Annie

Annie is a Broadway musical based on the populaer Harold Gray comic strip "Little Orphan Annie" with music by Charles Strouse, the lyrics were written by Martin Charmin and the book  by Thomas Meehan.  It was first performed on Broadway in 1977 and ran for nearly six years.  It opened in the West End at the Victoria Palace 3rd May 1978 and ran for 1485 performances.

The show is set in the 1930's at the time of the great depression, little Annie was determinded to find her real parents who abandoned her on the doorstep of a New York Orphanage.  The Orphanage was run by was run by a nasty Miss Hannigan, but everything changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas with billionaire Oliver Warbucks.

Annie superbly played by Emma Davies, a very self-assured nine year old who captured her character perfectly with wonderful facial expressions.  Oliver "Daddy " Warbucks, Ian Moorhouse sang brilliantly and the chemistry between him and Annie was excellent.  The obnoxious Miss Hannigan  (Colette Brown) gave a creditable performance, Rooster her brother, (Andy McKerlie) and Lily, (Gina Bingham) delivered their roles with confidence.  All the orphans excelled themselves giving 100%.  There were convincing portrayals from The Cabinet, the Boylan Sisters, Servants and all other smaller parts were well cast.  Not forgetting Sandy the dog played by Puddle,  he seemed quite happy in his role wagging his tail at every entrance, he certainley deserved his treats!

This was a high energetic production full of life and enthusiasm, good choreography throughout and all complimented by a lovely Orchestra under the baton of Tom Devine.   Congratulations to everyone on stage and behind the scenes.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.