By Laura Bradbury and Becky Evans
After the year we have had, everyone’s favorite optimistic redheaded orphan Annie is just what we need. Annie recently opened to grateful theatre fans at the Tuacahn Center for the Arts. The setting is truly unforgettable with the red rock cliffs and waterfall path leading up the stairs to the amphitheater.
Based on the popular comic strip Little Orphan Annie by James Whitcomb, the musical Annie begins in a New York orphanage, where the charismatic orphan Annie (Lydia Ricks) charms and delights Depression era New Yorkers. From a chance encounter with a stray dog to the Hooverville homeless camps to the mansion of billionaire Oliver Warbucks (Michael Scott Harris), to an FDR era White House, Annie’s relentless optimism and hope brighten the lives of everyone she meets. Audience members will be equally charmed. In 2021, don’t we all need to take a moment and dream of better days to come?
Full of characteristic magnetism, the Tuacahn production is a delight for the eyes and the ears. Simple and poignant scenic design, courtesy of Brad Shelton,takes us into Annie’s world. Screen projections of the early Little Orphan Annie cartoons pay a sweet homage to the musical’s roots (Brad Peterson). The live offstage orchestra immediately took me back to the first time I saw Annie as a young child, and the hope and optimism I felt then. The music direction by Christopher Babbage is beautiful, emotional, and (this is a recurring theme for the evening) full of hope.
Director and choreographer Mara Newbery Greer truly works magic with the cast, bringing out the best of both the show itself and the cast members’ unique talents. In particular, the early showstopper “It’s a Hard Knock Life”, performed by Annie and her ragtag team of orphans, is a brilliant showcase of the exceptionally talented children in the main cast and ensemble. The cast of children, who seem to range in age from about 7-15, work together in seamless harmony and professionalism that defies their ages while also maintaining a sense of childlike innocence and (here’s that word again) hope. Harper Griffith’s portrayal of the youngest orphan Molly brings youthful sincerity and sass to the role. Madilyn Terry offers a slightly softer portrayal of the bully Pepper than in other productions I’ve seen. Lilly Mae Stover as Duffy and Anna Robbins as Katie show heart and enthusiasm, and contribute strong vocals. Rounding out the cast of orphans are Sloane Griffith as the kindly July and Laurel Knell as Tessie (“Oh my goodness” what a delight).
Not to be outdone, the adult actors are amazing. Miss Hannigan, played by the wonderful Terra C. MacLeod steals the show with her rendition of “Little Girls.” Her portrayal of the classic character brings a layer of humanity to the antagonist that I’ve not seen in other productions. Although her cruelty to the orphans is certainly reprehensible, MacLeod’s portrayal also reminded me that Miss Hannigan is a Depression-era single woman trying to survive the toughest economy this country has ever seen, which I had never thought of before. Her co-conspirators included Todd Dubail as con artist Rooster Hannigan and Mallory King as his sidekick and partner in crime, Lily St. Regis. King and Dubail have strong villainous chemistry as well as impressive comedic timing. The conspiring number “Easy Street” offers a fun showcase for them, alongside MacLeod to demonstrate their powerful vocals, perfect harmony, and (dare I say it) anticipation for better circumstances.
On the brighter side of things, Michael Scott Harris as Daddy Oliver Warbucks and Mindy Smoot Robbins as his assistant and friend Grace Farrell have incredible vocals and a sweet chemistry. This is first shown in the Act 1 number “NYC” where Annie, alongside Grace and Oliver, sees the sights of the city for the first time. Later in Act 2, when Warbucks sings “Something Was Missing”, we are reminded of the billionaire’s gentle heart and love for his little orphan Annie.
Other notable cast members include Brian Dobson,who plays the wheelchair bound Franklin D. Roosevelt. Dobson’s FDR conveys a sense of optimism that is only matched by Ricks’ Annie. When Annie teaches Roosevelt and his cabinet that “The Sun’ll Come Out Tomorrow,” inspires trust that defies the Depression era’s circumstances. The hardworking ensemble plays servants, NYC locals, dignitaries, and homeless people. Ellee Anderson of the ensemble is particularly impressive as the “star to be” in the musical number “NYC.”
Maria Lenn’scostume design takes us straight back to the NYC of 1933. The period costume pieces bring us into Annie’s world, and we cannot help but root for her. The costuming in the Hooverville scene captures well the depth of despair and hopelessness that those who lost their fortunes in the stock market crash must have felt.
In addition to Broadway caliber talent – many of the cast members are fresh off of national tours and Broadway runs – Tuacahn offers something that NYC does not: a simply stunning theater. The outdoor setting, nestled against a backdrop of red rocks is the most beautiful space to hold a show that I have ever seen. The setting makes it possible for very impressive lighting effects (Scott S. Anderson as Artistic Director.) The outdoor ambiance is a pleasant change from crowded indoor theaters. And there is nothing quite like stepping into the hustle and bustle of 1930s NYC while tucked away in the quiet stillness of the Utah mountains. If you thought you’d seen Annie enough times, think again. This show begins after sunset. Ours started at 8:45 PM, which lends itself to a late night, especially for littles, but that didn’t stop many young people from coming out to cheer for everyone’s favorite orphan. Tuacahn’s production breathes new life, light, and (above all) hope into a classic story of love and optimism. For out of towners, it is well worth the drive and price of admission. Better yet: because Tuacahn alternates shows (Annie is currently alternating nights with Beauty and the Beast), non-locals can stay for two nights and catch two different, remarkable shows. (We saw them both. See my review of BATB here.) Buy the tickets. Make the drive. Your inner child will thank you.
Annie promotional video
Annie promotional video–interview with Lydia Ricks
Tuacahn Center for the Arts presents Annie, music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and book by Thomas Meehan, produced by Kevin M. Smith.
Tuacahn Amphitheater, 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins, Utah 84738.
Annie runs select evenings until July 10, 2021.
Tickets: $32-$105
Contact: 800-746-9882
Tuacahn Center for the Arts Facebook Page
Tuacahn’s summer season is amazing!
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