“Annie”

The performance was in fact, the last “preview” so there were still items being worked out and I would think that by “opening night” they fixed a few of the items. I must say that the direction by Kyle Dougan-LeBlanc was very special. Those of you who read my reviews and hear me on Sundays at WCPT know that I am consistent about ” every production of the same play being different”, and this one proved my point. Kyle found a way of adding film to the story, allowing them to have interlude music while they changed the set ( well done by the Penrods). The only problem seemed to be the stage left area where people seated in the left aisle just might get a backstage glimpse. If you are watching this cast doo their thing, that won’t bother you- they are energetic and the voices are powerful.

If you know the story, “Annie” is about an orphan who seeks finding her parents and getting away from the lady who runs the orphanage workhouse ( this was during the Great Depression). This character is played by the adorable Elin Joy Seiler, a natural redhead ( but no perm in this one), and her “keeper” Miss Hannigan is played by Sarah Smith, BUT tonight the role was handled to perfection by Allison Rose MacKnick who was flawless.  Her scenes with the orphans and with her brother, Rooster (David Geinosky) are terrific. “Rooster” is a con-man, who along with his girlfriend Lily St. Regis (deftly handled by Emily Holland) try to convince Daddy Warbucks ( a stellar performance by Michael Metcalf) and his assistant, Grace Farrell (Desiree Gonzalez) that they are the parents that left Annie in New York, and hae come back for the $50,000 reward. Mine you this was a time when $50,000 was truly a lot of money.

This is a happy ending musical  with a book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnon. Songs are quite familiar with “maybe” , “Tomorrow” and “A New Deal For Christmas” being the most noteworthy.  As usual, Music Theater Works has Linda Moldano handling the 16 piece orchestra in th epit. The musical director Michael McBride and the choreographer Mollyanne Nunn worked some great stuff with the orphans. The young ladies deserve all the applause they received for their performances. As adorable as they are, they are also loaded with talent. Some of these names will remain a part of this company as they mature: Audrey Bucholz, Brielle Horwitch ,Lea Juat, Catharina Araujo, Larrah lambo, Quinn Frances, Charlotte Keefer, Kylie Kaplan, Molly Dibble,  Jojo Nabwangu, Katie Romanski  and Rebecca Hutchinson. Dynamite dancers, singers, performers and soo cute!

Speaking of cute, tonight Sandy ( Annie’s found dog when she escapes from the orphanage) was handled by Nosi ( owned by Desi and Evan Thorne). This is not an easy role to play, but with the exception of one scene, Nosi was “right on”. The ensemble was terrific, playing many roles and one of my favorite roles, that of FDR ( the President who aided Warbucks in finding the truth) is handled by Bob Sanders. The scene when he gets the cabinet members to sing with Annie is powerful.

The play is longer than many are used to, so be prepared for act one being close to  1 1/2 hours and act two being near one hour. The beauty of this production is the swiftness that moves them from scene to scene so that the old saying “time flies when you’re  having fun”, holds true. On the tech side, I loved the costumes (Rachel M. Sypniewski) and the lighting (Chelsea Lynn) and the videos being added to the story. This is a wonderful holiday show for the family and as always Music Theater Works finds the right talent for their productions.

All Performances take place at the North Shore Center, 9501 Skokie Blvd. in Skokie

plenty of free parking in the covered garage as well as a lot