Review: RWM Presents ANNIE; Show Closes 12/11

Manila, Philippines--The plucky red-haired girl that conquered our hearts so many times over has finally returned to town as Resorts World Manila's (RWM) production of Martin Charnin and Charles Strouse's ANNIE continues to play the Newport Performing Arts Theatre until December 11.

When we talk about the show, several memories come flashing back such as the 1982 movie version and even the memorable performance of the young Lea Salonga in Repertory Philippines' take on the musical. No matter how we recalled our younger days with this classic family musical, one thing remains: theatergoers would welcome this musical with the usual warmth--ultra-heated with sentimental excitement.

This RWM production has a lot to offer, not only it presents the complete version of the musical, it has also incorporated new approaches in both of its technical and artistic aspects. It doesn't only veer away from the traditional ways of performing and moving on stage, but it has also successfully experimented with stage blocking and scene changes especially that the stage is so big and crescent-shaped.

As a children's musical, the production did not overdo it or make it a complete folly. In fact, it ensures that the audiences of varied ages will understand its simple plot and make the songs win them over.

This production heavily depends on the talents of the actors that's why one little glitch could tear it all apart. With many child actors playing as orphans on stage, it's quite comprehensible that there will be some unintentional movements, but not enough to be an eyesore.

The dog that plays Sandy is also one of the highlights of the show; the use of animals in any production requires strict training, which we believe this production has made a good deal with.

In ANNIE, our local theater actors are at par--or could even outshine--foreign-based actors. Our actors deliver their lines all too natural; they also sing their songs with so much emotions.

Its set design features classic design elements mixed with LED screens and revolving set pieces and floors. The scene changes are swift and faultless.

The original production of ANNIE opened April 21, 1977 at the Alvin Theatre (now Neil Simon Theatre on Broadway) and went on to win the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, seven Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, the Grammy for Best Cast Show Album, and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book (Thomas Meehan), and Best Score (Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin). The show was one of the biggest Broadway musical hits of the 1970s, running for almost six years and playing 2,377 performances.

The score for ANNIE includes "Maybe," "It's the Hard-Knock Life," "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile," "Easy Street," "I Don't Need Anything But You," and the eternal anthem of optimism, "Tomorrow."

For last weekend tickets to ANNIE at RWM, visit TicketWorld.com.ph.

Photos: Resorts World Manila