By Debbie Ditton
The Bear Lake Middle School Auditorium in Montpelier, Idaho was filled Friday evening with the singing and laughter of little girls during Bear Lake Arts Council’s production of the beloved classic Annie. The musical, which opened on Broadway in 1977, with book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charmin, is based on the daily comic strip, Little Orphan Annie, created by Harold Gray in 1924. The story follows Annie (McKenna Johnson) as she goes from the orphanage run by Miss Hannigan (Shanna Spuhler), to the home of the multi-billionaire Oliver Warbucks (Jared Farmer), in her search for her parents. With the help of Grace Ferrell (Katrina Payne), President Roosevelt (Peter Crane), and the rest of Warbucks’ staff, Annie is able to avoid the evil clutches of Rooster Hannigan (Kyle Spuhler) and Lily St. Regis (Ramona Allred), who pretend to be her parents in order to collect the $50,000 reward.
There is a reason this show is entitled “Annie” – she is onstage almost the entire evening. Fortunately, Johnson is able to handle the pressure with ease and appears very poised onstage. Her naturally red hair and big eyes give her the perfect look for the part, and her clear voice and precocious personality engage the audience throughout the show. The six featured orphans, Oralelia Vickars, Texee Wells, Kinsee Hansen, Jazlyn Farmer, Bella Spuhler, and Courtland Allred have boundless energy, and their number “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” is the highlight of the evening. I also love that there is another larger group of orphans who join them in “Hard Knock Life” and “New Deal for Christmas.” The children truly steal the show throughout. Molly (Vickers) is especially strong, with her confident singing voice and imitation of Miss Hannigan, and Sandy (the dog), played by Brandt Thompson, elicits giggles from the crowd every time he walks – or crawls – across the stage.
The set (Kimberlee Donaghue) for the show, although simple, is very functional and imaginative. I love the use of drops and decorated side stages, which add color and depth to the overall effect. The costumes (Trish Wells) are vibrant, period appropriate, and fun. Annie’s green coat is beautiful and Grace’s final dress really makes a statement. The lights and sound (Brenden Argyle, Randy Long) are better than might be expected in a middle school auditorium, and the can-lights are resourcefully used to create the appropriate mood. The choreography (Krista Jacobson) is well-suited to the talents of the performers and the music of this show, directed by K. Spuhler, is upbeat and memorable.
The mission statement of the Bear Lake Arts Council is to “enhance participation in the arts” in their community “by promoting cultural and artistic opportunities.” It is gratifying to see that this opportunity allowed so many people to perform, make new friends and become part of a theater family. Community theater allows children and adults, from all walks of life (including non-performers), to step outside their comfort zones, receive training, and have an adventure unlike any other. Directors Lori Haddock and Tabetha Bissegger do a great job creating this experience for their cast. Along with their production team (and parent support), they are able to showcase the children and adults who took on the huge commitment of being in a show, especially during the summer. I know it is a labor of love. The show runs through August 3rd, so if you love what theater is doing for your community, this is the perfect opportunity to show your support and attend Bear Lake Arts Council’s production of Annie.
Bear Lake Arts Council presents Annie, book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charmin
Bear Lake Middle School Auditorium, 633 Washington Street, Montpelier, ID 83254
Contact: 435-881-9397
Tickets: $8-$12
Ticketing Site
Annie Facebook Page
0 Comments