Annie Jr.

WBLETS                    ‘Annie Jr’

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Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that his assessment will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

Report by Angus Sheppard-Hughes SW Regional Representative District 16

When I entered the venue I was met by a very friendly FOH team, and my first thought was that no matter what someone’s job was, they greeted everybody and aided them to their seats. I believe the gentleman I bumped into was a member of the tech team, and yet with a big smile on his face he showed me immediately to my seat and informed me that the bar was open and raffle tickets were available.

The stage was dressed simply and creatively, with the curtains shut you could only see some extensions down in front of the stage to allow more children to be on stage at one time. With the curtains open different pieces of sets were used to dress the area to give us a feel of the time and area we are in. One being the children’s orphanage, another being the city centre of NYC. Altogether these were used well to give us an insight into where the piece took place.

The Direction and Choreography by Eve and Gary Devenney was nicely done, incorporating the needs and abilities of all the kids they have and making them look as good as possible when acting or dancing. The singing was also very well performed and directed, every child had a good opportunity to shine and nobody was left out.

From the very beginning, I was warmed by the overture and felt overjoyed by the music played through the speakers, really setting up what a nostalgic feel this musical had for many in the room, but also setting up this feeling for the kids, all of whom will carry this feeling with them through their lives, and if they every do the show again I hope they feel the way I did when sat in the wonderful RWB memorial hall.

Annie is a huge role and is rarely off stage therefore needing a great actress to play the demanding part. You really met the demands of the part and showed off your talent! You opened the show singing with lovely soft tones in your voice whilst singing ‘Maybe’, and your voice got better throughout the show. Some work with the directors to grasp that accent fully might have come in handy but it didn’t detract anything away from your wonderful performance. And it was lovely to see tap dancing make an appearance in this production so very well done! Keep up the good work!

Sandy the Dog - you were hilarious! I didn’t know that a woof could be so funny and your howl during tomorrow had me in stitches. So very well done to you too.

Miss Hannigan - such a strong performance by you too! Very funny from the first appearance on stage and plenty more comedy where that came from as you continued to get laugh after laugh from the audience. Great relationship (or lack of one) with the orphans as well as Rooster and Lily. You gave a great rendition of ‘Little Girls’ and when Grace came in with the adoption papers, the scream off-stage was audible from miles away! I must also mention you hilarious interaction with the president at the end. Very good drunk acting.

Oliver Warbucks came across very authoritative from the beginning of your appearance, but what I also found heartwarming is that you came BOUNDING onto the stage like you were so excited to be a part of the show! So I must commend you on your charisma and confidence. You acted like a natural with a brilliant way of being able to connect and share the stage with everybody else, which is an amazing skill to have, never lose it. 

Rooster and Lily were the terrible twosome that the audience knows and loves to hate. You both played the ‘baddies’ very well and your confidence could put some adults to shame. Rooster played a slimy smarmy criminal very well, and as for Lily, I knew you were going to be amazing from your first time on stage today during ‘Hard Knock Life’ which was so elaborate and extravagant, that the rest of your performance must have been the same! Great job both of you!

Grace this- although  is a smaller part as the musical is reduced in size, you really did well with every single second on stage. Your connection with Annie, your relationship with Miss Hannigan (even though she basically hates you) and your friendship with Warbucks is to be commended. You spread sunshine in everybody’s lives and sang beautifully. I must also commend the costume department, as your green dress at the end was amazing, along with all the other costumes as well!

Out of the rest of the chorus and minor roles there are a few I would like to mention although you all did incredibly well, and a show is only as strong as its ensemble and you guys were very strong indeed. Pepper is a very different role from the Artful Dodger but suited you well, plus you played other parts too so great multi-rolling and you are very talented. And the “Star To Be”, although you must have been nervous, please don’t be, you are very talented also, you have a great voice so use it to be able to find the confidence to sing out. There is no need to hold back as what you are doing is great, just give it your all, it’s all we can ask of you. But really well done to you all.

Last shout out is to all the Backstage crew, especially the two WBLETS who not only were part of the crew, moving set and the curtains and props, but made an appearance at the end to sing along with everybody. You all did a spectacular job and should all be very proud. Well done to all!

And the song is right, “You are never fully dressed without a smile” and I certainly left with one of those on my face.

These comments solely reflect the view of the representative and can only relate to the performance seen.

 

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