REVIEW | Annie

“We Got Annie” Sydney and what a celebration it is to welcome the critically acclaimed, Broadway spectacular Australian Premier of Annie, showing at The Capitol Theatre!

With a buzz of excitement and a majestic sea off celebrative “Annie” Red, at the Opening Night show, the theatre was jammed packed with A list celebrities and theatre goers for this magical evening ahead.

Bought to you by John Frost for Crossroads Live Australia with Fowles Entertainment and Power Arts, along with Executive Producer, Adrian Storey, this Oscar nominated musical sensation has been wowing audiences for almost 50yrs.

Written in only fourteen months by Thomas Meehan, based on Harold Gray’s popular Comic Strip, Little Orphan Annie from the the 1920’s, Annie, had its original premier in Connecticut, in 1976.

The performance is beautifully portrayed and certainly offers great attention to detail from every angle and layer depicted. It’s truly brilliantly Directed by Karen Johnson Mortimer and Resident Director, Trudy Dunn. 

Staring Australia’s legendary theatre sensation Anthony Warlow as Oliver Warbucks, this heart felt character for which Warlow has previously enjoyed dazzling audiences with, back in 2000 and 2012 as well as his Broadway debut in the 35th Anniversary production of Annie in 2013. It’s as if this role was made for him as he embodies it just brilliantly, making you understand why he’s won several Broadway nominations.

Debora Krizak brings the perfect light and shade to her layered character of Miss Hannigan. This role is executed brilliantly with that mix of joyful humour which is beautifully timed, as well as the controlling and bossy attitude displayed towards her Orphans. It’s possibly more so, the inner loathing she has for how her life has ended up, then the loathing she projects towards the children for which she is in care of at the orphanage. You are left with a hopeful desire that she really does love them somewhere deep down, or perhaps it’s the special child like innocents offered from the Orphans in reverse. Nonetheless the connection and interactions between them all is both comical and infectious to watch.

The role of Annie is shared between no doubt, four incredibly talented up and coming youngsters including Beatrix Alder, Matilda Casey, Stephanie McNamara and the delightful Dakota Chanel, who played Annie for the opening night performance. It’s a huge role for someone so young and she executed it with that heartfelt, charismatic energy that we all know and love, in all the versions of Annie we have been treated to watch and enjoy over the years.

Absolutely nailing those songs we have fallen in love with, from her powerful rich tone, to an innocent and vibrant charisma, this little superstar is certainly no doubt creating more wonderful opportunities ahead, with her abundance of talent and ability.

The mix of Orphans are played between 22 little pocket rocket superstars. Kate shared between Elle Boesen, Yasha Galperin and Skylah McMah. Pepper played by either Francesca Kong, Kiki Kersten and Matilda Teiotu. July performed by Chloe Delle-Vedove, Nina Gallas, and Ava Palfreyman. Friday played by Yeshi Jehru, Zoe Reeves, Skye Spiden and Alena Tiliacos. The adorably cute and mischievous Molly performed by Ellie Lang, Arianna Lorusso and Willow Wilson. Tessie played by Pearl Mason, Cailin Scully and Victoria Togias.
Duffy shared between Olivia Scott, Bianca Papa and Camille Nko’o. Indeed a credit also to Children’s Director, Erin Mortimer Wells.

The talent, passion and energy shown from these young cast members is uplifting and inspiring. It’s A Hard Knock Life and Fully Dressed is delivered with precision, strength and a clear understanding of well executed dynamics within their movements, wonderful characterisation, authenticity and such an impactive essence you are left with nothing more than a huge WOW!
It’s truly magic!

Keanu Gonzalez embodies Rooster Hannigan, the calculating brother of Miss Hanagan with absolute precision. His movements and sneaky charm oozes in every aspect, matching with talented vocals. He is a true delight to watch along with Mackenzie Dunn who plays Lily St. Regis. She brings that quirky and loveable appeal, offering a delightful mix in to the scheming trio, that present the famously know Easy Street Performance with such a brilliant flavour and emotional embodiment of the genre and music.

We are dazzled and treated to a stunning performance by Amanda Lea Lavergne who has played numerous musical theatre role in New York City. Her delightful and charismatic flair is delivered beautiful as she plays Grace Farrell and inter-grates an appealing, mothering nature with Annie throughout the show.

Greg Page plays the impactful role of Franklin D Roosevelt with a quaint appeal and connects with Annie’s optimistic glow.

The Ensemble are the glue that holds the show together and execute the movements and characterisation within the Choreography from Mitchell Woodcock with brilliant execution, vibrancy and accuracy. The new work from Woodcock is so appealing to the eye, offering a modern twist yet without taking an inch away from the originality of this era and stylisation. It’s truly superb to witness!

With Lyrics by Martin Charnin and Music by Charles Strouse the orchestral execution was both powerful and majestic. Musical Direction by David Piper and Associate Musical Director, Kohan Van Sambeeck along with Sound Design from Michael Waters is delivered with a sweetness to the ear, like snow melts into water.

The Scenery is grand and epic by Kenneth Foy with such flawless scene changes and grand sets, that are certainly impressive and depict the themes of 1920’s within the story. You are taken on such a delightful journey and mix of integration with the layers of times between the obvious theme of poverty and the elite rich. The Lighting Design from Gavan Swift is flawless and compliments the modern designs with technology of Projections by Craig Wilkinson. Just as the Costume Design by Kristian Fredrikson offers an assortment of slickness and colour through to the shabby signs of destitution. Of course the audience was delighted to share in applause with the vision of the iconic ‘Red Dress’ of Annie when it appeared on stage. I wonder how many little girls have worn that replica over the years…

Now, one role that certainly deserves a stand out mention that charmed the audience effortlessly, is that of Sandy, played and shared by none other than Sandy the dog and Daisy.
Enticed by some treats during the performance, this role is simply infectious as always mastered by the beautiful essence of what being in the moment depicts, that humble dogs gift to us. No doubt unpredictable with their performance, yet certainly clever and predicted to give you a warm smile from deep within, as well as a crowd favourite.

This production has it all, it will warm your heart, entice your attention and offer some lighthearted laughter. Most importantly it will remind you of the benefits of optimism and belief and of course love. That no matter the story or desired destination, there is always sunshine offered with the hope of better and brighter days to come.

Annie will capture your heart and expand the theatre goers imagination, leaving you feeling inspired and joyful! This wonderful musical is for the whole family and one not to be missed!

A definite family favourite to be enjoyed!