ANNIE Finds a good home in Philly

"ANNIE" at the Walnut Street

Last year the Walnut Street Theater brought in Sound of Music to set a holiday sales record. But it looks like that record might be broken again with this year's seasonal sensation, Annie. It was announced at last night's opening that Annie had just broke the record of single seats sold of any show with all the matinees sold out for the run.

So what attracts theater lovers to this classic story about a redheaded orphan and her dog? In the case of the Walnut Street's production it is definitely the cast. Once again the country's oldest theater has put together a solid line up of talent to revitalize a family classic.

Miss Hannigan's girls get straight A's. From Annie to Molly these perky little gals sing and dance their way into your hearts. The role of Annie is shared by Ashlee Keating and Arianna Claire Vogel. Ms. Keating, who opened this evening's show is all of 10 years old and has Broadway credits in the Broadway revival of Sound of Music with Richard Chamberlain and the national tour of Annie where she played the title role. Ms. Vogel was last seen at WST's Sound of Music. Ashlee' is a tough little orphan without losing that child-like charm. Her young voice rings out way beyond her years in strength and clarity with a solid "Tomorrow".

I met up with Ashlee and her mom after the show, who told me this little gal's been singing since she's 3 years old and was taking voice lessons soon after the age of four, truly a delightful and polite little miss. An outstanding performance by Carly Hawkins who plays Molly with an impish attitude and a larger than herself young belting, voice. These gals shine in their version of "You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile".

Not to be out done, is the caliber of talent among the adults in this Tony Winning musical. Philly native Patrick Quinn, shaves his full head of wavy brown hair, "twice a day", as he told me, to bring us one of the most charming Oliver Warbucks to ever hit the stage. Quinn, commanding and stern, slowly melts into a warm and loveable proud papa –in-waiting by the time he's ready to propose adoption to Annie. Quinn possess a remarkably strong "baritenor" voice that soars and delights. Quinn has played Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway as well as numerous Broadway and regional credits, including being the president of the Actors' Equity Association.

Broadway's Amy Bodnar, who also starred as Marguerite in the Scarlet Pimpernel National tour and Laurey in Broadway's revival of Oklahoma, plays our Grace Farrell with style, dignity and a wonderful full voice. Deborah Jean Templin brings the role of Miss Hannigan to life with a taste of evil mixed with a generous portion of humor that leaves you waiting for her reactions around every bend of her frustrated lot in life.

Hannigan's scoundrel brother, Rooster (Don Burroughs), Full Monty 1st Nat'l tour, never misses a step or a laugh in his over the top performance. His co-hort girlfriend played by Mollie Hall is a good match with her trampy, street –wise portrayal of Lily. Ms. Hall also played the title role of Annie over 20 years ago in the 4th national Tour! John-Charles Kelly brings a light-hearted, mild mannered spirit to his role of FDR, which happens to be the 18^th role for this WST veteran.

 

The direction comes accross nicely as the actors and scenes all blend well and the show advances with no noticeable dead spots or odd choices. The ensamble is very strong and offers a well delivered "We'd like to Thank You" tribute from Hooverville and also doubling as the singing, dancing, dutiful servants at the Warbucks Estate.

Not to go unnoticed are the sets, which are hand drawn and painted as backdrops, stairways, wall paintings in an almost cartoon-ish design that reminds us that Little Orphan Annie is a newspaper character too.

Overall, this, like last year's Sound of Music, is destined to be the hit of the Winter Season for the Walnut Street. 

Book by: Thomas Meehan, Music by: Charles Strouse, Lyrics by: Martin Charnin, Sets by: Charles S. Kading, Costumes by: Colleen McMillan, Lighting by: Jeffrey S. Koger, Sound by: Marc Kaplan, Choreography by: Mary Jane Houdina, Directed by: Charles Abbott 

"Annie"- runs from November 12 to January 4, 2004. For tickets and information:

www.wstonline.org or phone: 215.574.3550

photo credits: Walnut Street Theater

 

To post a comment, you must register and login.