Annie

Annie was based originally on a popular American Comic Strip – Little Orphan Annie by Harold Gray with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charmin from the book by Thomas Meehan.  The show does have a somewhat ‘dated’ feel to it, however it does have ‘real’ tunes and some very catchy ones at that, and so, despite it’s subject matter is a happy and feel good show.  The story revolves around a note and half a locket which Annie has saying her parents will come back for her, and her great good fortune in being chosen to spend Christmas with the billionaire Oliver Warbucks who decides to adopt Annie.  After a nationwide search it is discovered that Annie’s real parents are dead so the adoption goes ahead and everyone lives happily ever after.

They do say in the theatrical world never work with children and animals – and in this production it is, of course, necessary to do both, but PMC carried off this difficult balancing act with great aplomb and the professionalism I have come to expect from this Society.

The orchestra conducted by Edward Rugman was superb – and just listening to the overture was a great reminder of all those great tunes and wetted our appetite for more – just as a really good overture should do.

As the curtain went up the set looked excellent – unfortunately, not quite so good when anyone needed to use the doors which wobbled horribly and made the whole thing look very flimsy – but the all the sets certainly looked really well.  I was very impressed with the beds in fact all of the set dressing and props looked appropriate and I was delighted to see glasses which looked as if they had liquid in them.

Unfortunately, as the opening number got underway it became apparent that the sound balance was not correct – and the blowing of Miss Hannigan’s whistle and the shouting of the children in particular was physically painful on the ears – there were several times when the orchestra drowned the singers.  All the songs were very well delivered.  However, throughout the show the microphones were perhaps turned up too loud which, most unfortunately, did distort the sound somewhat.

The whole show was costumed excellently, I was impressed to see barefoot orphans with dirty clothing and appropriate shoes once they put them on.  Less impressed in the ‘down and out’ scene to see perfectly made up women – living on the streets?  

A big vote of thanks must go to the stage crew who effected the many changes quickly, quietly and efficiency and were never intrusive.

Many congratulations to all the children who worked well throughout the whole show and created just the right impression. The whole cast young and young at heart worked really well with an energy and enthusiasm that is to be envied.  There was some great singing and acting and dancing throughout the whole show and not a weak link in the whole production.  Sandy the dog played by Freddie Birch caused great hilarity (and I imagine many groans backstage) when he simply turned and walked away from Annie – but he looked simply great – if perhaps a little uncomfortable at times but – and the reason I mention Sandy at all, is that the policeman and Annie simply carried on as if Sandy had done exactly what he should have done and never missed a beat or dropped from character for an instant – very well done! 

Many congratulations to the director, musical director and choreographer who had obviously all worked together as a team to bring to the stage such a polished and professional production, with everyone well-drilled and still enjoying themselves – no mean feat.

Thank you to every single person all who contributed to this production onstage, backstage and front of house on a great production, tank you also for making me so welcome and for your generous hospitality. 

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