"Annie," show #949

A moment that captured my appreciation for Annie is at the very end of the act one number, “N.Y.C.,” when Warbucks picks up the sleepy Annie, exhausted from her first night out in the city that never sleeps. It’s a tender moment that shows the heart of this musical: the happiness audiences share in the rescued orphan finding instant trust in two caring adults, a trust so tough that she can fall asleep in the arms of Warbucks. It's attention to moments like that where directors Haleigh Cook and Steve Souza, and choreographer Kailyn Sanders, thrive in their helming of a heartfelt, unapologetically sincere production of Annie, currently playing at Good Company Players’ Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater; it's a show you can trust will provide a wholly enjoyable time at the theater.

(Campbell Sloas (Annie) and Oatmeal (Sandy); Photo source: Good Company Players)

Led by Campbell Sloas as the titular orphan (the youth roles are double-cast with Sloas leading the Times Square Cast) in fantastic fashion, her glistening vibrato and ease in delivering comedic reactions and quips make for an excellent leading performance, confirmed by her terrific turns at “Maybe,” “Tomorrow,” and contributions in “I Think I’m Gonna Like it Here.” Her camaraderie with her fellow orphans has youthful authenticity and musical comedy chops that elevate “Hard Knock Life” to the well-balanced “I Want/I Don’t Want” song that it is, and is performed superbly by the orphan cast. Camille Gaston delivers a Miss Hannigan that drips with droll and terrifies when pushed, and she delivers a stellar solo turn in “Little Girls.” Daniel Sutherland exudes a commanding matter-of-factness to his Warbucks that is calm and collected, allowing for the few moments of tenderness and effort in helping Annie find her parents all the more impactful. His leading of “N.Y.C” and “Something Was Missing” are terrific in voice and acting opposite his youthful co-star. 

(L to R: Camille Gaston (Miss Hannigan), Khari Somerville (Rooster), Emily Kearns (Lily St. Regis); Photo source: Good Company Players)

Amalie Larsen is a standout as secretary to Warbucks, Grace. Larsen’s timbre and gentle touch don’t compromise the strength and intelligence Grace has, a complete task of the role that Larsen delivers sublimely in scene and song. Khari Somerville and Emily Kearns are supporting stalwarts as Rooster and Lily, especially in a trio of triumph with “Easy Street” alongside Gaston, where vocal chops match character-acting and smooth staging in delivering this show-stopping romp of a number. Izsac Valencia is a wonderfully charismatic and classic-voiced Bert Healy in leading “Fully Dressed,” with support by a tightly harmonized trio comprised of Jessie Garcia, Sylvia Sloas, and Kylie Briggs as the Boylan Sisters. Mitchell Ralston is a featured standout as the butler, Drake, in both physical comedy and support of Warbucks and FDR’s antics at ensuring Annie isn’t adopted by the wrong parents. Joseph Harding is a memorable FDR, complete with the accurate vocal inflection and cadence without falling into impression of the notable president; Harding nails the humor in leading the cabinet scene and reprise of “Tomorrow.”

(Cast of Annie; Photo source: Good Company Players)

Laurie Bridges has done marvelous vocal coaching work with this large ensemble and principal cast, an impressive feat in bringing Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin’s score to vibrant musical life. Elizabeth Crifasi’s lighting design gives punch to the company numbers and intimacy to the quieter moments with aplomb. Ginger Kay-Lewis Reed’s costume design and David Pierce’s set design bring the audience into the Depression-era story with immediacy and verity. 

The role of Annie is an example of when the character also serves as the engine which drives the show: all aspects of the production must support her journey in finding her parents. This production fulfills that demand both consistently and compellingly; there’s not a false moment to be found, whether in the dramatic bits or stretches of heightened comedy. If you haven’t caught this Annie yet don’t let the sun come out tomorrow before you’ve booked your tickets tonight. Go see this show!