| "Director-lyricist Martin Charnin has assembled an especially strong cast – particularly the best tour ensemble of child actors this critic has seen in umpteen returns of the 1977 Tony Award-winning show........ All six young actresses playing Annie’s fellow “inmates” at the poorly-run institution kick high and deliver the orphans’ signature song “It’s a Hard-Knock Life” with strong, confident voices and uncommon poise.... Kudos go out for........ Amanda Balon’s savvy and sarcasm as Molly." Lovable ‘Annie’By Jules Becker - The Jewish Advocate, Boston Wednesday June 28 2006 |
"Particularly fetching was petite Amanda Balon as Molly, the smallest and spunkiest of the lot. She was great in the sassy dance number at the beginning of the second act, when the orphans take up the tune "You're Never Really Dressed Without a Smile," even tossing off a cartwheel. And she was a hoot when imitating a tipsy Miss Hannigan." The Providence JournalPublished by The Providence Journal Co., 75 Fountain St., Providence, RI 02902. This Annie charms like there's no tomorrow01:00 AM EDT on Thursday, June 1, 2006 BY CHANNING GRAY Journal Arts Write |
."....The most impressive actor on stage was 9 yr old Amanda Balon, who put on an outstanding performance as the youngest orphan, Molly. The little actress proved to be a refreshing break from the usual short-stature preschoolers who contribute cuteness, but little else. Balon's acting, dancing and vocal skills are exceptional; her presence captivating....." Ontario News An Uncanny "Annie" - Jean Marseux August 26, 2006 |
".....The pig-tailed Pixie orphan, Molly, played by Amanda Balon, was the stand out in the cast of orphans..." The Patriot Ledger http://www.patriotledger.com/articles/2006/06/19/life/life01.txt THEATER REVIEW: ‘Annie’ hooks another generation of fans By DANA BARBUTO June 19, 2006 Boston |
| "....the chorus of orphans - are generally entertaining as well. Amanda Balon, who plays Molly..... shines on stage " Improved sound for ‘Annie’ should be only a day away By Jill Radsken BOSTON HERALD Thursday, June 15, 2006 |
"One of the best elements of the production is the company of orphans. They're a bright bunch, sing their hearts out, and dance up a storm. Of special note is Amanda Balon as Molly, the littlest orphan, who always winds up in the middle of the mayhem." OnStage Boston, Bet Your Bottom Dollar By R. J. Donovan 06/16/06 |
".....Amanda Balon is a delight as the diminutive "Molly..." WolfTrap Filene Center June 27 - July 2, 2006 A "Family Friendly" musical proves surprisingly threatening for "little girls" |
| "...Any scene featuring the smallest orphan Molly, played by the hilarious, ham-it-up 8-year-old Amanda Balon. It seemed everytime she was on stage, she had all of the audience's eyes ..." Milwaukee March 20th 2006 Mark Hornickel's , Kenosha, WI Re-treating to 'Annie' |
| "....Nine-year-old Amanda Balon is a scene-stealer." Theatre Reviews Annie by Peter Cassels EDGE National News Editor Tuesday May 30, 2006 Annie at Providence Performing Arts Center .....Watch out for Amanda Balon, an 8-year-old star-in-the-making who steals every scene she is in." Appleton Post-Crescent Performance: Appleton, WI 05-Apr-06 'Annie' offers audience a cute family show at Fox Cities PAC By Steven Hyden "....The young actresses that play the orphans are fun to watch, especially Amanda Balon as Molly...." Hard to Knock Joan Tupponce Richmond.com Wednesday, May 10, 2006 Visit Broadway Under the Stars for more information. "......Close in degree of talent is Amanda Balon, the baby of the troupe. A definite catch for Charnin, this nine year old petite powerhouse of a performer plays her role of "Molly" with enthusiastic gusto. Her ability to work the stage comfortably and believably, utilizing vocal, acrobatic and acting skills as well as her undisputed cuteness, gives her character an unwavering presence throughout the entire show. If anything negative is to be said, it is that Charnin does not use this tiny star nearly enough. Balon's imitation of the hung-over Hannigan is hysterical. Altogether, Balon is an adorable crowd pleaser. It will not be a surprise to find her following O'Donnell in the title role someday soon." The New “Annie” – A “Spiffed-Up” Delight for Audiences of All Ages By Zachary Marsden Musical Theatre Reviewer INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS GAZETTE 5-13-06 ."...the other orphans, led by little Molly, portrayed by mini-dynamo Amanda Balon, age 8..." Stage Review: 'Annie,' once again Thursday, April 13, 2006 By Christopher Rawson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Where: PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh, Heinz Hall, Downtown. ".....Two scene stealers are 8-year-old Amanda Balon (Molly) and a pooch named Lola as Sandy," Off the Top of My Head 3-29-2006 "......Eight-year-old Amanda Balon was absolutely adorable as Molly. " Wharton 'Annie' cast worked well together By MELISSA TALON Thursday April 20, 2006 www.statenews,com All content ©2006 The State News ".......tiny Amanda Balon is a delight as Molly the littlest orphan;" Classical Voice of North Carolina, March 16th Broadway Series: A Brand-New Annie for a New Century Delights Triangle of all Ages Author Robert McDowell "......Amanda Balon is hilarious as the tiny, feisty Molly" A scrappy pauper makes 'Tomorrow' seem plausible By Orla Swift, STAFF WRITER The News & Observer Raleigh · Durham · Cary · Chapel Hill Published: Mar 15, 2006 12:48 PM "..... Amanda Balon, an eight year old charmer who is a real miss show biz winner as Molly. " Loessin at Large Live Public Radio WHRO-FM Virginia |
| "....But the most adorable, most memorable actor in the show was 8-year-old Amanda Balon as Molly, the littlest orphan under Miss Hannigan's thumb. Balon's energy and life onstage are amazing, as is her acting ability at such a young age." 'Annie' charming, sweet musical By STACY SMITH SEGOVIA The Leaf-Chronicle May 20, 2006 |
| "Amanda Balon as the littlest orphan, Molly, stood out in quite a few scenes" 'Annie' delights audience, including many first-time theater-goers By: BONNIJEAN COONEY ADAMS, Daily News Editor 04/12/2006 Heinz hall, Pittsburg |
| "The singing and dancing talents of Amanda Balon, as little pig tailed Molly, are almost scary("frighteningly talented,")." STAGE REVIEW It's a familiar serving, but 'Annie' is still sweet The Boston GlobeBy Louise Kennedy, Globe Staff June 16, 2006 Reprinted from late editions of yesterday's Globe. |
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| Reviews |
| ©Copyright 2005-2006, Slater Karlo Film Productions inc. All rights reserved. Material may not be removed from this site without obtaining prior permission. This web site created and maintained by Tanzi Tate. Please send questions, comments, or problems to Webmaster |
| The estimated 1,980 attendees who packed the BJCC Concert Hall - many parents with young children - weren't disappointed, as a rousing performance by 10-year-old Orlando native Amanda Balon in the title role of Annie warmed their hearts and souls. |
| 'Annie' wins over hall full of new fans Friday, January 04, 2008 ROY L. WILLIAMS News staff writer |
| VALDOSTA — Judging from the rousing standing ovation Sunday afternoon, Little Orphan Annie found a home in Valdosta. A nearly sold-out crowd filled Mathis City Auditorium for “Annie,” presented as part of the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts Presenter Series. The audience was treated to a fine show from the nationally touring, professional Networks Presentations. ...... ......But the show’s heart was in the performance of 10-year-old Amanda Balon as Annie. She never missed a beat. She brought the character to life, and the audience could easily understand why Warbucks fell for her. She had the audience falling, too. |
| 'Annie' finds a home in Valdosta Published January 28, 2008 By Dean Poling |
| As the title character, Amanda Balon stole the show from the opening curtain. The spunky 10-year-old is a big talent even if she was among the shortest cast members. Her vocal power and physical poise were evident from her opening solo, "Maybe." |
| Evergreen 'Annie' is endlessly entertaining Sunday, February 24, 2008 By Kathleen Kirby writer |
| READ FULL ARTICLE |
| Good triumphed over evil and charmingly so when Broadway in Charleston brought “Annie” to the Clay Center Wednesday night. Amanda Balon made an energetic and appealing Annie, the tough kid in the orphanage who believes that tomorrow will bring a better day. |
| Charming ‘Annie’ visits Clay Center September 27, 2007 By Bob Schwarz Staff writer |
| Heading up the show in the title role is eleven year old wonder star, Amanda Balon. Whether acting, singing or dancing it is clear that this is not a little girl who simply memorized a script to play a role on stage. This little actress, who possesses the maturity of a seasoned performer is extraordinarily convincing in her role as Annie. Had such a character truly existed, Amanda is exactly who Annie would have been. Balon believably conveys a span of her character's emotions by utilizing spectacular vocal and acting skills as well as dynamic facial expressions. Her fear of Miss Hannigan, the boozy, slave mistress of the orphanage, her adoration of the gruff, Oliver Warbucks and her hopeful love for her parents is so believable I found myself swallowing down the lump in my throat on more than one occasion. |
| THE NEW DEAL IS THE REAL DEAL… STRONG ANNIE CAST WILL HAVE YOU SINGING THROUGH TOMORROW By Lydia Margolis OPERA (Ohio Peoples Entertainment Review Association) Weekly October 24th 2007 |
| The stand-out performance of the night was none other than the part of Annie played by Amanda Balon. Hard to believe this fine actress is only 10 years old and it is worth noting she has been performing since the age of two. Balon has been acting for eight years already including such shows as: "Annie", "Christmas Carol", "Grinch", "Sound of Music", "Gypsy", "Mary Poppins", and "Cats Jr.". Impressive resume for someone who is just a kid, way to go! Balon has also won the Broadway Trophy for "Best Child Star in a Musical" and also was crowned "Champion Performer of the World" in Hollywood. Hat's off to this child actress who gave a BIG performance and in the end looks like a bright future for Little Orphan Annie aka Amanda Balon. |
| By Jimmy Rae Published Oct 24, 2007 |
| "If the hit Broadway musical “Annie” did not carry that title, then the character of Annie would have something to say about it. At least 11-year-old Amanda Balon, who portrays Annie in the touring production at Popejoy Hall through today, would. Balon’s endearing characterization is what the story demands, and what the audience gets. On Friday night, the audience showed its appreciation by giving her and the supremely talented cast a standing ovation. Balon’s Annie is tough-skinned and feisty yet polite and politic. She knows what to say in the moment and when to be quiet. Annie is intelligent, so much so that adults — yes, even the president of the United States — listen to what she has to say. Really less what Annie says than how she says it. Annie is the eternal optimist in a time when optimism is at a premium. Balon seemed to draw her singing power all the way down from her toes to reach the back rows of the hall. Listen to Balon punch out the musical’s signature song “Tomorrow.” The song is a clarion call for optimism. And if you think of it, the musical itself is, too." |
| ‘Annie’ Fully Dressed With Smiles, Hope Sunday, April 06, 2008 By David Steinberg/ Journal Staff Writer |
| 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............ 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 - By KJ Roberts 09/21/07 Don’t Wait Until Tomorrow Performing Arts, Musical Theater |
| ArtsBlog Reviews Reviews, Commentary, Thoughts and Insights on the Arts |
| FAYETTEVILLE — Annie is irresistible — the girl and the show. Amanda Balon, as Annie, captured the audience from the start with her sweet, strong voice on the first song, “Maybe.” |
| The charm is back, mostly in the performances of Amanda Balon (Annie).... Balon's Annie is just what you want her to be — cute, spunky and energetic, with a strong, belty voice |
| 'Annie' is still enchanting to kids of all ages By Erica Hansen Published: April 10, 2008 |
| This version, which plays at Kingsbury Hall through Sunday, is jam-packed with fancy, colorful sets, cute, energetic urchins and a well-trained former stray-turned-show terrier. Such atmosphere ably supports Amanda Balon's Annie, who conveys the role's necessary knock-kneed notes. That's despite Balon's nearly lifelong stage experience - at 10, she's already a three-year tour veteran promoted twice up the orphan ladder before earning the starring role. As an actor, Balon demonstrates the prerequisite spunkiness, yet she's not overwhelmed by the task of delivering her big-voiced ballads. Happily, the girl seems not yet to have outgrown her inner child, and yet there's a stillness in the way she poses onstage when she's not speaking, which seemed a contrast to all the fidgety kids in the audience. |
| Review: Bet your bottom dollar: Plucky 'Annie' will lift your spirits By Ellen Fagg 04/10/2008 |
| Scads of little girls, and little boys, too, cheered — especially — for Annie."Annie" remains a great family draw, even on its sixth visit to Omaha, and a crowd of 2,450 nearly filled the Orpheum Theater on Friday. Amanda Balon, 11, is a total charmer in the title role. She's got the timing cold on just about every line, wrapping the audience around her little finger. Leapin' lizards, this girl can sing and dance, bringing home both her big numbers, "Maybe," and the show's signature tune, "Tomorrow." |
| OMAHA WORLD HERALD |
It’s charming, captivating and better than ever. “Annie,” the musical starring the superb Amanda Balon in the title role, opened Friday night before a near capacity audience at Reno’s Pioneer Center. A seasoned pro at ten, the diminutive Ms. Balon is fresh and utterly right as the little waif who helped make America feel optimistic about the future during the dark days of the Great Depression. There’s not a moment that seems contrived about this remarkable youngster. “The sun ‘ill come out tomorrow,” she sings in her clarion voice. And so it does over and over again in this spit-and-polish production with a cast worthy of Broadway itself. |
| Apr 19, 2008 - By Jack Neal A solid production and a splendid cast sends "Annie" into the stratosphere at Reno's Pioneer Center |
| The cast of "Annie" reinvigorated what already was a delightful show. Full of "little girls, little girls," every scene brought laughter and applause from the packed house at Omaha's Orpheum Theater on opening night Friday. Amanda Balon Starred as the street-smart and eternally optimistic Annie. She did a wonderful job, and showcased a beautiful voice all night. |
| Theatre Review: 'Annie' remains a favorite Kim Bousquet 05/01/2008 |
| BY MICHELLE PARKS Posted on Friday, January 11, 2008 |
| Thank Broadway for little girls BY BOB FISCHBACH WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER Published Saturday | April 26, 2008 |
| 'Annie' Some things never change: The sun sets in the west. Food from McDonald's tastes worse an hour after you eat it. When Annie sings "Tomorrow," her side-stretched hand will sweep to the sky, and she will end the song in a spectacular, note-crashing climax so inspirational you'll want to rush out and invent some sort of new vaccine. I like the fact that "Annie" is predictably cheery. There are certain things that just seem right in this happy-go-perky musical: the cute dog; the evil Miss Hannigan; the eternal optimism of the orphans even when Annie gets picked to go live with the rich guy. The national touring production that opened Tuesday night at the Saroyan (and continues 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night for one more performance) might not be the snazziest or most cutting-edge touring musical of the year, but it knows how to get its happy job done. The 10-year-old Amanda Balon (who has been performing since the age of 2, according to the program notes, and has her own Web site), who plays the demanding role of Annie, has a strong voice and a sassy personality. I think one test of playing Annie well is the ability to pull off the "I love you" scene with Daddy Warbucks in a heartfelt way that is neither too flippant nor too goopy. Scrappy and equipped with a powerful set of lungs, the young Amanda has no problems carrying a two and a half hour musical. |
| Donald Munro May 7, 2008 THEATER REVIEW: |
| I saw "Annie" at the Whiting. Amanda Balon who played Annie was adorable. So was the dog that played Sandy. I had tears in my eyes at the end when Annie opened the big Christmas box with Sandy in it. |
| And such performers! Ten-year old Amanda Balon in the title role has mountains of energy in her tiny frame; when at the end she appears in Annie's traditional red dress the association that had been teasing my mind came clear to me: this kid is a stick of dynamite! She opens her mouth as wide and round as the world and out comes this amazing, strong clear voice--and, unlike too many young singers, she's kept it free from the affected vocal tricks of adult pop singers: it's a pure, honest, terrific kid's voice. Her striding physical confidence shows her dancer's training, and her histrionic skills when she yearns for her parents will wring your heart. Hers is a tale of paying your dues and show-biz perseverance: two years ago Amanda toured playing the role of Molly, the littlest orphan. A year ago she toured playing Duffy, a slightly older orphan--and understudying Annie. This year she's it--a quite marvelous Annie! And with her small stature she can ride that pony for several years to come. |
| The Fox Theatre Through November 25, 2007 Reviewed by Steve Callahan |
| 10-year-old Balon is more or less a force of nature: She has good timing, a trumpet of a voice and a grin that goes on forever. |
| Theater review: In 'Annie,' Thank Heaven For Little Girls By Elizabeth Maupin SENTINEL THEATER CRITIC Sep 19, 2007 |
| As Annie, Amanda Balon is as energetic and gee-whiz optimistic as you can imagine. While her trademark song "Tomorrow" will get you singing, it is "Maybe" that will get you sniffling. In it, she sings about what her life could be. Amanda does a nice job not only meeting the musical challenge but also of putting heartfelt interpretation into it. |
| Young stars shine in 'Annie' BY PAM HARBAUGH Sep 19, 2007 FLORIDA TODAY |
| Local Star and spunky kids make "Annie" shine BY JACK PETRO COLUMNIST September 20th 2007 |
| Already a star in Central Florida, Balon takes command of the lead role in a story that everyone knows from the comic books as in "the good old days"... Balon already a trouper at the age of 10 twists every patron around her finger as she leads six other orphans in a rousing rendition of "It's a Hard Knock Life" Without a proper Annie there is no show. Balon steps up to the challenge and delivers a stellar performance. Balon can belt out the songs but in addition, her Shirley Temple-style dancing is a definite plus. She easily keeps up with Daddy Warbucks giant steps in their dance numbers. In one scene, Annie takes off her hat and coat when she enters the mansion. On opening night the hat got caught up in her hair. Balon's experience kicked in and she continued her dialogue without a single miscue. Physically, the 10-year old Balon seems a tad young for the 11year old Annie. A couple of good cups of chocolate flavored Ovaltine every day should bring things together as the road show runs its course through May. "Annie" at the Carr Performing Arts Center in Orlando is a winner all the way and gets a must-see rating. |
