Annie

Wellington Operatic Society “Annie”

The decision by a musical theatre society to stage ‘Annie’ is one of those choices that gives a big tick in the box for a ‘well known audience pleaser’ and another tick in the box marked ‘challenge’. When you know that you have a group of talented children who will relish the opportunity to perform, some equally talented adults to work alongside them and a strong production team then it gives the green light to going ahead. What you cannot plan for, however, is the unfortunate, genuine, change in circumstance that results in your director having to step aside. All credit to your society for adhering to the ‘show must go on’ adage and to your choreographer for taking on a dual role to keep things going. Multitasking a show is no easy feat and the risk of spreading yourself too thinly can become apparent. The need to prioritise things becomes the driver and the production of a show that plays to your strengths is the result.

And play to your strengths you certainly did. An onstage team of experienced adult principals with some wonderful characterisations and vocal prowess gave a strong backbone to a very enjoyable production. The ‘Red Team’ of youngsters who were performing on the evening I visited were simply excellent and deserve the praise that I am sure has been coming their way from appreciative audience members. All stage work was commendable and adults and juniors alike worked hard and successfully to do what was asked of them. Musically your band were also of the highest standard and gave a very good balance to the whole piece. I did feel that the placement of your MD was a little unsympathetic to your audience though – there was an obvious issue here, of his presence being so predominant at centre stage that audience seated behind were experiencing an obstructed view.

The show did however lack some refinement from the staging and technical aspects. This was very apparent when contrasted against the performances that were of such a high standard. The set in particular had a rather lacklustre appearance by comparison and generally it looked rather unfinished and rushed. Warbucks’ Mansion I found very odd – perhaps just applying some flock wallpaper rather than the painted flattage would have been a little easier on the eye and would have given the correct impression of a mansion house interior? Also the choice of the predominantly pink colour scheme caused a clash with the choice of some costume and the red dresses used did not give a visual delight. This, to me, was a demonstration of the need for costume and set design departments to check these things during the planning process.

Sound was well balanced but so unfortunate to have issues with the radio microphones during the performance. These things happen and the onstage team dealt with the sound issues extremely professionally while the technical team worked hard to solve the problem. Lighting was good and gave the right impression throughout.

Make up was well thought out and everyone looked great onstage. Costume was mostly appropriate and worked well for each character. It’s always tricky to fully costume a period piece but overall there was a good balance.

Direction and staging was largely acceptable but there were occasions when placement of ensemble characters caused a tableaux style to the piece. There was a difficulty in discerning where characters were directing their focus. It seemed that removing the fourth wall gave what, at times, was a rather disjointed feel to the overall picture but luckily this did not fully distract because pace was good and well handled.

So, overall a production that made it to performance with credible effect. Just a little more refinement in the areas mentioned would have raised it up just another notch further. But as I mentioned before your strengths far, far, outweighed the less polished aspects of the show and resulted in a very commendable production that your audience, including me certainly enjoyed.

Thank you for inviting me and for your hospitality, making my friend and I feel so very welcome.

Jane Burt

District 8a Representative

NODA Southwest

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