There were little girls — little girls everywhere you turned, in puffy little princess dresses excitedly awaiting their redheaded heroine. Gosh, the theater was loaded with little girls, but the musical was a swell time for all ages.

There are two ways to see "Annie" — as a child and as an adult. For the child in everyone, there are the classic characters that everyone remembers.

There is, of course, conflict and resolution along the road to Annie's better life, which evokes a sense of compassion in the viewer that will allow children to emphasize with her struggle. There are the scary times, such as when Annie is almost taken by Rooster and Lily St. Regis. There are also the happy moments, such as her adoption by Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks. And of course, there are the classic songs.

For adults, there's the theme of the Great Depression along with criticism of the Herbert Hoover administration. There's the stark contrast between the "haves" and the "have-nots," political criticism, adult jokes and a more sympathetic view of Miss Hannigan.

This Miss Hannigan seemed less mean and more disgruntled. You have to feel slightly sorry for the sluggish woman, who longs for love but is living a life she never desired.

Miss Hannigan and Rooster were cast to the tee. They played off each other and fit into their roles exactly. "Easy Street" was easily one of the best numbers of the show.

Another terrific song was "N.Y.C.," in which Warbucks explains his love for the city to Annie, who hasn't really had the chance to leave the orphanage. One of the chorus members had a solo in which she wowed the audience with a note held out to perfection.

The children in this production kept the energy in a show that was long, even for adults. The dancing was perfectly synchronized, and the acting was all there. Eight-year-old Amanda Balon was absolutely adorable as Molly.

Another cute addition to the cast is Annie's dog Sandy. He's trained to bob his head to the music, yawn and put his head down at the appropriate times.

This show's Warbucks warmed up pretty fast to Annie — he's ordinarily more emotionally withdrawn. The connection he formed with Annie might have been more dramatic if Warbucks kept her at more of a distance before forming a bond.

Elizabeth Broadhurst dripped with class as Grace Farrell, Warbucks' secretary. She had the right demeanor and poise along with a melodic voice.

Some people like this musical more than others, but there's no denying this cast worked well together to bring the classic musical to life. The music is timeless, the show is wholesome — children of all ages and adults will enjoy it, too.

"Annie" will be at Wharton Center until April 23. For more information, visit www.whartoncenter.com.