Annie Jr.

What a challenge this musical is for a youth group, because apart from Annie and the orphans, all the other characters are adult and it is certainly not easy for young actors to portray adults with conviction, but this they all managed.  Isaac Brooks was quietly confident as Oliver Warbucks, with good stage presence.  His secretary, Grace was engagingly portrayed by Bella Ridgway and Lilli White excelled as the loud, brash Miss Hannigan.  Aiden Carson proved to be a most competent Rooster, and I particularly liked the performance of Abigail Barker as Lily.  Ryan Phelps`s cameo was a most believable President Roosevelt.

The role of Annie is perhaps the most demanding role for a young performer, and for someone in her first major role, Grace Collishaw gave a most convincing performance, confident in singing and acting and coping most admirably with a real live dog, Sandy, who with a mind of his own, was a star.  Well done to the orphans and the supporting cast who were well-rehearsed and confident in their various characterisations.

Congratulations to the production team and all involved. A most pleasant evening

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