People will never tire of a successful formula: a good storyline, toe-tapping tunes and a stellar cast.

The ever-popular Broadway hit Annie, has burst onto the Lyric Theatre in what will be yet another chapter in its marvellous history.

Based on the Harold Gray comic strip, Little Orphan Annie, it opened on Broadway in 1977 and ran for six years.

It played in more than 22 countries.

Annie first toured Australia in 1978.

This current production sees the musical theatre debut of radio veteran Alan Jones.

He is very convincing in the role of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and he can hold a tune.

The accent does let him down at times but this is only a minor criticism.

Annie is all about a difficult time in history: The Great Depression and a youn girl's struggle to find her parents.

It has spectacular tunes such as: It's The Hard Knock Life, Easy Street, You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile and NYC.

But without doubt everyone's favourite is Tomorrow.

Grown ups sang along with the evergreen tunes and the younger generation new to the musical, gasped in awe at this energetic production.

Local girl, Siena Elchaar, seemed born to the role of Annie.

She brought a lot of passion the the very busy role and has a pleasing voice.

Anthony Warlow stand out as the New York zillionaire Daddy Warbucks.

The John Frost production has a modern sarcastic twist to it as Warbucks reflects:

"I made my first million at 23 and at 33 I made my first billion. A billion was worth something then."

He has a heart of gold but can be icy cold on the outside.

"You only have to be nice to people on the way up is you plan to meet them on the way down," he said.

This is the third production of Annie that show business legend Nancy Hayes has been involved in.

She plays, with verve, the tyrannicl orphanage owner Miss Hannigan.

Todd McKenney is wonderful as her brother Rooster and Chloe Dallimore and Julie Goodwin also turn in great performances.

But little Ayanda Dlada threatens to steal the limelight as the vivacious live wire Molly.

There again, you may be besotted with the dogs Mickey and Coogee who share the role of Sandy.

The fine orchestra led by Peter Casey, excellent visuals of 1930s New York and creative set design enhance what is entertainment at its best.

Leapin' lizards! Annie will have a long season.