It would be a challenge not to be sucked in by the sense of persistent optimism present in Annie, and this touring production does not fail to deliver warmth, excitement and a lot of fun. While Annie could be seen as a stock broadway crowd pleaser, the repeated success of this American depression-era set musical since its 1977 debut speak to a lingering desire to seek the sunny side of life when times turn hard.
Director Nikolai Foster’s production is blazingly punchy, with great emphasis on the grandeur, noise and scale most will associate with New York City. At times, the bright lighting of the stage threatened the audience with blindness, and the band play’s the swinging Charles Strouse’s swinging score with impressive impact – demonstrated with full bombast in the number ‘NYC’. Amongst this backdrop, Zoe Akinyosade (Annie) and the team of precocious orphans steal the show despite the centricity of Craig Revel-Horwood’s turn as Miss Hannigan to the production’s PR.
Early hits such as ‘Hard Knock Life’ deliver confident energy, thanks to the delightful contribution of that the orphans bring in every scene they feature in. Akinyosade demonstrates impressive command of the stage in ‘Tomorrow’, and her powerful voice is never lost amidst the loudness of the band throughout. Revel-Horwood clearly delights in delivering villainous pantomime sleaze as Miss Hannigan, combining excellently with the devious coupling of Paul French (Rooster) and Billie Kay (Lily St. Regis) in ‘Easy Street’, where the choreography in particular stands out. Dance fans will not be left disappointed with what is on offer throughout the show, which is of the highest quality.
Alex Bourne (Daddy Warbucks) manages to exude warmth and earnestness, and is a calming presence amidst the dazzle of the show and acts as a kind of schmaltz-inhibitor through the sheer sincerity of his performance, providing balance to the otherwise sugary sweetness on offer. Amelia Adams (Grace Farrell) extends this sense of charm, warmth and optimism that contributes to the overall ‘feel good’ factor. Among the cameo characters in the story, David Burrows’s appearance as President Franklin Roosevelt is particularly endearing and funny.
Zoe Akinyosade
This was a very enjoyable and warming show at WalesMillennium Centre. Despite the grim reality of the Depression that acts as Annie’s backdrop, there’s very little to be melancholy about upon the curtain’s close. Audiences young and old will have no trouble finding pleasure in the warmth and dynamism of this production.
Until July 8