“You want kids that are not ruined, that haven’t done so many shows that they have sort of lost who they really are,” Mr. Lapine said. “I didn’t want show kids. I wanted kids who had some rough edges to them and were able to be gritty and fearless. Show kids who have been groomed since 3 to be on commercials and TV are very slick, and you don’t have a sense of who’s behind there.”

Annie also needed enough endurance to be able to belt out “Tomorrow” eight times a week and still deliver the goods by promoting the musical on the “Today” show or at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Lilla’s mother, Ann Marie Donahue, is clearly pleased that her daughter is playing the title role. But she said she wasn’t happy about having to cover tutoring costs or about how much extra unpaid work her daughter has to do. “She never actually has Monday off,” she said.

Lilla added: “I like being the only Annie. But don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t mind a day off.”

Broadway observers wondered how the Tony Awards committee would handle the little girls in big parts this season. Would they follow the precedent set with the three leads in “Billy Elliot,” who were nominated jointly and won?

And what would that mean for Ms. Crawford, who has more stage time and more performances than any of the Matildas?

“I have no idea why they do the four,” Mr. Lapine said of the multiple casting. “I understand why I do the one. I think children often have more stamina than adults do.”

In the end the question went unanswered. Ms. Crawford wasn’t nominated for a Tony. And the Matildas were taken out of regular contention and given a joint special award.

“I’m really happy for them,” Ms. Donahue said, “but I’m a little shocked because their show just opened and they only do two shows a week. I want someone to explain to me what that means.”