Annie Jr

It was an honour and a little surreal to be sitting in the audience to watch Johnstone Phoenix Youth Theatre present their 25th Anniversary production of Annie Jr.  Since this is the club where my am-dram journey began it was a special night.  It was also lovely to be watching the show beside the person who started me off on this journey 20 years ago, founder of the club and friend Margaret Carmichael.  As the overture started, watching all the orphans enter into the orphanage set to collect their teddies from under a hat stand, which would at the end be echoed in them collecting more extravagant presents from under the Christmas tree in Warbucks mansion, it was enjoyable to see each bring their own induvial characterisation to life.  Kicking off the show was the adorable Melissa Keay as Molly waking up the other orphans after a bad dream.  We then met the fiesty Pepper and July played by Sara Todd and Amelia McDonald as they begin to fight, much to the dismay of the delightful Tessie played by Erin MacLean.  Tessy’s tag line of ‘oh my goodness’ was both sweet and funny in the right measure.  Adding to the energetic principal orphans were Mya Gillespie as Duffy and Georgia McKay as Kate.  The unrest is soon settle by Annie as she enters to calm Molly and put things right with the others.  Playing Annie was Alannah Pollock who gave a controlled, charming and truly powerhouse performance from start to finish in the title role.  Credit should also be given to Alannah for singing ‘Tomorrow’ while controlling a very spritely Sandy.  The harmony in the opening scenes is disrupted by the harsh Miss Hannigan.  Miss Hannigan was portrayed excellently by Jessica Kerr who gave a mature performance with impeccable characterisation.  Her more laidback or wearied character was contrasted by the elegant Grace Farrell played by Eilidh McCartney.  Eilidh’s poise, soft voice and grace (well -fitting for the part) was delightful and well delivered.  Commanding the role of Oliver Warbucks was Jamie Porter, who with consistent vocals and a characterisation that showed both strength and a softer side, as he realises he might lose is adoption request for Annie, resulted in an accomplished character.  Comedy was provided by the cheeky Rooster Hannigan played by John Steel and the sweet yet sassy Lily St Regis played by Anna McCaskill.  Both Anna and John worked well together and had the audience in the palm of their hands with comical characters and lively musical numbers.  The number ‘Easy Street’ was well received by the audience.  Completing the principal line up was Abby Bone as Mrs Greer, Sarah Smillie as Star To Be and the multi-tasking David MacKenzie who portrayed not one, but four different characters throughout.  Praise must be given to David for taking on this task and succeeding exceptionally well.  As this was a junior version it was exciting to see the cast all aged 16 or under tackle the roles of children and adults so compellingly and I would commend them for that.  With energetic dances,  impressive principal and ensemble singing, resolute characterisation, and swift set changes a huge well done should be given to the production team of Aly, Cat, Hazel and the entire crew. 

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