By Jorgen Hansen
Starlight Community Theatre sets the scene beautifully for the musical, Annie, running from December 6 – 22 in Phoenix, Arizona. Annie debuted on Broadway in 1977, written by Thomas Meehan, who based it off of the classic comic strip, “Little Orphan Annie”. The musical adaptation won several Tonys, including “Best Musical”. Composer Charles Strouse and lyricist Martin Charnin created songs that have since become ingrained into American culture, such as “Tomorrow” and “It’s a Hard Knock Life”. Starlight Community Theatre puts on an amazing show, helping me feel something of that contagious New York City energy all the way in North Phoenix.
Set during the Great Depression in 1933, the optimistic, red-haired, orphan, Annie (played by Anora Biggs) hits upon a stroke of good luck when the wealthy capitalist, Oliver Warbucks (Max H. Reed) invites Annie to stay with him for Christmas. Annie is only too glad to escape the clutches of the grasping clutches of Miss Hannigan (Lynn Golden), the director of the orphanage where Annie lives.
As orphan Annie, the talented Biggs really shines during her solos, her voice especially drawing out my emotions during the classic song, “Tomorrow”. Her orphanage friends all are fantastic, demonstrating flavorful personalities that make them a joy to watch. Jaxyn Damasco adorably portrays the youngest of the orphans, Molly. Golden wonderfully portrays the despicable orphanage director Miss Hannigan, acting petty and self-centered, and made me cheer when she finally gets her comeuppance. Miss Hannigan’s seedy con-artist brother, Rooster, is played by the exceptional Will Rippenkroeger, pairing well with the lovely Melody Pierce, who accurately portrays the ditzy blonde, Lily St. Regis, sharing a brilliant smile and a mind always one step behind.
Reed allows me to easily see past Warbuck’s gruff mannerisms into his soft interior, his smiles showing a stern heart melting for the innocent, optimistic Annie. Oliver Warbuck’s secretary, Grace is well depicted by Christina Robinson as an efficient, conservative woman, a good foil to the gruffness of Reed. I especially enjoyed Matthew Eads as the head-servant, Drake,with his unflappable manner, and Scott Sims as radio announcer Bert Healy, whose hilarious personality overflows the stage. Throughout the whole performance, the ensemble, who play a range of New York City denizens, including hobos, middle-class folk, and high-class servants, support the performance with excellent voices and well-choreographed numbers including, “A New Deal for Christmas”.
Of course, none of this marvelous performance would have been possible without their Director, Sandi Carll. The Music Director, Rebecca Joslin, made sure everyone sounded wonderful. Will Rippenkroeger pulled double duty as the Light and Sound Designer, delivering excellently on both fronts. Mike Rippenkroeger developed a well-designed, versatile set, providing multiple set backgrounds with limited space. I was amazed by the number of different outfits each person wore, each tastefully matching the 1930’s style, guided by the Costume Designer, Christina Robinson, with costume support from Heather Riddle.
Annie by Starlight Community Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona is an exceptional performance with extremely talented performers, beautiful sets and costuming, and a wonderful venue. I highly recommend coming to see Annie, if nothing more than to sit in the theatre’s wonderfully plush seats. If any families would like to come, be aware there is some mild swearing and alcohol usage that may not be appropriate for young children. Annie will continue to run only until December 22, so don’t put off seeing Annie until tomorrow, or else you may miss this gem of a production!
Starlight Community Theater Presents Annie, Book by Thomas Meehan, Music by Charles Strause, Lyrics by Martin Charnin.
Starlight Community Theater, 1611 W Whispering Wind Dr, Suite #9, Phoenix, AZ 85085
December 6 – 22, 2019, 7:00 PM, Matinees also on Saturdays at 2:00 PM
Tickets: $20 General Admission, All Seats Reserved
Starlight Community Theater Website
Starlight Community Theater Facebook Page
Annie Facebook Event
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