ArtsBlog Reviews
Reviews, Commentary, Thoughts and Insights on the Arts
09/21/07
Don’t Wait Until Tommorow
Filed under: Performing Arts, Musical Theater
Posted by: @ 1:56 pm
As I walked toward the theater through a sudden downpour, I had every intension of disliking or at least being very annoyed by what
event lay ahead. I was already exhausted from a long and tedious day at my day job. When I got inside the theater brimming with
children of all shapes and sizes, my summation of the evening’s festivities was only amplified. This was going to be torture! I was
surrounded by children. Children who have a very difficult time censoring themselves, maintaining an ounce of self control or the ability
to control their spastic little bodies. Not to mention, they were not only surrounding me but would also be on the stage. Children
singing at the tops of their little lungs, singing songs that inevitably get stuck in your head for days on end. Oh, I was not looking
forward to this.
As I settled into my seat I was immediately annoyed by the two children sitting directly behind me. They were loud, they were kickers
and they had candy. The little girl flung herself over my row of chairs and hyperventilated. The little boy loudly counted backwards in
anticipation of the curtain going up, he was soon joined by the little girl and accompanied by his adult companion who filed her nails to
the same rhythm. As I stood for the umpteenth time letting the late arrivals squeeze by (they always seem to have the center seats on
the row and are the last ones to show up), I felt the theater closing in around me. So began my evening at my first live viewing of the
Broadway version of Annie. Could the night get any worse?
As it turned out, it didn’t. It got remarkably better. No one could have been more shocked than I to find that I not only enjoyed myself,
but I found out I’m a pushover for a sentimental story. Annie won me over, not unlike the character of Annie - a perky little girl - winning
over the gruff billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Well basically anything that has a dog in it wins me over in the long run. Surprisingly, the
children in the production charmed me. The dog was adorable - of course. The songs though achingly familiar were nevertheless
entertaining. From immaculate, lush and extravagant to threadbare, filthy and worn out the costumes and sets reflected a time period
from two drastically different perspectives.
What can you say about Annie that hasn’t already been said? It’s optimistic, uplifting, fun, cute, sweet, kid-friendly and even a little
historical. Gee whiz, do I have to sing the chorus to “Tommorow?” That’s Annie in a nut shell. A rag to riches story of a little orphan
girl who is adopted by a billionaire, Annie’s living the American dream. She hoped for a better tomorrow - no, she expected it - and she
got it.
This review could easily have been called “Local Girls Do Good” Three of the cast members, including the star, are from Central Florida.
Hailing from Clermont, Amanda Balon plays Annie to Annie perfection. She’s spunky, she’s animated and she can belt out a tune. I
almost wanted to adopt her. Annalisa DiBernardo as tiny little Molly is a dynamo. This little spitfire dances, sings, does cartwheels,
cracks wise, and almost steals the show. Last of my fellow hometowners is Madison Zavitz as Pepper. To be honest, I don’t know which
orphan was Pepper, but all the kids were stellar so Madison wins by default.
David Barton takes on the role of Oliver Warbucks. Lately of the teaching persuasion, Barton took the chance to audition for the role
after many years of not performing professionally. He was pleasantly surprised to win the part. With a booming voice, Warbucks is an
imposing character that’s a little rough around the edges. Fitting the physical attributes, Barton’s got the act down cold. My question
is, was he already bald or did he shave his head for the part?
Lynn Andrews portrays the despicable Miss Hannigan with gusto, and her dance moves are smooth as silk. Well, I can’t tell a lie. I love
you, Miss Hannigan. You were hysterical. I thoroughly enjoyed your performance, but I could have done without the whistle. There were
several other outstanding performances in the show. I was particularly taken with the characterization of President Roosevelt played by
Jeffrey Duncan. Duncan slipped in a few unexpected laughs - my biggest of the night. It’s always heartening to see a president
portrayed as a caring human being.
Lastly, let’s take a moment to reflect on Sandy the dog played by Mikey the dog. Although I couldn’t find his bio in the playbill, I am
hoping he is a rescue from a shelter and was happily adopted and is enjoying a very pampered life as a star. I have a dog and she is well
trained - not to mention a little brainiac. She’s socialized with people and other dogs, doesn’t mind crowds, and is a retired therapy dog.
That said, I know she would be completely thrown off by an audience, the lights, applause and every other distraction in the theater if I
were not standing right beside her. She would be running amuck on stage and off. That said, kudos to Mikey for making his mark and
playing his part! (And kudos to his trainer, too) Mikey proves once again what wonderful animals can be found in a shelter (assuming
he was found at a shelter, but either way adopt a shelter pet!!!).
Maybe what we need today is a little girl like Annie to make a trip to the Oval Office to have a little chat with the President. Timeless and
timely, Annie will put a smile on your face and a song in your heart - or at least stuck in your head. And you know, you’re not
completely dressed without a smile. Annie continues at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center until September 23rd.
– K J Roberts —