Annie Jr

Many reviews I see and read relate the story, I myself don’t find that necessary most of the time, especially with a well-known show where most people reading the review know what the show is all about.

Having played Drake in a production of Annie quite some time ago I thought it would be nice to see a production of Annie as I have never seen a stage version of the musical. As always with Junior versions of shows chunks are cut out, however the essence of the show was here with the main characters Annie, Miss Hannigan, Oliver Warbucks, Grace, Rooster and Lily telling the story.

It was nice to see a youth production with professionally supplied scenery and props, this certainly helped the backstage crew with their slick scene changes and of course this allowed for cross overs while the scenes were change, this gave a nice flow to the show despite the very large cast. So well done to the stage crew under the efficient management of Malcom Holmes. What set dressing there was, was very appropriate, whether it was Miss Hannigan’s desk or the Orphans Dormitory, lighting and sound were good throughout. Costumes were well thought through, time appropriate and well fitting, congratulations to the wardrobe What I liked about this was that there was virtually no noise from behind the curtain, a well drilled cast, unlike at times a youth production I had been involved with this past weekend.

Involving all seventy youngsters mut have been a logistical nightmare and at times the Directorial Team must have torn their hair out although all seemed to know where they were going and what they were doing, even the youngest, I congratulate you on that. Movement on and off-stage was well directed and ‘choregraphy’ was disciplined, I say Choreography in the broadest sense as this is not a dance show. The singing was to click tracks which is not always easy and the children sang their numbers very well in the company numbers – It’s a Hard Knock Life, I Think I’m Gonna Like it Here, You Won’t be an Orphan for Long, You’re never fully dressed without a Smile.

There were some very confident performances from the young leads, Annie played by Chloe Banham can sometimes be seen as an irritating character but here she was just right with a good singing voice performing her role well, she was ably supported by the principal orphans who all gave a good performance in It’s a Hard Knock Life. I liked James Turner who gave a good turn as Oliver Warbucks, not so much to get his teeth into as in the adult show, however he showed what he is capable of. As an aside I might have asked him to shave his head or wear a bald cap (not easy for a teenager). He was supported by Jazz Macrorie as Grace Farrell played rather elegantly. I particularly liked the characters Rooster and Miss Hanigan played respectfully by Niall McGarrity and Carmen Baum, these two seemed to me to have understood the characters that they were playing. Strong confident performances, good stage presence and great performance alongside Ivy Freeman Hall in their renditions of Easy Street which the three sang and performed with aplomb. I can’t not mention young Harry Sanders as Drake and Phoebe Copland who played Sandy the Dog.

I congratulate the Director and Assistants on a good performance and on marshalling so many youngsters who all seemed to enjoy themselves, although there were so many on stage it is good to see some really young boys, do encourage them. Here a word of thanks to the numerous chaperones who had quite a task, being a chaperone myself I know the ‘joys’ of the role. Congratulations to the whole production team and it was a pleasure to be asked back stage to say a few words, anything to encourage youngsters to perform.

 

 

 

 

 

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