The World’s Best-Loved Musical Returns to State Theatre New Jersey

Magic 98.3 is the official radio sponsor of State Theatre New Jersey's Broadway Series in New Brunswick. Each time a new show is approaching, we have a fun chat with one of the cast members.

This time around it's the hard-knock life story of Annie. Just about anybody who loves Broadway shows, musicals, or movies has seen Annie. The first time I saw Annie was when I was about ten years old. It was playing at a theatre in Philly where I grew up, and my parents took my brother and me. I remember loving it from the very beginning and singing those great tunes. Two of my kids also performed in their elementary school production. I'm looking forward to the STNJ production because everything they do at STNJ is always stellar.

For Annie we had the amazing opportunity to speak with New Brunswick, New Jersey native Stefanie Londino, who plays Miss Hannigan in the State Theatre New Jersey production. Stefanie said, "I'm a Jersey girl born and bread absolutely, and so excited to come through with the tour of Annie, and play State Theatre for the first time." She also shared that one of her favorite moments of the show is when they perform a song called "NYC." It takes her back to her childhood when they would travel into the city and she would feel like she was in a magical place.

Check out the conversation here:

Annie is directed by Jenn Thompson and features the iconic book and score. It's written by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin. It's a celebration of family, optimism, and the American spirit.

The opening night of Annie at State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick is Friday, February 2nd at 8 pm. There are also performances on Saturday, February 3rd for two shows at 2 pm and 8 pm, and one show on Sunday, February 4th at 1 pm.

STNJ.org says, "Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production. It's just as you remember it and just when we need it most."

For more information or to purchase tickets STNJ.org.

Musicals hold a special place in my heart as it I remember a time when my family would travel to the big apple to see the Lion King one of Broadway's longest-running shows. And seeing the performers sing and bring life to a room sure inspired me and helped shape me into the person I am today.

Over the years I've seen a handful of absolutely stunning and amazing performances from Matilda to more recently Beetlejuice which had it's last performance earlier this month at the Marquis Theatre and is now on tour. Though there are plenty of other musicals I'd be willing to go see for different reasons.

Whether it's because the show is a time-tested classic or because it's an upcoming hit. There are just so many to choose from so I'm gonna list the top ten highest-rated based on user ratings on Show-score.com. To also keep things simple we won't be counting plays or shows that are off-Broadway. But shoutout to those shows as sometimes they can be just as good or even better than the ones on Broadway.

So without further ado let's see what the top ten musical's scored out of 100.

One of the more "recent" additions MJ The Musical has only be running for almost a year but had moonwalked it's way into tenth place. It tells the story about the life and music of Michael Jackson. It features some of the biggest hits of his career and got an 86 from nearly 600 reviews. I certainly would go to see MJ though it wouldn't be my first choice.

Coming in at an upside down 6 is SIX the musical, telling the tales of Henry the eight's ex-wives and how they met their fates of being divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, behedged, survived. A rhyme I'm sure most of us have heard at least once. This tragic comedy came from the UK in both book and musical versions before appearing on Broadway where it is now beloved by many as it hit an 86 with over 1k reviews. Of the ones on the list this is one of the ones I would want to see the most as I've listened to the soundtrack and it's quite good.

A timeless classic about a genie and a boy with a magic lamp. This musical started production right around when I was in middle school which is a scary thought... But since it's release it has become a must see for the whole family as it tells the story of Aladdin and the genie. While I would see this version as it's scored an 86 with over 6k reviews. I much rather see the spinoff version Twisted by Starkid as it paints a different perspective on the age old story.

This musical shows a jersey teen struggling with an illness that causes her to age rapidly. Critics and alike loved the boldness of the show as it bring awareness to a serious condition. Alongside that folks said it was funny and had great acting to match. This is the first I've heard of this musical but from the sounds of it, I might just have to check it out.

Broadway's longest running production which started back in 1988 and was the winner of several awards. The Phantom of the Opera announced it would be concluding it's current set this coming April after a huge spike in attendance prevented the musical from shutting down this February. While I don't think I'll be going to see this performance it is still one of the greats despite any controversy it may have.

The book of Mormon certainly is one of the more well known musicals to me, because of it's opening where we see Mormons going door to door like sales men. While it isn't the longest running or the most complex musical it's loved by fans in the states earning a a high score with reviews and placing it in the middle of the list.

Our first 'Must See' according to the score board and it's a topic I like a lot which is history. This musical tells the tale of the Greek myth Orpheus and Eurydice. As Orpheus son of the god Apollo descends into the underworld to save the love of his life. Looking at the stagecraft used as well as a good story I can see why this Greek tale is a must see.

Another time tested hit and the first musical I can remember seeing, I've seen clips of cast members singing on trains, planes and I really want to see them in one place and that's on the big stage. Though being one of Disney's longest running hits the tickets can get pricey. But The Lion King is still one of the big three and for those who haven't seen it well Hakuna Matata.

This is one time you can say we aren't in Kansas anymore unironically. As this Broadway hit tells the story of OZ right before Dorthey dropped a house on it, but we do see the events we are familiar with. I haven't seen Wicked though I certainly want to before it ends. If it ends.

The man on the $20 bill and a huge musical for the generation that actually got people interested in U.S history. Hamilton takes the top spot of this list to nobodies surprise. And I will say it is one of my favorite musicals as it has genius work by Lin Manuel Miranda as well as a compelling story.