An musical adaptation of the book "Pollyanna" set in the 1950's in which an orphan tries to use gladness to unite the people in a small southern town.
Direction
Debbie Allen's choreography makes segregation-era Alabama actually dance.
Acting
Keshia Knight Pulliam's smile could end wars, no notes.
Score
Gospel-tinged bops that slap harder than they have any right to.
Director
Debbie Allen
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Debbie Allen relocated Pollyanna to 1950s Alabama specifically to center Black joy during segregation, making the 'glad game' an act of radical resistance. This was her directorial debut.
Phylicia Rashad and Keshia Knight Pulliam were already TV family on The Cosby Show; this reunion came months after the series finale.
US
