If you grew up watching the film of Annie, as so many of us did, you will certainly adore this amazing musical because, although a lot grittier than it’s celuloid counterpart, with its classic tunes, optimistic storyline, amazing cast and possibly the most obedient and talented dog you’ll ever see on stage, you can’t go wrong.
The show is a classic rags-to-riches story where Annie, and the other orphans of Depression Era New York City, live wretched lives under the control of Miss Hannigan at the Hudson Street Orphanage. One day, Annie’s life is changed forever when Grace, the assistant of billionaire Oscar Warbucks, comes to ask for an orphan to stay at his mansion for the Christmas holidays.
The stage set is covered with pieces of a huge jigsaw puzzle – maybe symbolising the world economy coming apart or maybe it’s the pieces of Annie’s life coming back together. Who knows, but either way it works well and, with the addition of six, very uncomfortable looking, beds, makes a very convincing orphanage dormitory.
The occupants of those beds are six orphan girls (on opening night played by Natasha Arabestani, Ezara Lockhart, Annika Whiston, Rachel Masters, Natasha Raphael and Chloe Bowes) who, led by Annie (on opening night played by Elise Blake), blast out a couple of the most memorable songs from the show. Maybe is their song of hope for a brighter happier future, while It’s a Hard Knock Life brings them right back to the harsh reality of their current daily grind.
Then, following her cunning escape from the orphanage, Annie takes the stage with just Sandy the dog (“played” by Amber) for company, to sing Tomorrow, an inspirational number that she belts out with a confidence, and the voice, of a performer very much older than her 12 years. She also earns extra points for speaking, and singing, with a near perfect New Jersey accent throughout the performance.
Considering that the show has very little in its’ make up to laugh about, there are some great comic moments and, with so many young girls in the cast, there are plenty of opportunities to ramp up the “cute” factor but, overriding all of that is a palpable feeling of the hardship and despair of the time. Whether it is through the crackling radio broadcasts that are heard before, and during, the show or whether it is through numbers such as Hooverville, sung by the homeless of New York, there is plenty of food for thought.
Lesley Joseph is simply brilliant as Miss Hannigan. From the moment that the doors at the back of the set open and she strides downstage, she dominates proceedings. A surprisingly good dancer, and a tremendous singer, it is very obvious that she is having the time of her life in this role and, particularly in her solo number, Little Girls, and her absolutely knockout performance of Easy Street, she radiates her love for the show and the character.
The other members of the cast are equally well chosen and all perform tremendously well. As the billionaire Oliver Warbucks, Alex Bourne morphs into a loving and caring adoptive father in a very subtle and believable way, tugging at the heartstrings with all his might in the second half. Jonny Fines and Djalenga Scott as Rooster Hannigan and Lily St Regis work wonderfully together and Holly Dale Spencer is tremendously good as Grace. Credit should also go to Amber the Labradoodle who, as Sandy the stray dog, never misses a cue!
This production of Annie is a feel good musical in the most delightful tradition – terrifically acted, well staged, beautifully produced, and extremely positive about life.
Five Stars *****