Originally uploaded by PAgent

I fell madly in love with Andrea McArdle in junior high. I had the soundtrack album from “Annie”, and I played that sucker to death. Then I bought the sheet music, and played it until it fell apart. I pored over each picture of her that I owned, with straight hair from Act I, to the shocking curly wig from Act II.

Of course, I moved on to other crushes: Judy Garland, Kate Bush, Joanna Gleason… but Ms. McArdle was the first in a long line of women with whom I fell head-over-heels in love, after merely hearing their voices.

Which is why my heart stil gives a little flutter when I see the “Annie” logo, as I did on the back of this van. But this is not merely the vehicle of a crazed Martin Charnin fan. No, it turns out there is a touring production of “Annie” playing at Keller Auditorium, starting tonight and running through Sunday.

I kinda wish I could ditch all my responsibilities and go see it. But as cute as Marissa O’Donnell may be, she’ll never replace Andrea in my heart.