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| Classic Annie: Shirley Temple |
“For Halloween,
I’d like to dress up as Annie.” – my 8-year-old daughter.
If you have
children, then you know as soon as Halloween is over, they start talking about
what they’re going to be next year. It’s an on-going discussion, until the
event actually happens. A few months ago, the costume of choice was My Little Pony.
We saw the new
Annie opening week, and since then my daughter’s been singing her heart out. Yesterday,
I bought her the CD and we listened to it on the 40-minute drive home from
school, and again this morning. So her pronouncement is no real surprise.
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| 1977 Annie |
What struck me
though was the choice – Annie. When I was growing up, little girls didn’t dream
of playing Annie unless they had short, curly red hair. Serious.
The
long-standing icon was created by the likes of Shirley Temple and the 1977
version I grew up with. It continued through stage productions for years and
years.
What makes me so
excited about the diversification in the new Annie is that anyone can play the
role. My dark-blonde, green-eyed daughter can say, “I want to dress up as …”
and not think twice.
Now that’s a bit
of magic that not everyone thinks about. What do you want to be when you grow
up?
Until next time,
Louisa Bacio
I love the old Annie for sure, but like you I'm excited by the diversity of the new one. My little girl can be Annie now ....and we wouldn't think twice is true.
ReplyDeleteI really saw a turn after I had my oldest daughter. We went to a Disney on Ice, and the character of Snow White was played by an Asian actress. Well, why not!?
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