****” The sun will come out tomorrow” is of course a quote from the hit song “Tomorrow” from “Annie” , the musical about comic strip character “Little Orphan Annie” with a book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin ( who directed the original production). This show has been around since the 1970’s and by my count, I have seen over 30 productions, the film and of course, had the good fortune to appear in a local production in the NW suburbs as FDR for 6 performances. I also was the backstage monitor for GBN’s recent production where our “grand dog” Benji played the role of Sandy ( he was marvelous). I guess I am quite familiar with the show, and based on my experience, and knowledge, this is one heck of a production.There were lots of families in tonight’s opening night at The Chicago Theatre and even though this play runs two hours and a half including one 10 minute intermission, I was impressed with the children in the audience and their attention span. Although many families flock to “Annie” because it has kids in the story , and they are adorable, the story is a little rough for many kids to grasp. The 1930’s were tough times in America. Herbert Hoover’s presidency was tough and Franklin Delano Roosevelt ( a fine job by Mark Woodard) with his “New Deal” would be the push we needed. Will the kids get it? Probably not, but maybe, in the back of their heads, this information will come in handy when they take history classes.
For those who do not now the story ( and I may ask “where have you been?), Annie ( played to perfection by Hazel Vogel) is an orphan, supposedly left behind by parents who left her a note that they would come back, and a locket that reminds her that they did this. She lives with a group of other “Little Girls” who are under the supposed care of Miss Hannigan ( deftly handled by Stefanie Londino). These young performers are amazing. They sing, dance, act and even do a little tumbling ( and help with a set change as well). More on them later! When Annie tries to escape, she meets Sandy, a dog who becomes hers. In the play , Sandy is only in special scenes , in the comic strip, they are always together.
Hannigan is a drunk with no feelings for the girls, except the money she makes for the work they do. When Annie is taken in by the wealthy Oliver Warbucks ( played to perfection by Christopher swan) and he feels that his life is changed by this sprite, his secretary Grace Farrell (Julia Nicole Hunter) works with him to adopt Annie. But when she says she still feels her parents are coming back for her, Warbucks begins a campaign to find them. With his resources, he can do almost anything.
Meanwhile, Hannigan’s brother, Rooster ( (Rhett Gutter) and his girlfriend, Lily (Isabella De Souza Moore) show up and with his sister’s help, they plot to pretend to be the missing parents, get the reward and get out of town. The story gets a little more sophisticated than most 5-10 year olds may understand, but it all boils down to good does triumph over evil, the bad guys go to jail and Annie and “Daddy” Warbucks, along with Grace become a family. He also takes on all of the other orphans, although he doesn’t explain how he is going to do that.
The orphan girls are wonderful. They sing, dance and truly are the perfect combination or mix. Olive Ross-Kline (Molly), Aria Valentina Aldea ( a darling Pepper), Nora West (Duffy), Anna Dillon (July) Kylie Noelle Patterson (Tessie) and Eva Lizette Carreon (Kate) will win your hearts and wait until you see them mimic the radio ad “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” in Act Two!
A special reach out to acknowledge Kevin , the7 year old labradoodle ( Benji is also that breed but far younger) as Sandy. Truly a showman. Director Jenn Thompson, who has played in this show in her past, does a remarkable job and adds some new touches and I truly loved seeing the new choreography by Patricia Wilcox. By the way, the ensemble is terrific.
This is a production that is very family friendly, albeit on the long side, and may open up some discussion with the children, but seeing as what they just experienced, this is easy. The show has survived a great deal of life during its years and many a lesson can be learned. Of greatest import, no matter if “It’s a Hard Knock Life”, the sun will come out “Tomorrow”!
“Annie” will continue thru December 1st with performances as follows:
Tuesdays 7:00pm
Wednesdays 7:00pm
Thursdays 7:00pm NO PERFORMANCE THANKSGIVING 11/28
Fridays 7:00pm added 2 p.m. on Friday the 29th
Saturdays 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Sundays 11:00am & 4:00pm
The Chicago Theater is located at 175 N. State Street( between Randolph and Lake) and is easily accessible by public transportation.
Show Type: Family
Box Office: 312-462-6300
Running Time: 2hrs, 30mins; one intermission
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Annie”.
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