While the world rightfully continues to go bonkers over "Hamilton," I've recently found myself pleasantly lost in the past with another Broadway smash hit. The nearly 40-year-old -- can it be? -- "Annie."

This was prompted by my nephew playing Oliver Warbucks in his high school's production. It reminded me of how great a musical this is, even when performed by theater novices (including, in this case, a Harlequin Great Dane named Waffle in the role of Sandy.)

Now, just hang with me; we're getting to the WNBA, with its 20th season just launched. Immersing myself in "Annie" trivia, I discovered that Andrea McArdle, forever famous as the definitive, original Broadway "Annie," was not actually the first to be cast for the role. She was originally Pepper, the feistiest orphan.

Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, a Philly native, is a top-notch tactician and a savvy motivator. Randy Belice/Getty Images

Kristen Vigard was Annie, but not long into the musical's pre-Broadway run in Connecticut, she was replaced. Annie was a street-smart survivor. She needed some moxie, a little edge. Vigard's "Annie" was deemed just too "sweet." (If you think it's hard for WNBA teams to cut players, imagine telling an adolescent that she's no longer the lead in a soon-to-be Broadway musical.)

Even in the smaller role, the Philadelphia native McArdle already had shown she had the voice to carry a musical. Then she took Broadway by storm by playing the fictional New York orphan as ... well, more like a lovable but tough Philly girl.

Which brings us to -- ta-da! -- our favorite "Philly girl" in the WNBA, Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve. We say this affectionately; surely there are Philly folk who don't fit the stereotype and have no edge at all. But, hey, they're no fun.

The La Salle grad Reeve is both a top-notch tactician and a savvy motivator. Because no matter what "outsiders" say, she's able to use it to help her Lynx.

Thus, when the league's survey of general managers picked Phoenix to win the WNBA title, Reeve used it as a, "Look, they think we're no good!" slight. If, by contrast, someone said that the Lynx, with four U.S. Olympians and a deep, talented bench, absolutely must be the favorites, Reeve would say, "Oh, right! As if it's that easy!"

Although the season is just getting started, the Lynx already have that "team to beat" vibe. What else have we seen so far? In honor of "Annie" (you knew it was coming), we'll look to some of the show's tunes to take us around the league.

If the Lynx avoid injuries and play the way they have so far, they'll be very strong bets to secure the No. 1 seed (which, along with No. 2, gets an automatic trip to postseason semifinals). We won't say that's like being on "Easy Street," but it will be a big help toward taking the title.