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REVIEW: Sullivan Rep capped off their premiere season with a heartwarming ‘Annie’

Posted on December 27, 2024 by The Sleepless Critic

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.

Charlotte Kuong and Leah Hudson in Sullivan Rep’s ‘Annie’ Photo courtesy of Sullivan Rep

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.

The Orphans perform ‘It’s a Hard Knock Life’ in ‘Annie’ Photo courtesy of Sullivan Rep

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.

Charlotte Kuong and Todd Yard in Sullivan Rep’s ‘Annie’ Photo courtesy of Sulliva Rep

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.

Temma Boudreau and Charlotte Kuong in ‘Annie’ Photo courtesy of Sullivan Rep

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.

Brian Higgins as FDR and cast in Sullivan Rep’s ‘Annie’ Photo courtesy of Sullivan Rep

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.

REVIEW: Anything goes in Ryan Landry’s ‘The Rocky Menorah Christmas Show’

Posted on January 3, 2024 by The Sleepless Critic

Three chrome microphones, two slaying reindeer and one Mrs. Grinchley describes just a fraction of Ryan Landry’s wild tale as The Gold Dust Orphans presented The Rocky Menorah Christmas Show which recently ended its run on December 23 live and in person at the Iron Wolf Theatre at the Lithuanian Citizens Association in South Boston, Massachusetts. This vintage-style Rocky Horror musical parody was strictly for adults containing graphic nudity and is 90 minutes with one intermission. Click here for more information and the full advisory.

From ugly holiday sweaters to antler ears to twinkling light necklaces to candy cane shirts, it was a festive and dynamic crowd that attended The Rocky Horror Menorah Christmas Show. Refreshments and merchandise were available at the theatre and envelopes were taped to the back of each seat for donations.

TURN AROUND: Taryn Lane as Janet and Eric McGowan as Brad, Briana Scafidi, Alex Davis, Kaedon Gray, and Spookey as the Snow Cone Dancers Photo by Michael von Redlich

The Gold Dust Orphans are known for delivering their own take on vintage films indicated by the retro black and white tube TV which illustrated each theme that was happening onstage through various film montages from Bambi to The Shining. This is The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a holiday twist, but do not expect to hear the songs known from the popular film. Though the story’s characters, a portion of the costumes, and set up are similar which included the signature glittering lips, A Rocky Menorah Christmas Show featured original music with a jingle bell twist by Tad McKittrick and Tim Lawton parodying a number of popular songs by Patti Smith, David Bowie, Meatloaf, Bonnie Tyler, Taylor Dayne, Joe Cocker and the Go-Gos.

Welcome comedic local references varied from quips about North Shore Massachusetts accents to local landmarks to host puppets ‘GBH’s Jim Braude and Margery Eagan bringing clever humor to their signature banter. Additionally, The Brookline Sisters, a vintage trio of glittering backup singers in red, green and yellow composed of Tad McKittrick, Lizette Morris and Gina Carmella, acted as commentators and semi-narrators throughout this production.

To be clear, never been a fan of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in any of its various forms. After several attempts, still not a fan. Rocky Horror Picture Show is considered a cult classic, but in the Tim Curry-iness of it all, Clue is the preferred cult classic in this critic’s book.

BRAD&JANET: Eric McGowan as Brad Keebler and Taryn Lane as Janet Winky Photos by Michael von Redlich

Sure, The Rocky Horror Picture Show 1975 film was risqué and banked on shock value not particularly relevant to the story and this show is similar in that regard. The Rocky Menorah Christmas Show focuses on two Christian elves decked out in fluffy pink and blue that spring a flat on their sled and their only hope is to get help at a mysterious and ice laden castle. Janet, depicted by Taryn Lane, is an insufferable, demanding, melodramatic, and superstitious know-it-all while Brad, portrayed by Eric McGowan, is a henpecked, timid, and dimwitted follower.

Ryan Landry as Mrs. Grinchley dons convincing green makeup and depicts the mastermind of this particular operation accompanied by ghoulish companions Kiki Samko as maid Fuchsia and Joey Pelletier as Butler Gift Wrap. Though at first this Grinch can be a mean one, Murphy’s Grinchley is a candid and bawdy creature that runs the moral compass of this zany universe. Political and religious ribbings and commentary run as amok as this lusty and at times darkly humorous tale takes shape.

GRINCHLEY: Kaedon Gray and Briana Scafidi as the Snow Cone Dancers, Ryan Landry as Mrs. Grinchley Photo by Michael von Redlich

Directed by Kiki Samko and choregraphed by Briana Scafidi, the cast collectively delivered strong vocals and are skilled dancers especially in the athleticism and impressive stunts performed by Spookey in a Speedo and sunglasses featured in 20^th Century Boy. This semi-immersive and interactive show occasionally breaks the 4^th wall and the characters sometimes are not limited to the stage.

FUCHSIA & GIFTWRAP: Kiki Samko as Fuchsia and Joey Pelletier as Gift Wrap Photo by Michael von Redlich

The Rocky Menorah Christmas Show is fast paced, but especially in the second half, starts to lose focus and hits a fork in the road in more ways than one. From a dirty Santa to blow up astronauts to demons to ghouls to tap dancing reindeer to a blow up yellow monster, anything goes and this cast does not leave much to the imagination. While the show does not seem to take itself seriously, when it does toward the end, its strong message seems a strange extra in this wild parody.

The Gold Dust Orphans presented The Rocky Menorah Christmas Show which recently ended its run on December 23 live and in person at the Iron Wolf Theatre at the Lithuanian Citizens Association in South Boston, Massachusetts. This vintage-style Rocky Horror musical parody was strictly for adults containing graphic nudity and is 90 minutes with one intermission. Click here for more information and the full advisory.

REVIEW: Celebrating their 70th anniversary, Hingham Civic Music Theatre delivers a feel good family favorite with ‘Annie’

Posted on November 8, 2018 by The Sleepless Critic

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. 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 highlighting song snippets of It’s a Hard Knock Life, Fully Dressed, and Tomorrow, Hingham Civic Music Theatre (HCMT) proves this steadfast musical favorite never goes out of style.

To cap off their 70^th anniversary, Hingham Civic Music Theatre brings back this beloved musical to an almost sold-out audience so try to capture the last few tickets now. Directed and choreographed by Nathan Fogg and musically directed by Sandee Brayton, Annie continues through Sunday, November 10 at Hingham Town Hall located at 210 Central Street in Hingham, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Abby Tondorf as Annie, Rob Buckel-Gillis as Oliver Warbucks, Sara Daly as Grace Farrell and the cast in the Big City Photo courtesy of Hingham Civic Music Theatre

What is such fun about Annie is although the story 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 Albert Finney, it is easy to forget the stage musical version sticks to the storyline for the most part, but also contains additional songs.

A group of homeless New Yorkers offer a spirited version of Hooverville, which dials into social injustices during the Great Depression. Rob Buckel-Gillis as dapper, tough-minded tycoon Oliver Warbucks pays tribute to the Big City with N.Y.C. before later performing a touching rendition of Why Would I Change a Thing. These are just a few of the additional songs included in the stage version of the musical.

Abby Tondorf as Annie, Sara Daly as Grace Farrell as Grace, and the cast singing ‘I Think I’m Gonna Like it Here’ Photo courtesy of Hingham Civic Music Theatre

From wealthy city shoppers to house staff to government officials including President Roosevelt to the amazing Rockettes and even Santa, the delightful ensemble cast seamlessly enhances the lighthearted atmosphere of this production. For example, before the famous number, Be Our Guest from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast existed, I Think I’m Gonna Like it Here offers its own set of accommodations as the house staff warmly introduce Annie to Oliver Warbucks’s mansion.

Enhanced by a few impressive stunts, the orphans skillfully navigate the memorable number, It’s a Hard Knock Life as the orphans mourn their life in the orphanage with Miss Hannigan. The orphans’ version of Fully Dressed is adorable and sure to make you smile.

‘It’s a Hard Knock Life’ number Photo courtesy of Hingham Civic Music Theatre

Donning a red bob haircut tied with a scarf, Abby Tondorf delivers spunky charm as Annie, her silvery vocals strongest during the numbers I Think I’m Gonna Like it Here and her signature song, Tomorrow. She shares some endearing moments with Rob Buckel-Gillis as Daddy Warbucks. Along with her trusty dog Sandy who is a ringer for the dog in other adaptations, the two of them make a sweet pair.

Having made her last appearance as the Dragon in HCMT’s Shrek, Debby Rawson Stratton sinks her teeth into this fiery role as sarcastic and snarky Miss Hannigan. Wearing a purple silk robe over a green nightgown with frazzled red hair, Debby makes the role her own with sharp, comic timing and a vocal belting quality never better than during the hilarious number, Little Girls. Aaron Stolicker as Rooster and Whitney Lloyd as Lily St. Regis make an amusing, sleazy pair.

Debby Rawson Stratton as Miss Hannigan and Winslow Levin as Molly Photo courtesy of Hingham Civic Music Theatre

Debby Rawson Stratton as Miss Hannigan, Aaron Stolicker as Rooster, and Whitney Lloyd as Lily St. Regis Photo Courtesy of Hingham Civic Music Theatre

Sara Daly charmingly depicts elegant Grace Farrell, Oliver Warbucks’s levelheaded secretary. Daly participates in a frequent battle of wills with Debby Rawson Stratton as Miss Hannigan and their smug verbal exchanges are hilarious.

The cast of ‘Annie’ Photo courtesy of Hingham Civic Music Theatre

Don’t wait for tomorrow to get the remaining tickets to Hingham Civic Music Theatre’s musical, Annie, a classic family show with an timeless message about never giving up. Annie continues through Sunday, November 10 at Hingham Town Hall located at 210 Central Street in Hingham, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and for tickets. Follow Hingham Civic Music Theatre on Facebook for updates and more.