By John Glen
The Empress Theatre is producing Annie this Christmas season and it’s a hit! The Empress is a quaint venue at the end of Main Street in Magna, UT. They are one of the few theatres in the valley that produce family friendly shows year round. Whichever seat you are in, you’ll have a good view and a great time. Ending their season with Annie is a great holiday treat for the whole family.
I knew I was going to love the show based off of the set design (Lindy David). The grand pillars, the laundry basket waiting on stage, and many Christmas lights set the perfect tone. I was lucky enough to see the show during a preview performance, and the entire audience was buzzing with excitement. I had brought along my friend Jack, who surprisingly had never seen the movie or musical before.
Before the show started we were greeted by the director, Lindy Bowthorpe, who reminded the audience that the preview performance is still a rehearsal. Depending on how things go, they still might stop the show and fix things. I am happy to say however that everything went off without a hitch and the entire cast put on a perfect show. Costumes by Ty Whiting are lovely and fun.
I was particularly impressed with Lindy’s decision to cast over 70 actors in the production. The stage space is quite small, but her decision pays off with large beautiful production numbers and great use of the stage. The choreography by Sarah Bringhurst also used great use of the space. The choreography for the children was simple enough for them to master, and clever enough to look amazing.
The opening number of the show blew me away with all of the kids singing their hearts out and creating so much energy. Every orphan nailed the dance steps and sang with strength and confidence throughout the entire show. Every musical number sounds fantastic thanks to the musical direction from Jared Campbell.
When Annie (Lucie Murphy) first comes on stage, your eyes are drawn right to her. She portrays such tenderness, bravery, and warmth throughout the whole production. Her voice rings high in her solo numbers and her optimism throughout the entire show makes us all reflect on our own lives and the attitudes we present to those around us.
I had high expectations for the role of Miss Hannigan and Camille Cook did not disappoint. Her powerful voice brings down the house with her rendition of Little Girls. Hannigan’s brother Rooster (Logan Strasser) is a colorful joy to watch. Every time he comes on stage it is non-stop laughs from the audience. I appreciated the character devotion of Lily St Regis (Amy Bodily). Keeping true to the high-pitched voice we are familiar with from the film, it was great to see her portrayal as the ‘partner who wears the pants’ between Rooster and herself.
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I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a more beautiful smile than that on Grace Farrell (Sarah Cassidy), who plays Warbucks’ secretary. Her lovely charm brings warmth to the character and to the production. Her desire for Oliver Warbucks (Nathan Metcalf) was so well portrayed with her emotions and subtle glances that you can’t help but want them to end up together. Metcalf’s portrayal of Warbucks really allows the audience to see the change in him from the beginning of the show to the end.
Annie at The Empress is the perfect show during this holiday season. It reminds us to be grateful for what we have and helps us all remember that even in the face of hard times, one can always find something positive. Tickets are selling fast, and make sure you take the entire family to this show. It is a crowd favorite not to be missed.
The Empress Theatre presents Annie, Music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin, and Book by Thomas Meehan
The Empress Theatre, 9104 W 2700 S Magna, UT 84044
December 8-23 Monday, Thursday-Saturday 7:30 PM; Saturday Matinee 2:00 PM
Tickets: $10
Contact: 801-347-7373
The Empress Theatre Facebook Page
Annie Facebook Event
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