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Annie
Book by Thomas Meehan
Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Martin Charnin
Directed by Martin Charnin
At the LaSalle Bank Theatre
18 W. Monroe
Chicago, IL
Call 312-902-1400, tickets $20 - $72
Friday, September 22 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, September 23 at 2 & 8 p.m.
Sunday, September 24 at 2 & 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 26 – Sunday, October 1
Tuesday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 27 at 2 & 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 29 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, September 30 at 2 & 8 p.m.
Sunday, October 1 at 2 p.m
Running time is 2 hours, 10 minutes with intermission
Through October 1, 2006
This Annie is smart, polished and well sung
Leapin’ Lizards! America’s most beloved musical, ANNIE, is back, playing the LaSalle Bank Theatre through October 1, 2006; giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. The many young girls in the audience were mesmerized by Annie. This ageless 1930’s fable is beloved as a classic old-time Broadway musical that leaves you humming the melodies as you leave the theatre.
ANNIE, with music by Charles Strouse and book by Thomas Meehan, is again directed by its lyricist, Martin Charnin, who brought the original production of ANNIE to Broadway in 1977
Tony Award winning set designer, Ming Cho Lee, has created a fresh look for this new production. The 16 member orchestra sounded terrific proving that live musicians sound better than canned music.
This Annie has wonderful, talented children led by the strong presence of Marissa O’Donnell as Annie. She wins us over quickly as she leads the kids in “It’s the Hard-Knock Life.” Her strong voice allowed her to nail the keynote song “Tomorrow” that is most identified with this musical.
Longtime Chicago favorite Alene Robertson plays the child-hating Miss Hannigan with priceless comic aplomb. Robertson is the hilarious villain we all love. Conrad John Schuck as Daddy Warbucks has the command of the stage and the booming vocals to give the billionaire credibility. The ensemble is will with veteran song and dance players that are so smooth that they seem to glide across the stage deftly nailing their songs and short quips.
This tightly polished production has enough energy and a swift pace that propels its warmth, charm and cuteness directly into our hearts. The songs are catchy, period perfect and universal.
Who doesn’t know “Easy Street” and the signature song of eternal optimism “Tomorrow”? Take your little girls to experience Annie, they’ll love you forever. This production is smart and full of heart. Alene Robertson is a hoot!
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2006
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