ANNIE - Theatre Review

(l to r) Isabel Wallach as Duffy, Lilly Mae Stewart as Molly, LillyBea Ireland as
Tessie, Issie Swickle as Annie, Angelina Carballo as July, Sydney Shuck as Kate and
Adia Dant as Pepper in "It's The Hard Knock Life"

Little girls of all ages were in abundance last night at the opening of ANNIE at the Pantages Theatre and thus the theatre was alive with excitement that only little girls can bring. (There were some little brothers as well).  All witness to a wonderfully pleasing show the leaves many humming or singing at the end.

Issie Swickle as Annie and Company in "We'd Like to Thank You"

It was one of those shows where I could not imagine anything better: singing-dancing-acting-set design-lighting-sound design-even the orchestra was not too loud;all worked together to bring this Tony Award Winning show to a brand new and wonderful incarnation.

From the first moment of the opening scene it was apparent each of the little orphan girls had a distinct voice and personality and each was a star. (Angelina Carballo, LillyBea Ireland, Molly Rose Meredith, Emily Moreland, Lilly Mae Stewart and Isabel Wallach.) When Issie Swickle, a 10-year-old actress from Davie, FL, making her tour debut as Annie, sings "Maybe," you know you're in for a treat. ). The lovable mutt "Sandy," once again trained by William Berloni, stole the show with every entrance .

Below: Lynn Andrews as Miss Hannigan in "Little Girls

Lynn Andrews p layed the woman we love to hate Miss Hannigan with great aplomb. In dancing and singing she was over the top. Garrett Deagon had all the moves as Rooster.   Gilgamesh Taggett was downright cute as Oliver Warbucks.   Ashley Edler as Grace, Lucy Werner as Lily and Jeffrey B. Duncan as FDR rounded out a great cast. Every cameo moment from every cast member entertained.

Kudos to the team behind the scenes: Director Martin Charnin, the original Broadway lyricist and director;  Great choreography by Liza Gennaro; Spectaular scenic design by Beowulf Boritt; Delightful costume design by Suzy Benzinger; lighting design by Ken Billington; sound design by Peter Hylenksi;. Musical supervision and additional orchestrations by Keith Levenson.

Lucy Werner as Lily, Garrett Deagon as Rooster Hannigan and Lynn Andrews as
Miss Hannigan in "Easy Street"

Highly recommended. Sure to entertain. And rather timely in a political sense.

The performance schedule for ANNIE is Tuesday through Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm, and Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm. Thru November 1, 2015

ANNIE is recommended for all ages.

Individual tickets for ANNIE start at $25 in the Orchestra.

For more information on ANNIE, visit www.AnnieTheMusical.com.

For tickets or more information about the Los Angeles engagement of ANNIE, please visit the official website for Hollywood Pantages Theatre: www.HollywoodPantages.com/Annie.

The Company in "A New Deal for Christmas"