Archives for Patriot LedgerNovember 08, 2001
THEATER REVIEW: ‘Annie’ will help you adopt a happy attitude By ELLEN BRAMS It has been almost a quarter century since Harold Gray’s comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” opened on Broadway as a musical, ultimately won seven Tony Awards and became a musical theater legend which champions the human spirit in the face of adversity. America and Annie are a bit older now, but the message of resolution in the face of adversity, of every individual’s duty to keep on keeping on till the sun comes out tomorrow, has never been more relevant. Annie, if there’s a soul somewhere who doesn’t know, is the spunky Depression-era waif who escapes the shrewish Miss Hannigan at the orphanage and ultimately finds a dog named Sandy and a billionaire named Warbucks to love and adopt her. In the joyous production now at the Turtle Lane Playhouse in Newton, two actresses alternate in the title role. I saw an absolutely charming, full-throttle performance by Amanda Shpigler (who shares the role with Jenna Papaz). This high-voltage moppet not only sported a sparkling personality but credible emotions and a voice that was up to the score’s showstoppers, whether poignant or powerhouse. Lewis S. Blair is an imposing, strong, compassionate Oliver Warbucks. Vocally powerful and sincere in the tycoon posture, Blair has a warm, credible chemistry with Annie and makes a touching transition into the fatherly role as “Daddy” Warbucks. Jessica Shulman plays the affable, efficient Grace Farrell, Warbucks’ personal assistant, with a warm and kindly, but not saccharine, persona that’s just right for the role. The infamous Miss Hannigan, matron of the orphanage, is the witch you love to hate. Jennifer Honen plays this boozy floozy with facial expressions that are pure Carol Burnett, a rock ’em sock ’em vocal delivery and a screech that could shatter glass. It’s a knockout performance. Hannigan’s brother, “Rooster” (played by Douglas McFalls), and his slinky gal pal, Lilly St. Regis (Linda Sughrue), are a theatrically dynamic duo to be reckoned with. Choreographer Laura Banchero Fleur, who did a great job on this production, gave McFalls and Sughrue a high-kicking duet with vocals that are deliciously evil. “Annie” has a big cast and a lot of memorable supporting roles. Richard White plays a convincing President Roosevelt. A number of the cast play multiple roles, inlcuding Gary Ryan, who is best as radio announcer Bert Healy, accompanied by the vintage vocal sister act, the Boylan Sisters, played by Ann Marie King, Rebecca Loveys and Tara Mowery. The orphans, also, are double cast and each makes her own precious contribution. At the performance I saw, Kelsey Garvin as the youngest orphan, Molly, could melt snow with a glance. Jenna Corcoran and Sophie Rich brought particular animation and effervescence to their roles. “Annie” is a universal crowd pleaser with rich emotions, a robust score, some fancy footwork and an uplifting message. While everyone can’t take in a foundling, everyone can happily adopt this production. It will warm your heart. Copyright 2001 The Patriot Ledger |