Chicago Tribune
- Highly Recommended
"...Seiler gives a winsome performance in the title role, with a sunny smile and vocals that soften some of the sharper edges that plague many Annies. Standing a few inches taller than Smith’s Miss Hannigan, she looks slightly older than her character’s intended age, but Seiler turns this to her advantage with a stage presence that’s more poised than scrappy. It’s easy to believe that she would not only serve as a sisterly figure to the younger orphans, but also win over Warbucks and his secretary, Grace Farrell (Desiree Gonzalez), along with the rest of the household staff."
Chicago Reader
- Recommended
"...The show also lucked out by casting Elin Joy Seiler as Annie. Seiler, a young vet of other theaters in the area, makes her Music Theater Works debut here, and she eats, as the kids say. Her voice is strong, clear, and emotive, and her performance shows us just enough of the wounded and lost little girl underneath the sunnier proclamations to remind us how hard it can be for kids to carry psychological weight beyond their years."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...The beauty of this production is the swiftness that moves them from scene to scene so that the old saying “time flies when you’re having fun”, holds true. On the tech side, I loved the costumes (Rachel M. Sypniewski) and the lighting (Chelsea Lynn) and the videos being added to the story. This is a wonderful holiday show for the family and as always Music Theater Works finds the right talent for their productions."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...There’s a lot to recommend in Music Theater Works’ heartfelt finale to their 2025 season. With each season this company grows in talent and creativity. Following a very bitter national election, and an economic landscape that makes the holiday season extremely difficult for so many, we can all use the positive message that comes from the musical’s hard-to-forget anthem to hope and optimism,“Tomorrow.” It’s Little Orphan Annie’s personal prescription for keeping your chin up when times are tough. This musical comedy is, after all, what Christmas spirit is all about. And Leapin’ Lizards! With the holidays just around the corner, this is an ANNIE that all of Chicago can cheer about."
The Fourth Walsh
- Recommended
"...Director Kyle A. Dougan-LeBlanc leans into the true grit of the time period. Scene transitions feature black-and-white projections of food lines, news clippings and palpable poverty. The images contrast dramatically with the high-energy vibrant cast led by Elin Joy Seiler (Annie). Seiler kicks off the show with a searing “Maybe” followed by a rambunctious “Hard Knock Life” and then straight to the heart with a powerhouse “Tomorrow.” Although she seems slightly older than the precocious Annie made iconic in the movie version, Seiler brings a sophistication to the role. She plays it less cutesy adorable and more witty lovely."
Chicago Theater and Arts
- Highly Recommended
"...Metcalf is perfect in this iconic role. His well-modulated speaking and singing voice as well as his physical stature is commanding and authoritative shifting to a more sensitive demeanor when necessary and his suit fits impeccably."
Evanston Roundtable
- Highly Recommended
"...Here’s a chance to see a quality performance, with kids and adults alike able to share a feel-good experience. Annie proves to be a great winter and holiday outing."
Werner's Theatre Reviews
- Recommended
"...Music Theater Works completes its 45th season with the optimistic musical Annie. Based on the 1924 comic strip by Harold Gray, the musical premiered on Broadway in 1977 and went on to win seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Music Theater Works’ production of Annie is an easy recommendation for families and children, offering a warm and hopeful theatrical experience well suited for the holiday season and an inviting escape from the chilly Illinois winter."
