ANNIE at The ORCHARD THEATRE, DARTFORD
It might be a hard knock life for the orphans at the New York Municipal Orphanage, but it’s certainly no hardship for the audience to enjoy this magnificent version of the all-time classic, Annie.
Annie, starring Craig Revell-Horwood as the dastardly Miss Hannigan, is an absolute delight from start to finish. This beloved musical, which has been entertaining audiences for over four decades, is given new life in this stunning production. The story of Annie is a timeless classic that has touched the hearts of generations, and this particular version is no exception.
One of the many wonderful aspects of Annie is its incredible score. The show features a number of iconic songs, including "Tomorrow," "Hard Knock Life," and "Little Girls," which are all performed with gusto by the talented cast. The music is infectious, and it's hard not to leave the theatre humming one of the show's many memorable tunes. It was “Easy Street”, performed by Miss Hannigan, Rooster (Paul French), and Lily St Regis (Billie-Kay), that really was a showstopper, however. This iconic song was a standout moment thanks to the perfect blend of fabulous choreography, infectious energy, and a killer performance from the three actors on stage.
In addition to the incredible music, the dazzling dance numbers in Annie are absolutely stunning. Choreographed by Nick Winston, one of the most impressive scenes was undoubtedly "NYC", which showcased the many different styles of dance that made the city come alive. From tap dancing to jazz, the choreography in "NYC" was a feast for the eyes. And the music was equally impressive, with a jazzy, upbeat melody that was instantly memorable.
The costumes and set design are equally impressive. The costumes are colourful and whimsical, perfectly capturing the spirit of the show. The set, which takes us from the orphanage where Annie lives to the glittering world of Daddy Warbucks, is both grand and detailed. The attention to detail in both the costumes and set design helps to transport the audience into the world of the show, making for an even more immersive experience.
The real standout of Annie, however, is the cast. Craig Revell-Horwood is a force to be reckoned with as the villainous Miss Hannigan. His performance is both hilarious and terrifying, and he commands the stage with ease. The young actresses playing the orphans are also a delight, with their boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm.
Poppy Cunningham's performance as Annie was something to behold. She truly embodied the character, bringing a sense of confidence, toughness, and lovability to the stage. One of the most impressive things about Poppy's performance was her incredible voice. She belted out each song with power and emotion, capturing the heart of each moment with ease. Her rendition of "Tomorrow" was particularly stunning, and it left the audience cheering.
But it wasn't just her voice that made Poppy such a memorable Annie. It was also her sense of confidence and toughness. She played the character with a sense of determination and grit, never backing down from a challenge and always pushing forward towards her dreams. And yet, at the same time, there was a vulnerability to her performance that made her all the more loveable.
Alex Bourne played Daddy Warbucks with a sense of authority and strength, capturing the character's no-nonsense attitude while still bringing a sense of warmth and compassion to the role. He had a commanding presence on stage, and his interactions with Poppy Cunningham's Annie were truly joyous. But it was his chemistry with Amelia Adams as Grace that truly shone. The two played off each other with ease, creating a sense of connection and understanding that was truly lovely to watch.
As for Amelia Adams, she played Grace with a sense of poise and elegance, capturing the character's intelligence and compassion with ease. And yet, at the same time, she also brought a sense of playfulness and joy to the role that made her all the more endearing.
Last but certainly not least, let's talk about the dog who played Sandy in this production of Annie. Though the role was a small one, the dog stole the scene every time they arrived on stage. It's no secret that animals have a way of capturing our hearts, and this dog was no exception. With their adorable appearance, they quickly became a crowd favourite. Every time they entered the stage, there was an audible "aww" from the audience. And while their role may have been small, it was an important one. Sandy was a symbol of hope and companionship for Annie, and the bond between the two was a key element of the show's heartwarming message.
Overall, Annie is a truly wonderful production that is sure to leave audiences smiling from ear to ear (to ear). With its incredible music, stunning choreography, and uplifting story, it's a show that should not be missed.
Comments
Post a Comment