Annie (Classic), Annie 2014, and Annie Documentary
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Phase:
During/Explore/Explain
Activity:
The students will watch segments of the original Annie (1982) and segments of the contemporary Annie (2014). Using these two different versions of the same musical, the students will analyze and compare and contrast the aural and visual similarities and differences by creating a Venn diagram.
Have students take notes on the visual and aural qualities they notice while watching teacher selected clips of the two versions of "Annie".
I recommend searching for these musical numbers from the original Annie (1982) and the contemporary Annie (2014): "Hard Knock Life", "Tomorrow", and "Maybe".
To create the Venn diagram the students will work with a partner or with a small group (three to four students) and determine the aural and visual similarities and differences in the two versions, using the notes they took while watching the clips. With the group/a partner, the students should create a Venn diagram to turn in. Each group or pair of partners should turn in one Venn diagram.
The digital tool provided is for an extension of this activity. The instructor may wish to show the documentary after completing this assignment. The documentary shows Broadway's revival of Annie from script to stage.
Assessment Strategies:
Students can share aloud (informal assessment) and/or turn in to the teacher for formal assessment.
Is the Venn Diagram completed neatly and with clarity?
Does each section of the Venn diagram list at least five items, visual or aural?
Advanced Preparation:
Preview all clips before showing them to your students.
These clips are available on YouTube.
Some suggested clips from each version of Annie are:
"Hard Knock Life"
"Tomorrow"
"Maybe"
Variation Tips (optional):
Also, through the link provided in digital resources or through your own research, look up It's the Hard Knock Life documentary created by PBS. It takes the viewer from auditions to the opening night of Annie on Broadway.
Students quickly get enthralled with this staged version of the classic musical.
Notes or Recommendations (optional):
I highly recommend having your students watch the Broadway documentary, The Hard Knock Life, as an extension of this activity. The link is provided as a digital tool.