I hadn't seen Annie since the movie came out in 1981. The Broadway version is more political. The musical takes place during the Great Depression of 1933. Roosevelt plays a major role. Bums live in Hoovervilles.
Orphans run rampant.
I admired how the musical didn't downplay the bleakness of the time. It made Annie's endless optimism that much more poignant. They warn actors not to perform with children. Now I know why. While some adult roles were noteworthy, they didn't compare to Bull and her fellow orphans.