BWW Reviews: ANNIE at CM PAC Will Not Disappoint

The last few shows I've attended have featured, in part, a terrific, young cast. The members of the company of "Annie" at CM PAC in Oakdale, NY were no exception. Timothy Pappalardos' adaptation shows a bright future for Long Island theater and a true team coming together to put on a fun show running now through January 15^th.

In the title role, Taylor Lewis gave an amazing performance beyond her years. I was so impressed how well she held her own with the busy show. Lewis is a vet in the role of Annie (she has performed it before), and it seems her previous roles in "The Sound of Music", "13", and Les Miserables have prepped her well - her rendition of "Maybe" was belted with such confidence, she didn't even need the mic.

Monica Barczak was also a highlight. Her comic spin on the mean Ms. Hannigan was very entertaining. She incorporated some shtick into her character while still being the difficult orphanage owner. Additionally, Heath Cohen was fantastic as Oliver Warbucks. From the tough businessman meeting with the President of the United States to a loving father figure singing with Annie, there are many facets to Oliver Warbucks that Heath portrayed very well.

You'll find yourself fully absorbed in this production, especially when they are in Warbucks house. You forget you're in a theater as they opened up the stage completely and put a grand staircase on one side of a beautiful living room set up. Timothy Pappalardo did a fantastic job with the set design as they went from scene to scene. The costumes were also beautifully reminiscent of the 1930's.

It is fitting to see this show, especially during the holiday season. It really brings out the Christmas spirit as Warbucks adopts Annie and everyone comes together at the end including Annie's friends from the orphanage. Being a classic, this tale will not disappoint even those who frequent the theater periodically.

"Annie" is presented by Creative Ministries (CM) Performing Arts Center in Oakdale, NY. Book, Thomas Meehan; Music, Charles Strouse; Lyrics, MartinCharnin; Producers Lewis Allen, Stephen Friedman, Irwin Meyer, Noel Ruiz; Director, Choreographer, and Sets, Timothy Pappalardo; Musical Director, AndrewFrey; Assistant Director, Dina Morgan; Sound Designer, Don Hanna; Lighting Designer, Carolyn Scaringello; Costume Designer, Pavie Mirzaali. For more information call 631-218-2810 or visit www.cmpac.com.