Opening Line: “Annie” is one of those rare, sacred properties in the musical theater. It deserves the kind of ongoing protection a gallery affords a piece of pop-art.

The British have their poor, much-abused lost boy, Oliver Twist. And the French have their pitiful, badly treated waif, Cosette. But thanks to the comic strip by Harold Gray that first appeared in a Chicago newspaper in the 1920s, we Americans have a spunky little redhead known as Little Orphan Annie.

Today Show video clip includes the 30th anniversary tour of "Annie" that runs June 12-14 at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

With a talented cast, a host of familiar and beloved songs and one very cute dog, "Annie" has always had the right stuff to be a crowd-pleaser.

Leapin’ Lizards! America’s most beloved musical, ANNIE, is back in the 30th anniversary tour, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. Direct from Broadway, the timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie will be coming to the Capitol Center for the Arts for one performance on Monday, May 18 at 7:30PM.