Annie

Choreographer: Claire Harriott

It is said that you can’t fail with a production of Annie. Well this production certainly did not fail. It was great. Upon entering the auditorium, the orphans were already on stage acting their socks off prior to the start. Claire Harriott’s choreography was creative, sharp and well drilled. The numbers 'Hard Knock Life' and 'Easy Street' were my favourites. The audiences liked them as well. The standout adult characters for me were Mark Harris (Rooster Hannigan), Rachel Hemstalk (Lily) and Mark Holmes (Oliver Warbucks), but as you would expect they take second fiddle to the orphans. All the young persons playing the orphans are to be congratulated as they stayed in character and acted throughout. However the accolades must go to Alice Mackenzie (Annie) who showed a balance of childlike innocence and adult wisdom during her performance. I liked all her scenes and musical numbers, but especially the ones with Franklin D Roosevelt, convincingly played by Steve Mather.  Playing at this venue, with all its restrictions, is a challenge for any creative team. Director Ian Walker makes the numerous scene changes happen as seamlessly as practical. Congratulations to the stage crew. It was nice to see a version of this show where Annie herself did not have the traditional shock of curly hair and Oliver Warbucks had hair. It’s good to be different.  Audiences are the best barometer of the success of a production. The mercury went through the roof.

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