Nouse.co.uk » Annie

Annie

November 4, 2009
Li Peng Cheok

Production: Annie
Venue: Grand Opera House York
Rating: ****

Let me get this straight: I love Annie, I do. She’s my favourite orphan in the world next to Maddox Jolie-Pitt, and even he’s legitimately someone’s child now. I’ve seen the musical and watched the Disney movie twenty times, and will accept nothing less than the standard I’m accustomed to. So, when I got goose bumps watching this touring production on a cold, rainy York night, I knew I was on to something good.

This Tony award-winning musical is a favourite amongst children, pets, parents, grandparents, and the whole motley crew. In the wrong hands, it could turn into a cheesy, sugary mush – but in this case, director Roger Hannah did an excellent job pulling off the heart-warmer.
The legendary ‘Tomorrow’ scene was a bit of a letdown (little orphan Annie stiffly standing stick straight in the middle of the stage wasn’t terribly inspiring), but all faith was completely restored by the time the shiny ‘NYC’ belted out. The production was cleverly executed with the actors managing to spring and sing their ways into the audience’s hearts effectively, given the limited stage space. Ensemble numbers were particularly well-choreographed, with the cast moving seamlessly and gracefully while working with the stage limitations.

Charles Strouse’s brilliant music was done due justice with the cast’s passionate performances making up for being occasionally pitchy. Star billing was given to comedic actress, Su Pollard, who played the sardonic Miss Hannigan. While decent, she unfortunately did not particularly stand out against the rest of the cast who gave solid, commendable performances. Grace Glevey as Annie lacked that extra spunk but was charming, loveable and literally moved the child in front of me to tears. A special tip of the hat, however, to James Gavin and Sophie McEwan who played Rooster Hannigan and Lily St Regis respectively; smooth, slick and sly with perfect comic timing. On the proud York front, the girls from the Stagecoach Theatre Arts School playing the orphans were adorable; particularly with the spirited ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life’.

Overall this production of Annie is one of the most enjoyable evenings at the theatre in York. From the sight of Daddy Warbucks twirling tiny Annie around the stage to the brightly-coloured Annie balloons floating down from the ceiling onto the audience at the end of the show. You’re never fully dressed without a smile.

Annie is showing at the Grand Opera House York until 7th November. A concession ticket ranges from £17.50 – £10.