Touring production brings familiar movie to life

David Barton played the role of Daddy Warbucks in local productions of the popular musical “Annie” when he was younger.

He always wanted to be a professional actor, but he put those aspirations on hold for a teaching career and raising a family.

“I remember doing a show one time and almost missing the birth of one of my kids,” he said. “That’s when I said ‘this theater business isn’t worth missing out on those special moments.’”

Barton took a hiatus from the theater. However, once his children became adults, his family encouraged him to get back on stage.

This time, the Tennessee native auditioned for national tour of “Annie,” which stops Dec. 28 at Arizona State University’s Gammage Auditorium in Tempe. After several callback auditions in New York, Barton landed the role of millionaire Daddy Warbucks.

At 47, Barton said he’s grateful to realize his dream as a professional actor, “even if it’s late in life.” He’s happy to be part of the “Annie” cast.

“It’s a show that I fell in love with over time because of the message,” he said. “All the money in the world isn’t worth it if you don’t have someone share it with.”

The musical, based on the comic strips, centers on a redheaded orphan who escapes an orphanage and finds love and family with a curmudgeonly billionaire. Favorite tunes include “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street” and “Tomorrow.”

Even though the show debuted on Broadway in 1977, some are probably familiar with the 1982 film starring Aileen Quinn and Carol Burnett. In 1999, the musical was re-made into a Disney television movie with Audra McDonald, Kristin Chenoweth, Kathy Bates and Victor Garber.

Many theatergoers who’ve seen the national tour, Barton said, often told him they’ve watched one of the movies first.

“I remember seeing the movie with my kids in the theaters,” he said. “The live show is a little different, because it’s the same version, just told a little differently.”
He believes the Broadway musical is told from a more realistic point of view, but audiences love both versions, he said.

“The films seem a little more cartoonish, but anyone who loves the movies will love the play, if not even more,” he said.

There are number of children in the production, and he said he’s enjoyed working with them.

“It’s really been a joy, and they’ve been so professional,” he said. “Kids are kids sometimes, but they’ve been awesome because that’s not always the case.”

Mitchell Vantrease may be reached at 623-876-2526 or mvantrease@yourwestvalley.com.

IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Annie.”
WHEN: Dec. 28 through Jan. 3.
WHERE: Gammage Auditorium, 1200 S. Forest Drive, Arizona State University, Tempe.
COST: $19.75 to $65.
TICKETS: Call Ticketmaster at 480-784-4444 or Gammage at 480-965-3434,
or visit www.asugammage.com.