“Annie”

[rating=3]”Annie”, the musical based on the comic strip character, “Little Orphan Annie” with a book by Thomas Meehan, Music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, was a Broadway “blockbuster” and is filled with some great music. Songs from this show are “Tomorrow”, “Easy Street”, “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile, “It’s A Hard Knock Life” and several others of note. It is a story about hope and dreams and often we forget, about Christmas and its spirit.

The story takes us back to 1933 in New York. These were transition days with F.D.R. taking on the Presidency following the stock market crash and Hoover’s errors. During these days many children were put into the system as parents could no longer feed them. The orphans were in fact laborers for those who could make money from the problems of others. A very wealthy man, Oliver Warbucks ( John B. Boss, looks the role that we saw in the comic strip and has a great feeling, but the music may be a bit much for him) wants to take in an orphan for Christmas. By this time we have met a number of “Little Girls” at the orphanage run by Miss Hannigan ( deftly played by Ellen Phelps). The girls are adorable and come in all shapes and sizes. There are two casts, an A and a B. Tonight was the A cast, led by Kayla Norris as Annie. ( on alternate performances it is Sophie Kaegi). Norris is adorable and has a lovely voice. They are playing “Annie” as a 13 year old to fit the casting. The other girls are: the adorable  Everleigh Murphy as Molly, Allison Gregorio as Pepper, Jocelyn Goldman as Duffy, Sophia Smith as July ( she does both A and B), Sara Deodhar as Tessie, and Isabel Ackerman as Kate. They are adorable and highly energetic. (note: the other cast is composed of Lila Bahng, Emiko Chichester, Cate Gordon, Sammy Menapace and Nora Hubert, many of whom appeared on my radio show and were dynamite as well).

Warbuck’s secretary, Grace Farrell is played to perfection by Chamaya Moody. It is her job to bring Annie home and rescue her from her “Hard Knock Life”. There is also something going on between her and her boss. Annie wants to find her parents who she is sure plan to come back for her. Warbucks falls in love with having a child in his home and wants to adopt her, but because of her faith and hope, he  takes all the steps needed to find her parents. Hannigans brother, Rooster(Kyle Ryan hits the nail with his interpretation) and his girlfriend, Lily St. Regis ( well played by Becca Duff) are going to pretend they are the parents, claim the reward , and get out of town.

This is the basic story and as you will see, the ending is one of great happiness for all ( except the Hannigans and St. Regis). This is a true ensemble piece where they must play a myriad of roles: John Benischek, Jonah Cochin, Jimmy Hogan ( his Bert Healy is adorable), Emily Lewis, Rebecca Marowitz, Nicky Mendelsohn, Alexander Rubin, Michael J. Ryan, Allison Stake , David Lemrise and Shina Summerville. They change characters and costumes as well as the set changes with great flourish and energy. Let’s not forget FDR played to perfection by  Bill Chamberlain. Sandy is played by Tod Doodle who is handled during off stage scenes by Jill LItwin ( who is also the kid handler).

Citadel is a theater company that cares and works very hard to please it’s Lake Forest and surrounding area audiences. They work with a smaller than normal stage for big musicals and director Robert D. Estrin was able to pull it off with the exception of dance numbers. Choreographer Jake Ganzer, with the space limitations could not be as creative as one might anticipate with this show, but his work with the orphans and their energy paid off “big time’. Eric Luchen’s set was very clever and despite being bulky, with the cast and crew pitching in kept the flow of action going. Patty Halajian’s costumes were very period and the sound (Bob Boxer), lighting (Diane Fairchild) and props( Samantha Thielman) were all terrific.

Ryan Brewster and his orchestra who are behind the sets did a great job of making five instruments appear to be a full orchestra.

“Annie” will continue thru January 5th with performances:

Show Type: Childrens

Box Office: 847-735-8554

www.citadeltheatre.org

Tickets range from $40-$50 with student and senior discounts.

The theater is located at 300 S. Waukegan Road in Lake Forest ( just south of Route 60 Townline Rd) and there is plenty of free parking

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Annie”.