Annie

The story of orphan “Annie” and how she warms the heart of billionaire business man Oliver Warbucks is a popular family show and a super vehicle to showcase younger members of the society which is exactly what Murton T.G. Youth section did.

The company were supported by a five piece band that provided perfect accompaniment and never overpowered the performers. The singing was good, the performances were full of energy and the dance numbers were well executed, I particularly enjoyed “It’s a Hard Knock Life” and I think the cast did too which came over to the audience. The set was simple but worked well enough to portray the many scenes.

All of the supporting roles were confidently played with some youngsters playing multiple parts, the radio station scene was particularly good with Harris Miller (Burt Healy), Archie Parry (Wacky), Kate Colborn, Keira Feeney and Stephanie Jones (The Boylan Sisters). Joshua Baker as Bundles/Drake also gave a notable performance.

Annie’s orphanage friends Duffy (Abigail Tindale), July (Abigail Wallace), Pepper (Leila Liddle), Tessie (Aimee Curtis), Molly (Leah O’Donnell), and Kate (Kaitlyn Graham), were all well portrayed with confidence and individuality.  Nathan Johnson as Rooster gave an assured performance and captured the slippery characteristics of Rooster very well; He had good support from Faye Stewart as Lily and their “Easy Street” number together with Miss Hannigan was very good.  Lillie Canning gave a lovely portrayal of “Grace”, the secretary to Warbucks and friend to Annie; she came across as sincere and sweet. Chloe Lawton as Miss Hannigan gave a mature, strong and controlled performance never overplaying the drunkenness of her character and delivering her musical numbers very well. On the evening I attended the role of Annie was played by Emily Kerr; Emily had charm, confidence and was endearing; she gave very good vocal performances and didn’t let a barking “Sandy” put her off one bit during her big number. It has been a delight to witness Emily grow in her performance ability over the last couple of years. I’m sure Josie Littlewood as Annie was equally as good if her snippet as “Star to be” was anything to go by.  The young cast had the support of two adult members, Nick Thompson (President Roosevelt) and Matthew Lowery (Oliver Warbucks) both adding their strong vocal ability and experience to enhance the production.

Well done to everyone involved for an enjoyable evening’s entertainment.

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