But the eternally optimistic red-headed orphan may not be gone for long. Plans have been announced for a Broadway revival of the musical in 2012, and the comic-book character may resurface, as well.
“Annie is not dying, she's moving into new channels," Steve Tippie, vice president of the character’ and strip’s licensing firm, Tribune Media, told the Philadelphia Inquirer. Further film and television versions are being discussed (the musical was filmed in 1982 and again for television in 1999; nonmusical film versions more closely related to the comic strip have also been produced). Graphic novels, games and cell phone apps are also a possibility.
The strip’s current artist, Ted Slampyak, reiterated the character’s appeal by saying, "She always ends up in one scrape after another. She doesn't have a lot of resources but she has a lot of spirit, a lot of pluck. She has a lot of fight in her."
So, will the sun come out tomorrow for everyone’s favorite orphan? And in what form? Keep on the lookout for new adventures, kids!
Thomas Peter
