REVIEW: Sullivan Rep capped off their premiere season with a heartwarming ‘Annie’
The power of tomorrow.
Generations have grown up with some version of little orphan Annie and her trusty dog Sandy who meets billionaire tycoon Oliver Warbucks during Depression-era New York in 1933. It is a classic family tale for all ages with the eternal promise that no matter what happens, there is always hope. As the intimate, sweet-sounding orchestra chimed its first triumphant, horn-infused notes of the overture from the stage highlighting song snippets of It’s a Hard Knock Life, Fully Dressed, and Tomorrow, Sullivan Rep proves this steadfast musical favorite never goes out of style.
To cap off their first season of New Beginnings and Opportunities, Sullivan Rep brought back this beloved musical classic to a sold out audience for most of its run. Directed warmly by Dan Sullivan, Annie continued its successful run through Sunday, December 21 live and in person at The Windsor Club of Waban in Newton, Massachusetts. The music was two and a half hours including an intermission. Click here for more information.
Part of what makes Annie such fun to produce is although the tale remains the same, there is always room to perform it a little differently each time. Having seen the beloved 1982 film adaptation featuring a brilliant cast including Tim Curry, Carol Burnett, Bernadette Peters, Aileen Quinn, and the late great Albert Finney, it is easy to forget the stage version sticks to the storyline for the most part, but also contains additional songs. Sullivan Rep also added some welcome candid quips to the show such as ‘Some were from the Bronx, Miss,’ and ‘Just think…New Jersey’ for added humor as well as a touching moment when all the orphans harmonize for the final phrase in the number Maybe for added resonance.
Rather than utilizing the Windsor Club stage itself, Dan Sullivan made the most of the space for Annie by performing it at eye level in the auditorium to create an immersive experience featuring a pared down set the cast set up and took down with each scene. From a startling lightning storm to a red glowing stove to colorful and festive cheer, lighting director Erik Fox kept the show’s optimistic spirit in check throughout the production.
Wearing thick scarves, layers and period hats, a group of homeless New Yorkers delivered a spirited version of Hooverville which dials into social injustices during the Great Depression and the not so unfamiliar financial tension of today. In a pinstriped suit and silk tie, Todd Yard boasted soaring vocals as workaholic and tough-minded New York City billionaire tycoon Oliver Warbucks as he paid tribute to his beloved city with N.Y.C. before later performing a stirring rendition of Something was Missing which is just a couple of the additional songs included in the stage version of the musical, but not in the film. N.Y.C. had a skip in its step featuring piles of presents, special appearances by Mr. Peanut and Santa Claus and a wowed city newcomer who delivered stunning vocals in her brief appearance during the song.
In a fur lined coat and lilac heels, Temma Boudreau charmingly depicts elegant Grace Farrell, Oliver Warbucks’s levelheaded secretary and shares a few sweet moments of her own with Kuong. Boudreau’s breezy yet professional demeanor fit in well with Yard’s no nonsense moxie.
Donning a straight red haircut, Charlotte Kuong depicted a bit more restrained version of Annie still infused with cleverness, earnestness and charm. Her strong and clear vocals were most prominent during the numbers Maybe with adorable Leah Hudson as Molly as well as the show’s signature song, Tomorrow. She also shared some endearing moments with Yard as Oliver Warbucks and charming him into seeing New York City with her was a particular highlight.
The orphans’ version of Fully Dressed is adorable and sure to make you smile. Sound designer Andrew Mulholland successfully rewound the clock featuring vintage radio programs and an always entertaining look at how radio created sound effects in the 30s.
In curlers and a whistle that she makes the most of during the show, Carly Evans depicts a sarcastic and matter of fact Miss Hannigan. While some actresses sink their teeth into what can be considered an over the top role, Evans instead downplayed Miss Hannigan as exasperated, dark and moody showing off her strident vocals for Little Girls as the orphans demonstrated their knack for pushing her buttons. Cristhian Mancinas-Garcia as Hannigan’s conman brother Rooster and Melissa Paz as bleached blond Lily St. Regis make an amusing, sleazy pair and with Evans, a trio of conspiratorial adversaries. Paz is a powerful singer and looked like she enjoyed portraying a woman who can’t sing. Some of the rollicking chorography of Easy Street offered some subtle nods to the film version.
From select city shoppers to matching uniformed house staff to government officials, this enthusiastic ensemble cast enhanced the joy in this classic tale highlighted by Brian Higgins as a jovial and charismatic FDR, Robert Orzalli as Drake with a twinkle in his eye, Anthony Rinaldi stood out as jocular radio announcer Bert Healey, and the gum chewing, New Yorker Boylan Sisters were a treat.
Sullivan Rep capped off their season with Annie through Sunday, December 21 live and in person at The Windsor Club of Waban in Newton, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and what is in store next season.
