The last time I saw this was at a dinner theatre - the kicker was that the lead actress had a head cold - her rendition of 'Tomorrow' was painful not only to her, but to the audience as well - needless to say it was both memorable and hideous. Here though, Caitlin Deerin, as Annie not only managed to almost hit the right notes, I say almost because she gets out of tune ever so slightly but was nowhere as cringe inducing. She's perky, and really puts all her worth into the role. In fact, the biggest plus is that everyone cast here is consistent and embellishes their characters - George Dvorsky's Daddy Warbucks voice stood out for me the most. For the record my favorite song is 'Easy Street' - it's both sleazy and funny. The staging, specifically the sets are amazing, ending with the main stairway in Daddy Warbucks lush home and a very tall Christmas tree, Annie in her full regale: red permed hair and red/white dress run down the stairs and almost takes a spill, but thankfully doesn't - the final reveal of Sandy as she is supposed to pop out of the Christmas present box, also doesn't come off either - but that's the name of the game in terms of working with both children AND animals - you're never going to know what surprises might occur. One qualm though and it's only a technical note, the cast are miked, I guess for the folks way back in the back row of the balcony, but mind you this is the Olney's new main stage and the seats (even in the balcony) are not that far away from the stage - so voices tend to be a tad too loud - it's not distracting or annoying, it's just comes across as unnatural. I must have forgotten that the story and specifically the setting is during Christmas time, so naturally as a Holiday themed production it's a great alternative to the tired and true Charles Dicken's 'Christmas Carol' - all in all the Olney's 'Annie' is more than the ideal present for the season.
No comments:
Post a Comment