Annie

A strong, well directed orchestra settled the capacity audience with the overture and set the mood for this popular musical. As the curtain went up on the New York Municipal Orphanage we were introduced to a group of impish girls who immediately had the audience eating out of their hands with their animated singing and very well drilled actions in "It's a Hard Knock Life". They obviously were enjoying mimicking and making fun of Miss Hannigan and throughout the show they were meticulous in their choreography particularly in "You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile" which was a show stopper. The ever inebriated Miss Hannigan was well played by Kerry- Anne Dougan who never overdid the drunkenness but really did convince us that alcohol was more important to her than the little girls in her care. Young Grace Peacock (Annie) was a little star. Her winning smile captured the hearts of the audience with whom she connected from the very start. With a superb singing voice, perfect diction and a character that was totally believable she performed with ease and confidence rarely seen in one so young. The relationship which developed between Annie and Warbucks (Ali MacDougal) was quite charming and you could understand why he wanted to adopt her. This part really suited Ali who was forceful when he needed to be but the soft, warm side of his character was also well displayed. In his number "Something was Missing" there was a genuine feeling that Annie had changed his life. Grace Farrell, the stable supporter of Warbucks was well played by Claire Riddoch while Audrey Dixon (Lily St.Regis) and Derek Melon (Rooster) were comical in their parts. All of the supporting principals were suited to their parts with some memorable cameo roles, Mrs. Geer (Evelyn Purvis) and Ickes (Joe Aitken).

One often thinks of Annie as being a show for youngsters but there is quite a lot of ensemble work and this chorus was in good form. As well as some good singing, there was some very innovative and slick choreography which was extremely well executed by the diligent staff in Warbucks Mansion. The whole show moved along at a good pace despite the many scene changes which the stage crew coped with admirably.

I believe that this was the first time that this production team had worked together and their collaborative efforts resulted in an excellent production which was a pleaure to attend. Hopefully they will have the opportunity to work together again. A very good all round team effort. Well done M.A.M.A

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