Through Sun 1/17
Who can resist the musical Annie now playing at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace through January 17? Who even wants to resist? Designed to appeal to kids and those who still feel a bit childish at times, this updated version of the 1977 classic features cute kids, a loveable dog, rich men, their assistants, ear-catching songs, a comic-book view of 1933 and a sweet story that may warm up even Cleveland-in-January hearts.
Eleven-year-old Heidi Gray (in her tour debut) seemed perfectly at ease as poor little orphan Annie. She rocked out with her sweetly thrilling version of “Tomorrow,” that byword of optimists and procrastinators alike, and even made us believe that things would get better tomorrow.
Naturally all that goodness needed a foil and Lynn Andrews as Miss Hannigan played the mean old matron of the orphanage with gusto. The feisty crew of orphans (Sage Bentley as Tessie, Bridget Carly Marsh as July, Molly Rose Meredith as Pepper, Emily Moreland as Kate, Annabelle Wachtel as Molly and Casey Watkins as Duffy) made it clear that life in an institution was no place to be, especially when the girls (all between 11 and 9 years old) joined to pound out “It’s the Hard Knock Life.”
Gilgamesh Taggett (clearly a Cleveland favorite; he got huge applause for walking onstage) was a likeable Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks. Members of the ensemble include Chloe Tiso as Warbuck’s glamourous and kindly assistant Grace, Garrett Deagon who makes villain Rooster rather charming, Lucy Werner as empty-headed grifter Lily and Jeffrey B. Duncan as FDR.
Sandy, the dog Annie finds on the street, was played by rescue terriors Macy and Sunny. Opening night Sandy was an immediate hit, bringing on an audience-wide “Aww.”
There was a small live orchestra (a real plus) for this production, directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin, choreographed by Liza Gennaro,with book and score by Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin.
The only quibble I have is with that dreadful red wig Annie had to wear for the last scenes. Please, spend more money and get her something that doesn’t look like a frightful shower cap pasted on poor Annie’s head. I know she was intended to look like the famous cartoon character she was modeled after, but even the “real” Orphan Annie’s hair looked better than that.
Bottom Line: Actors sometimes complain they get no attention if they are onstage with kids and dogs: this show is a perfect storm of both and it’s a winning combination to tickle the fancy.
[Written by Laura Kennelly]Cleveland, OH 44115