Annie

Set in New York in the depression of the 1930s, Annie is filled with so many bright songs that it is hard not to end up smiling at this musical and South Moor Musical Theatre Group certainly sent their audience on their way with a spring in their step and a smile on their faces.

The many scene changes this musical requires were handled well and there was good lighting and sound throughout. Costumes were also very good and the scenes in the Warbucks’ household looked particularly well dressed. The orchestra was excellent and brought the iconic score to life beautifully.

At the performance I attended Annie was played by Brooke Mitchel l and we saw Brooklyn Heights team of orphans. Brooke gave a heartfelt and endearing performance with good singing and the gang of orphans had great energy, sang well and looked like they were having the best time which certainly flowed into the audience. My colleague had the same positive comments about Alex Lennie as Annie and the “Lexington Avenue” team that he had seen. Well done to each and every one of you.

The ensemble gave good performances in their roles as residents of Hooverville and the staff of the Warbucks household, they were confident and sang well.  

As the sneaky, drunken child hating orphanage manager Miss Hannigan, Lindsay Kellegher was excellent, great characterisation and her numbers were well performed. Miss Hannigan’s double crossing brother Rooster was portrayed by Ian Mordue who gave another super character interpretation and his gold digger partner in crime Lily St Regis was very well portrayed by Kirsty May. The two of them got the humour over well and their Easy Street Number with Miss Hannigan was excellent.

In the Role of Oliver Warbucks Andrew Howe had the necessary powerful stage presence of a high flying business man but also showed a warmth and vulnerability as he began to care for Annie, this together with his great vocals gave another high standard performance from Andrew. He was very well supported by a charming and enchanting personal assistant Grace Farrel portrayed beautifully and well sung by Lauren O’Hare.

The supporting principals were good, in particular Michael Green as President Roosevelt, Nick Godard as Bert Healy, Glen Martin as Drake and Lily May Lambton, Penny Browell and Kelsey White as the Boylan Sisters. It would be remiss of me not to mention a very well behaved and cute Sandy played by Dave the dog.

All in all this was a very entertaining production which oozed happiness and positive energy throughout, well done to all involved.

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