Annie

At last count the clip has ticked over 600,000 views, with the dancers and creatives attracting a tidal wave of positive reviews from around the world. My favourite comment was ‘that’s what they should have done on Broadway last time’.

The snazzy routine attracted the loudest cheer on opening night.

Annie, which was first a hit musical in the late ‘70s and is in the top 25 grossing musicals of all time, deserved and needed an updated look.

This is the third time producer John Frost has had the little red dress dry-cleaned for a national tour. As charming and tuneful the musical is, it hardly counts as cutting edge these days.

Although surprisingly some of the lines had resonance. An eccentric loner billionaire with strong connections in the White House – imagine that. The character of Oliver Warbucks thankfully is much more likable than Elon Musk.

In the safe hands of Anthony Warlow, it feels like the role was made for him. The original creatives were so excited when he was cast in the role on Broadway, that they penned a new song for him, which has been left out of the production but has pride and place in Warlow’s office.

Debora Krizak was thoroughly entertaining as the deliciously nasty Miss Hannigan – reaching top billing in a major musical for the first time with panache.

Keanu Gonzalez displayed athleticism and charisma as Rooster, whilst Mackenzie Dunn as Lily showed a mean kick, in a performance dedicated to her grandparents Jill Perryman and Kevan Johnston, who were Australia’s original Hannigans in 1978.

Greg Page as Franklin D Roosevelt was such a better choice for the role that John Frost’s last pick. (Clue a notorious radio announcer.)

In sparkling form too was the energetic crew of children led by Dakota Chanel as Annie, who beautifully step kicked down the grand staircase.

Sandy – Annie’s dog – who has been exclusively interviewed by Coral Drouyn for the current edition of Stage Whispers - was however a little rough on opening night.

It was more interested in having a scratch than giving attention to the cast members. Perhaps it was opening night nerves.

Scenic projections from Craig Wilkinson gave the musical a refreshed look – particularly in the song NYC. Someone in the foyer grumbled that he wanted just a wooden set for Annie – but I liked it as it was used sparingly.

There are a total of nine professional musicals on stage in Sydney this week – which is unprecedented.  In a crowded market Annie is the family favourite.

David Spicer

Photographer: Daniel Boud.

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