Act I
"Annie" is the heart-warming, rollicking adventure of a New York City orphan trying to find her parents during the Great Depression. Along the way, she encounters people in all walks of life – from the homeless to the wealthy - and even the president of the United States.

Annie dreams of her parents ("Maybe"), and decides to go out and find them. She's caught by Miss Hannigan, the evil matron of the orphanage ("Hard Knock Life"). Annie escapes after all into unfriendly streets, meets a dog, Sandy, and cheers herself up ("Tomorrow"). Soon, she meets a group of people who do not share her optimism ("Hooverville"). She is returned to the orphanage by the police, where Miss Hannigan is her usual, miserable self ("Little Girls").

But Grace Farrell comes looking for an orphan to spend Christmas with the wealthy industrialist, Oliver Warbucks. Annie charms her, and the staff at the mansion is thrilled to have a child to fawn over ("I Think You’re Gonna Like It Here"). Warbucks is also smitten, unexpectedly, by Annie ("N.Y.C.") - so much so that he decides to adopt her. At the orphanage, Hannigan, her brother (Rooster) and his girlfriend (Lily) lament their fortune compared to Annie’s ("Easy Street"). Warbucks learns how dearly Annie wishes to find her own parents, and resolves to help her ("You Won't Be An Orphan For Long").

Act II
Warbucks and Annie go on the radio to offer a reward for Annie’s parents ("You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile"). While Hannigan, Rooster and Lily cook up a plot to get the reward, Warbucks and Annie inspire President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal economic recovery program. Only fakes and liars appear to try to collect the reward, and Warbucks, once again, decides to adopt Annie ("Something was Missing").

But as they begin to celebrate ("I Don't Need Anything But You"), Lily and Rooster enter in disguise, with proof that they are Annie's parents. The truth comes out, the crooks are arrested, and Annie finally learns that her real parents are deceased. Warbucks and Grace unite and adopt Annie, and they all live happily ever after. ("New Deal for Christmas").