Sandy was a rescue from a shelter in Connecticut who Bill Berloni figured out he could train to obey commands and stay on cue during the early phases of the stage production (before it even hit Broadway) while not getting unnerved by the lights, audience, and loud music. When Andrea McArdle aged out of the role and left the show, for a while Sandy went thru a period of depression since they had bonded so strongly. Andrea was performing on television a lot back then and Sandy would hear her on the TV in Bill’s home and react. Sandy played his role thru all 5 original stage Annies for about 5 years, including with Sarah Jessica Parker and Allison Smith, missing only a handful of shows in all that time (one time because he took a trip to Vegas to perform with Andrea in Liberace’s show). Sandy retired and lived out his days in comfort in Bill Berloni’s home and passed away in 1990. According to Andrea McArdle, “He had such a full and wonderful life. He was a mutt, but he was an extraordinary dog.''
What an odd and interesting story. I totally understand where he was coming from. I was in 5th grade when this play came out and Andrea McArdle was the first girl I ever had a crush on, though I'd never admit this because my sister would play that damn Annie soundtrack all day everyday!!!
I’m not overly familiar with Little Orphan Annie, but after walking past a billboard of a local theater producing this musical, i was surprised. Sure, i’m familiar with the musical, but never found the time to listen to the cast record of the feel good Columbia Picture. When i got home that day, i decided, fuck it. I listened to the cast recording, and as Annie would say, Leaping Lizards! It’s a fantastic musical! I bought the 1982 film the next day, and after watching it, i asked: "Why the hell didn't i watch this sooner?"
The 1982 film is significantly different than the original Broadway production featured here. They changed the setting from Christmas to summer which took away some of the charm of the story, and replaced some songs from the show with songs that some find inferior. Also, Andrea McArdle, aside from her powerful voice, was so effective in the role because she was tough and tomboyish and you could believe she’d possibly survive running away from the orphanage and living in the streets of Depression-era NYC searching for her parents. The movie version had Aileen Quinn play Annie as more like Shirley Temple (not Aileen’s fault). The movie just has an overall different feel to it than the original show.
I love this show! Andrea mcardle is wonderful
Andrea McArdle she was trying to take over TH-cam channel videos take over Derek Llewellyn feel it in side effects from Derek Llewellyn
Sandy was a rescue from a shelter in Connecticut who Bill Berloni figured out he could train to obey commands and stay on cue during the early phases of the stage production (before it even hit Broadway) while not getting unnerved by the lights, audience, and loud music. When Andrea McArdle aged out of the role and left the show, for a while Sandy went thru a period of depression since they had bonded so strongly. Andrea was performing on television a lot back then and Sandy would hear her on the TV in Bill’s home and react. Sandy played his role thru all 5 original stage Annies for about 5 years, including with Sarah Jessica Parker and Allison Smith, missing only a handful of shows in all that time (one time because he took a trip to Vegas to perform with Andrea in Liberace’s show). Sandy retired and lived out his days in comfort in Bill Berloni’s home and passed away in 1990. According to Andrea McArdle, “He had such a full and wonderful life. He was a mutt, but he was an extraordinary dog.''
What an odd and interesting story. I totally understand where he was coming from. I was in 5th grade when this play came out and Andrea McArdle was the first girl I ever had a crush on, though I'd never admit this because my sister would play that damn Annie soundtrack all day everyday!!!
I’m not overly familiar with Little Orphan Annie, but after walking past a billboard of a local theater producing this musical, i was surprised. Sure, i’m familiar with the musical, but never found the time to listen to the cast record of the feel good Columbia Picture.
When i got home that day, i decided, fuck it. I listened to the cast recording, and as Annie would say, Leaping Lizards! It’s a fantastic musical! I bought the 1982 film the next day, and after watching it, i asked: "Why the hell didn't i watch this sooner?"
The 1982 film is significantly different than the original Broadway production featured here. They changed the setting from Christmas to summer which took away some of the charm of the story, and replaced some songs from the show with songs that some find inferior. Also, Andrea McArdle, aside from her powerful voice, was so effective in the role because she was tough and tomboyish and you could believe she’d possibly survive running away from the orphanage and living in the streets of Depression-era NYC searching for her parents. The movie version had Aileen Quinn play Annie as more like Shirley Temple (not Aileen’s fault). The movie just has an overall different feel to it than the original show.
Good grief, some of Andrea’s facial expressions sear the soul! She took that song … places!
I feel like McArdle pulls off NYC street orphan better than any other Annie.
Thank you for sharing this story. 🐕❤
I enjoyed Annie on Broadway with Shelley Bruce as Annie.
Sandy and the children are. adorable. I am old enough to be Miss Hannigan now. I like her hairdo.
Little Danielle Brisbois (aka Stephanie Mills) from the last Season of All in the Family and all of Archie Bunker's Place.
WOW-mesmerizing
I saw it as a kid on Broadway with Sarah Jessica Parker as Annie.. would like to hear her sing again. But Andrea will do, of course!!
Even SJP admits she was no Andrea in the voice department. No one in the role since has really captured what Andrea managed to.
She should’ve won the Oscar fr (Andrea)
They give Oscars for Broadway plays. I know they got to the Tony Awards but I don't know who won what.
Miss hannigan wonderfol
Miss hannigan is mother annie
No
That'd be a K-drama plot, buddy
miss hannigan annies mother
No
No she is the mean lady from the orphanage
They're in menopause now! lol
Danielle B.