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‘Annie’ Review – Dare to Defy Productions – Timeless Optimism

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Like her or loathe her, Annie is back and she’s a knockout.

Closing a stellar season for Dare to Defy Productions, perhaps its greatest season thanks to the particularly dynamic Assassins and Violet in recent months, composer Charles Strouse, lyricist Martin Charnin and librettist Thomas Meehan’s 1977 musical arises as a surefire winner at the Victoria Theatre. Under the breezy, thoughtful direction of Dare to Defy founder/executive director Rebecca Norgaard, little orphan Annie’s literal rags-to-riches story, a tale of the haves and the have nots set during the Great Depression wonderfully bolstered by her single hope of finding her parents, captures the heart with a sunny, timeless optimism that never grows old.

The adorable Sophie Caton, a true find, perfectly captures Annie’s innate ability to meaningfully connect with those around her. Even in the make-or-break opening seconds Caton understands the importance of Annie as a magnetic mediator, ensuring she commands respect while keeping the peace as her fellow orphans taunt and tease out of jealousy. More significantly, she never discounts Annie’s desire for family, firmly grasping every wishful notion tucked within Maybe which allows the tune to gently soar as the prayerful lullaby it was written to be.

As Annie’s familiar journey evolves, Norgaard’s terrific cast, attractively costumed with a keen socioeconomic eye by John Faas (notice the tatters in Hooverville), fits the bill. The admirable Steven Lakes is firmly authoritative as wealthy Oliver Warbucks, especially undergoing a believable change of heart regarding living for and loving someone besides himself, but I definitely would’ve cut his Act 1 number Why Should I Change a Thing, which brings the action to a screeching halt. The lovely Allie Haines is a graceful Grace Farrell, offering motherly warmth to Caton while being astute about Grace’s attraction to Warbucks. Natalie Houliston’s outstanding portrayal of Miss Hannigan, in which every comedic ounce of the character’s agonizing, loveless hell is on clear display and not just during Little Girls, ranks among her best performances, a memorable list which includes Nancy in Oliver! and the Adult Women in Spring Awakening. Humorous duo David McKibben (suave Rooster) and Lindsay Sherman (ditzy Lily) enjoyably join Houliston for an infectious, vaudeville-esque Easy Street. Philip Drennen (who appeared as Charles Guiteau in the aforementioned Assassins and directed the aforementioned Violet) is only noted in the program as Bert Healy and Franklin D. Roosevelt, and while he is excellently versatile in those roles, his sharp finesse among the ensemble in We’d Like to Thank You Herbert Hoover, I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here, and NYC proves what a singular talent he is. Sadie Hornick (Molly), Julia Stubbs (Kate), Abriella Ruby (Tessie), Caroline Kaibas (Pepper), Jewel Timpson (July), and Morgan Tracy (Duffy) are delightful as the principal orphans, filling It’s the Hard-Knock Life with defiant glee and bringing high-kicking energy to You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile, two numbers among many fabulously choreographed with exuberant spunk and joyful flair by Jessica Eggleston. Noteworthy performers include Zach King as Bundles and Ickes, Mackensie King as Hooverville’s top chef Sophie, Michael Robinson as stern policeman Ward, and Brennan Paulin as Drake. Additionally, the aforementioned McKibben pulls double duty as scenic designer (projections are a huge asset), Kris Smolinksi provides lighting design, Danielle Ruddy supplies properties, Jessi Lyn Stark serves as musical director, and Judy Mansky conducts an impressively solid, well-balanced orchestra.


Annie was conceived during a time of tremendous friction in our country. It ultimately served as a beacon of hope as Americans yearned for better following the Watergate impeachment proceedings and Nixon’s resignation. Flash forward to today’s headlines, it’s not hard to find talk of tremendous friction and impeachment once again. So, it looks as if we still need Annie perhaps now more than ever. Whether the Deal is New or Green, let’s get to work, keep the faith, and hold onto the promise of tomorrow.

Annie continues today at 2 and 8 p.m. at the Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton. Act One: 80 minutes. Act Two: 55 minutes. Tickets are $22.50-$54.50. Call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com.

The Human Race Theatre Company Offers Winter/Spring Theatre Classes for Adults and Kids

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The Human Race Theatre CompanyThis March and April, The Human Race Theatre Company is offering three theatre classes for Dayton-area adults, and two classes for young girls. The classes run 4 to 8 weeks and are taught by professionals in the theatre industry, including three Human Race Resident Artists. All classes take place at The Human Race’s Philips Creativity Center at 116 North Jefferson Street in downtown Dayton.

CLASSES FOR ADULTS

Acting Basics
Human Race Resident Artist Kay Bosse teaches the craft of acting and auditioning in a safe and non-threatening atmosphere. Students will explore the vocabulary and techniques essential to understanding the world of the actor, and discover how to build a realistic and original character and the secrets to analyzing a script. Personal attention will also be focused on individual interests and exploration of media trends. This six-session class runs Mondays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 and April 7, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The class fee is $150.00.

Playwrighting – Level II

Playwright Michael M. London continues the instruction begun in this winter’s Playwrighting ­– Level I course. While still looking closely at the dramatic structure of a story, students will also focus attention on other aspects of storytelling and the building of a play. There will be a lot of writing, a lot of thinking, some mutual support from other playwrights, a fair amount of laughing, some tasty food at breaks, and a general atmosphere of fun and learning. Each playwright will have a goal of completing a one-act play that will be presented in a public reading. Playwrights will have the opportunity to hear their work read aloud by actors and prepared by directors. Prerequisite: Playwrighting – Level I or permission from the instructor. This eight-session class runs Saturdays, March 8, 15, 22 and 29 and April 5, 12, 19 and 26, 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.The class fee is $200.00.

Reading Music

Learning to read music has been compared to learning a new language, very daunting for many. However, if you can count to seven, you may find this process easier than you thought. Assigning seven tones of the scale to the numbers 1 through 7 allows for easier recognition of notes, intervals, chords and even keys. Lead by Human Race Resident Artist Scott Stoney, this course is designed to get would-be singers started on the road to reading music and hearing pitches. A bit of homework will be given from week to week. This five-session class runs Saturdays, March 29 and April 5, 12, 19 and 26, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. The class fee is $120.00.

CLASS FOR GIRLS

Becoming Annie

Human Race Resident Artist Katie Pees leads this month-long adventure in musical theatre where girls ages 8 – 12 work on vocal coachings, dance techniques and character development using songs and choreography from the Broadway hit Annie. Aspiring actresses will be ready to sing their favorite songs and dance like a star to “It’s a Hard Knock Life”, “Tomorrow” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.” There will be a sharing session on the last day of class. This four-session class runs Saturdays, March 1, 8, 15 and 22, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The class fee is $110.00.

Becoming Cinderella

Almost every young girl has a magical wish to become Cinderella and now they get to try on that glass slipper! Guided by professional actress and music educator Kandis Wean, students learn the gorgeous song melodies and lyrics of Rogers and Hammerstein’s current Broadway musical, Cinderella. Girls will kick up their feet with dance choreography that brings the enchantment to life as they strive to be a believable princess on stage. Students will perform a short show for parents and guests on the last day of class. This five-session class runs Saturdays, April 5, 12, 19, 26 and May 3, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The class fee is $110.00.

Registration is required one week prior to the first class date and can be made through The Human Race Theatre Company’s website – www.humanracetheatre.org.

For more information on classes and scholarship opportunities for children, interested students and parents may contact Education Director Marilyn Klaben at (937) 461-3823 ext. 3132 ormarilyn@humanracetheatre.org.

The Human Race Theatre Company was founded in 1986 and moved into the Metropolitan Arts Center in 1991, taking up residence at the 212-seat Loft Theatre. In addition to the Eichelberger Loft Season, The Human Race produces for the Victoria Theatre’s Broadway Series, the Musical Theatre Workshop series, and special event programming. The Human Race, under the direction of Producing Artistic Director Kevin Moore, also maintains education and outreach programs for children, teens and adults, as well as artist residencies in area schools, The Muse Machine In-School Tour, and summer youth programs. Human Race organizational support is provided by Culture Works, the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District, the Shubert Foundation, the Erma R. Catterton Trust Fund, the Jesse & Caryl Philips Foundation Fund for the Development of New Works, the Virginia W. Kettering Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council, which helped fund this organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The 2013-2014 season sponsor is the Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation of the Dayton Foundation, with additional support from Jim and Enid Goubeaux, KeyBank, the Sam Levin Foundation, Premier Health, Heidelberg Distributing Company and Morris Home Furnishings.

Coming up in Dayton theatre, 12/14 – 12/23

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Hello again, one and all. I can’t believe that this edition will bring us right up to the edge of Christmas and, ergo, nearly to the dawn of 2013. Things do tend to slow down a bit as we coast into the Holiday Season, most shows are done with their runs before Christmas and new ones don’t really start up again until we get into January. But there are still several offerings out here for you to sample. For starts!

Closing This Weekend!

12 Dancing Princess

Xenia Area Community Theatre (X*ACT)

The Skinny:X*ACT bills this production as a “Holiday family show,” and indeed this story is one that will please the youngest among us. Based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, it follows the 12 daughters of a king who are locked in their bedroom each night, and yet appear each morning with shoes worn out from dancing.

Dates: Closing on the 16th.

Tickets: Tickets are available at the door, for more information please visit the X*ACT website, here.

A Christmas Carol

Zoot Theatre Company

The Skinny: Dayton’s puppet theatre company takes on Dickens seasonal classic, delightfully retelling this classic morality play as only Zoot can.

Dates: Closing this weekend, on the 15th.

Tickets: Tickets are available at the Dayton Art Institute website, here.

Scrooge

The Dayton Playhouse

The Skinny: Adapted from the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol,” this musical closely follows the classic story with the miserly Ebenezer undergoing a profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night, after being visited by the ghost of his former partner Jacob Marley and the Spirits of Christmas past, present and future.

Dates: Three performances left, closing on 12/16.

Tickets: Tickets are available at the Dayton Playhouse website, here.

Annie

Troy Civic Theatre

The Skinny: The famous musical version of Lil’ Orphan Annie is,indeed, a Christmas-set offering. This show is a heart-warming favorite, sure to please families with kids, or without.

Dates: One more weekend, closing on the 15th.

Tickets: Tickets are available for reservation by calling 937-339-7700. Pricing information can be found at the Troy Civic Theatre website, here.

Continuing!

Oliver!

The Human Race Theatre Company

The Skinny: Christmas Eve in London, 1838. A small group of working-class, wayward souls gather in a tavern to celebrate when a small, unexpected guest prompts a spontaneous telling of the popular Oliver Twist. With traditional music-hall flair, they delve into Charles Dickens’ haunting moral tale as the lines between story and reality blur. Sized perfectly for The Loft Theatre, this reimagining of the classic Tony Award®-winning musical will touch your heart and challenge your spirit. It’s Oliver with a twist, indeed! Dayton Most Metro’s Russell Florence reviewed Oliver! Click here to read it!

Dates: You’ve got several more chances to catch this wonderful production, which runs through the 22nd.

Tickets: Tickets are available through the Human Race Theatre Company website, here.

One Weekend Only!

In The Spotlight!

Playhouse South

The Skinny: Playhouse Souths annual revue-style evening of musical theatre selections, this year entitled “At The Movies” and featuring numbers from musicals, TV shows and movies.

Dates: Two performances only, December 2oth and 21st.

Tickets: Tickets are available at the Playhouse South website, here.

 

So, that all gives you plenty to see up to Christmas eve eve eve (12/22)!  Remember, a night at the theatre is not only a wonderful date, it’s also a splendid holiday gift! There’s 9 days til Christmas and 2 nights of Hanukkah left…head to your favorite theatre box office and buy tickets!