Annie

The comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” was turned into a Broadway musical in 1977, followed by the smash hit movie Annie in 1982. In Northern Light Theatre Company’s production, this family musical has lost none of its charm as director Fran Edwards endeavours to recapture the wonder of the heart-warming tale of red headed orphan, Annie. Forgetting the old adage to never work with children or animals, Edwards takes on the challenge of steering the large cast.

Holly Abbott is entrusted with the title role as the feisty heroine. Looking every bit the part with her mop of red curls, she makes the role her own. Being careful not to overplay the character, she does a superb job to capture the spunk and little girl charm required for the audience to fall in love with her. Sweet vocals are well controlled and rehearsed.

The ensemble of orphan girls does a great job, with special mention to Jacinta Atterton in her turn as Molly…just adorable.

The remainder of the cast were a mixed bag in terms of opening night performances.

Robyn Brookes as Miss Hannigan is sublime in her turn as the boozy matriarch. Clearly experienced, her rendition of “Little Girls” was a highlight.

George Clooney look-alike Gavin Cianci plays billionaire Daddy Warbucks and after starting shakily through act one, he improved in act two with the heart-warming number “Something was Missing”. He displays a lovely chemistry with Abbott, making their characters’ relationship authentic.

Nikki Gaertner-Eaton as Warbuck’s secretary Grace is lovely, but on opening night, struggled, as many of the cast did, when it came to singing in a higher register.

Sets and costumes are well thought through and the crew does a fine job in making scene changes effortless. Choreography by Laura Brook meets the needs of the cast and highlights some fine dancers.

On opening night, minor technical difficulties with back-drop projections were distracting, but this is easily fixed. Perhaps it was first night nerves, but I feel the best is yet to come with this production.

Kerry Cooper