Annie

Everyone knows the story of little orphan Annie rescued from a cheerless orphanage and the drunken clutches of manager Miss Hannigan by millionaire Daddy Warbucks. It can be hard to ring the changes with such a familiar show; however this company and production team had no problem giving it vavavoom. Cali Barclay, as the indomitable Annie in, unbelievably, her first stage performance, was charming, each note as clear as a bell.  Her gang of orphans were a perfect support and their rendition of Hard Knock Life quite dynamic, the clever choreography making the number a show highlight. Special mention must go to little Molly played by Aimee Cumming who was a bundle of energy and talent. Good as the children were they could not overshadow the polished performance of Tracey Gibson as the villainous Miss Hannigan. Daddy Warbucks played very ably by Lee McLean was perfectly matched with Terri Roberts whose performance as his secretary Grace Farrell was warm and convincing.  While comedy was provided in abundance by the lively duo Frankie Anderson as Rooster and Iona Allan as Lilly Regis, his partner in crime. Dave Mitchell was effective throughout as Drake, the butler and chorus moved confidently and sang out as well as efficiently changing set.  Other smaller roles were effectively  played by Darren Gill as both Bundles and Healy, Jim Shaw as the President and Neil Hartley as Justice Brandies, Hannah Pinner as Annette and Geoff Bray as Johnston the Masked Announcer.  Rhoda Burke, Louise Cumming, Heather Paterson and Ryan Milne handled their multiple roles well. Finally an extra round of applause to the production team for an excellent show. Well done FMS!

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