Annie
My thoughts on Annie or..I think you’re gonna like it here.
There’s no need to worry about the sun coming out in Farmers Branch. The sun will be out until December 22nd at the Firehouse Theatre where a pint-sized bundle of big talent named Eliza Chabot is playing the title character in Annie.
The production, led by Director Matthew Silar and Music Director Kristal Seid, opened last Friday to a sold-out crowd who roared its approval of this now classic tale.
It's been over a decade since I last saw Annie, and I had forgotten the excellence of Martin Charnin and Charles Strouse's score. There was a period when "Tomorrow" was inescapable, but hearing it again was a delight, particularly Eliza Chabot's heartfelt and soulful rendition while clutching Sandy the dog. And there are so many other good songs that Music Director Seid has the cast delivering with brio.
Director Silar has assembled a terrific cast to bring the story of the Depression Era orphan to the stage. Surrounding Eliza Chabot as Annie are her orphan friends who sing rousingly and dance Isaiah Christopher-Lord Harris’ and Jordan Leigh Gibson’s inventive choreography with exuberance. The orphans include Noa Sophia Burch as Molly, Sophie Rose Kirkham as Pepper, Lola Chabot as Duffy, Sofia DeSena as Tessie, Hazel Chabot as July, and Almaz Clawson as Kate.
The boisterous orphans are watched over by Miss Hannigan, a beloved villain of musical theater. Kim Harris, with her Ethel Merman-esque powerful belt and off-the-charts comic timing, is a top notch Miss Hannigan, making "Little Girls" a highlight of the show. Later, the talented song-and-dance man Jason Craig West, playing Hannigan's conniving brother Rooster, and his "lady friend" Lily St. Regis, portrayed by Alanna Wild, team up with Harris for the hilariously entertaining "Easy Street," which is another hit with the audience.
Keegan Arnold embodies the billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. His portrayal of Warbucks, standing tall above Annie, is outstanding. Observing Arnold's transformation from a stern, business-only tycoon to a gentle, affectionate paternal figure is one of Annie’s big pleasures.
Watching Briana Berk, who portrays Warbucks’ assistant Grace Farrell, perform and hearing her lovely voice, is always a pleasure. Dressed in some of Dayna Dutton's finest period costumes, Berk exudes the elegance of a classic movie star. She captivates as the competent, composed, and intelligent Farrell, who harbors a clear attraction to Warbucks.
Annie has a versatile and talented ensemble who portray everything from hoboes to presidential cabinet members. Some of the ensemble step into featured roles during the show. Kaleigh Huser, a petite powerhouse of a singer, knocks her solo as the Star to Be in the “NYC” song out of Farmers Branch to probably somewhere north of Frisco. Luke Weber is sensational as the honey voiced crooner Bert Healy. Scott Straus is a formidable, kindly FDR and Mark Eaglesham proves his comic skills once again as Drake and one of FDR’s advisors. Others in this first-rate ensemble include April Rose Bourg, Ruby Chabot, Ethan Colton, Devin Johnson, Aislyn Standifer, and Delaney Wenger.
The set design is by Luke Uhtenwoldt and Owen Beans, lighting by Hank Baldree, and Tyler Hester provides the sound design.
Silar and Seid and the creative team have made the Firehouse Theatre’s Annie into a great big Christmas sugar cookie of a musical that is guaranteed to entertain. Get to Farmers Branch while the sun’s out!
