow. Recommended. Aud: P. (F. Swietek)
Life After Tomorrow
(2006) 75 min. DVD: $19.95. Arts Alliance America (avail. from most distributors). Volume 23, Issue 3
Life After Tomorrow
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