[NEohioPAL] Review of "Annie" at the Beck Center for the Arts

[Bob Abelman]

Beck Center offers an 'Annie' for the ages  

 

Bob Abelman

News-Herald, Chagrin Valley Times, Solon Times, Geauga Times Courier

Member, International Association of Theatre Critics 

 

This review will appear in the News-Herald on 12/14/12

 

 

"Annie" is back on Broadway after first appearing there in 1977.  This raises an important question:   Why?

 

The musical is based on the Depression-era comic strip about an optimistic redheaded ragamuffin.  She is rescued from a New York City orphanage and its gin-swilling proprietor Miss Hannigan by the billionaire industrialist Oliver Warbucks.  The endearing, head-strong Annie leaves a trail of goodness in her wake, bringing hope and the credo "the sun will come out tomorrow" to those who cross her path and comeuppance to those who wish her or her fellow urchins harm.

 

This uplifting show contains not only the evergreen rags-to-riches fantasy but suggests that the government can deliver us from hardship and tells us to stick out our chin and grin until it does.  These reminders seem to be as relevant now as they were back in the days of FDR and the Carter administration.

 

Between NYC engagements, this musical has been a perennial favorite at theaters across the country.  The problem is that many artistic directors believe that the only requirements for a sold out run are a parade of adorable little girls belting Charles Strouse and Martin Charmin's big-hearted songs, a handful of adequate players walking through Thomas Meehan's cartoon captioned dialogue, cardboard sets, and an adorable dog.  

 

And, of course, they are right.  

 

These ingredients alone are enough to elicit an "aww" from an audience and sympathy from the critics.  In fact, despite a production that merely meets these low expectations, the current Broadway revival is receiving positive reviews, with one acknowledging that "this is a tough show to resist."  

 

But those who witnessed the original Broadway production, which played 2,377 performances and won numerous Tony Awards, know the heights this show can reach when staged well and when loaded with stellar talent.

 

So, too, will those who attend the Beck Center for the Arts production of "Annie," currently on stage in Lakewood.  

 

In the spirit of full disclosure, this reviewer was only available for the preview performance of the show, which director Scott Spence noted was a working final rehearsal.  In fact, much of the set was under construction and unpainted, most of the lighting design had yet to be implemented, and wigs were works in progress. 

 

Consequently, the focus of this review is on the performances, which are spectacular.  

 

As an ensemble, everyone in this production captures and communicates the wit and charm embedded in this musical and gives dimensionality to a story created for the comics.  As far as individual performances are concerned, each actor brings something distinctive and interesting to the mix. 

 

The very talented Anna Barrett gives the title character intelligence which-along with incredible acting chops for someone her age (she's a sixth grader), dazzling stage presence and a lovely voice-commands attention and holds it throughout the production.  She is the spark that ignites the performances of others, including an adorable, spunky and exceptionally gifted corps of orphans played by Giovanna A. Layne (Molly), Jade McGee (Tessie), Erin Eisner (July), Natalie Welch (Duffy), Elise Pakiela (Kate), and Maggie Devine (Pepper).  

 

Choreographer Martín Céspedes clearly recognizes and capitalizes on their remarkable athleticism and dancing skills, for he pulls out all the stops on their musical numbers.  "Hard Knock Life," in particular, explodes with energy and creativity and, as the first production number in the first act, sets the bar high.

 

Céspedes raises the bar with "Easy Street," which features Matthew Ryan Thompson (Rooster), Molly Huey (Lily St. Regis) and Lenne Snively (Miss Hannigan).  Taking full advantage of Snively's brilliant comedic flair, Thompson's immense physicality and grace as a dancer, and Huey's well rounded performance skills, this musical number is the show's highlight-a jazzy showcase for the type of talent that calls to memory the original Broadway production.

 

It gets better.  Caitlin Elizabeth Reilly is delightful as Grace Farrell, Warbucks' personal assistant.  She is thoroughly charming and establishes a wonderful rapport with her employer, played with a perfect balance of bluster and gentleness by Gilgamesh Taggett.  Both Taggett and Reilly establish a genuine connection with Barrett's Annie, which makes their songs-all beautifully sung-particularly touching.  

 

This production, supported by an incredible off-stage orchestra under Larry Goodpaster's musical direction, has miles of heart.   

 

Based on performance alone, those attending this Beck Center production during the holidays will not only be getting a new deal for Christmas this year, but the real deal.

 

"Annie" runs through January 6 at the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood.  For tickets, which range from $12 to $28, call 216-521-2540 x10 or visit www.beckcenter.org.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.neohiopal.org/pipermail/neohiopal-neohiopal.org/attachments/20121210/6407b5af/attachment-0004.htm>