By Carol A Hillman
Community Contributor
“Annie,” the iconic Broadway Musical, 40 years young is a Tony, Grammy, and Drama Desk Award-winning production. It has graced the Grand Rapids Civic Stage four previous times, including a summer run after a season successful run in 1984.
Saturday night’s performance of the opening weekend was a wonderful rendition with strong set, pit, costuming, and engaging character portrayals. The well known songs were such a pleasure to hear in context with some of the best diction and pitch accuracy performed. Not one primary character was weak in both acting and voice capability. Of Course, Annie, played by Ellie Brower, was the character all wondered how a young person can “sell” the role. Ellie does not disappoint in the least. Her acting and singing are spot on. You forget she is acting, but brings Annie alive to the audience. Her emotional involvement in the role is engaging. Whether singing a solo, with her capable fellow orphans, or duets with Oliver Warbucks, played by Jason Morrison, she is entertaining and believable.
Every lead in this production is a joy to “live” through while weaving this familiar story to adults wanting to introduce this story to the younger set. Many children were in the audience and watching their engagement and applause demonstrated an understanding of the presentation. Applause was spontaneous frequently during well-done choreography, songs, and line delivery.
Staging for this year’s return of “Annie” is very engaging as well. There is a beautiful meld of realizing you are in the New York of December 1933, and the use of today’s technology to bring authentic portraits of the New York landscape of that era. Not wanting to give away how this is done, you will need to attend to fulfill your curiosity. The actors, themselves, are involved in the transitions between scenes with seamless and interesting to watch scene shifts. Props were accurately portraying the era as well.
Speaking of the 1930s, the costuming, hairdos, and sets were very reflective of the time. The shoes were very complimentary to the dress of each character. Hairdos were delightfully apropos and Wigboys is to be congratulated for their great selections.
Not to disappoint, a live dog portrays Sandy. Any consideration of live animals on stage is not to be taken lightly. The choice of Abbie from the Playford family was well done. She was comfortable on stage. Just as the other actors are volunteer and dedicated with many hours of rehearsal and subsequent performances, Abbie rose to the occasion.
It would be easy to dedicate a full page on each actor involved in this production. Suffice it to say, that the orphans and their additional ensemble was a treat to watch. Miss Hannigan played by Noddea Moore Skidmore, Rooster and Lily played by Jon Calkins and Emily Ambs respectively, Oliver Warbucks portrayed by Morrison, and Grace Farrell played by Kira Alsum, (for a story on local resident Alsum, click here) all in demanding roles both in their own right, but also because the roles are so familiar to many over these many years, deserve accolades galore. Such confirmation in their acting abilities to put their own theatric savvy in to their roles without delivering nothing less than stellar renditions must be mentioned here. Bravo! In addition, those involved in the scenes at the Radio Station and the White House were comic with great line and song delivery. Applause was genuine for all involved.
It is a pleasure to write this revue. So much so, I may return “Tomorrow”……”Maybe”, just for the joy this production emits. Do not hesitate to purchase tickets as “I Think You’re Going to Like it Here.”
