A New Deal for Christmas

Annie – Citadel Theatre

Leapin’ lizards! Citadel Theatre is presenting a colorful, animated, peppy present for theatergoers to enjoy, just in time for the holidays. Robert D. Estrin returns to Lake Forest to direct this fresh, thoroughly heartwarming, family-friendly revival of the 1977 multi Tony Award-winning hit musical. He’s assisted by Jake Ganzer with his almost athletic, distinctive choreography, that enhances each song. The catchy score, filled with addictive, hummable songs by the incomparable Charles Strouse, features Martin Charnin’s clever lyrics and a strong book by Thomas Meehan. 

The show’s timeliness is not only reflected in its affection for its characters and Christmastime setting; Depression Era America’s economic and political climate feels all too familiar, as well. The musical’s strong message of hope and optimism may seem a little schmaltzy to some audiences, but only Scrooge would fail to this experience this stirring production without smiling or shedding a tear. This is an Orphan Annie to cheer about.

Soon after the houselights dim, two elements immediately set the tone for this polished production. Ryan Brewster’s incredibly rich, full-sounding five-member backstage orchestra opens with the show’s rousing, toe-tapping overture. And while this alone would be enough, Eric Luchen’s incredible, beautifully executed, ever-changing scenic design, that depicts the musical’s many locales, changes before our eyes into the orphanage, where the story begins. The production is handsomely lit by Diane Fairchild. And the icing on this Christmas confection are Patty Halajian’s beautifully rendered, period perfect costumes and Linda Andrews’ wigs and hair for their large cast, most of whom play multiple roles, although I sorely missed little Annie’s iconic red hair!

There’s so much to recommend in this fine production. Mr. Estrin’s cast of talented triple-threats embrace the show and pour out their hearts all the way to the last row. He directs his young heroine, 14-year-old superstar, Sophie Kaegi (alternating in the role with Kayla Norris), to forego the cloying sweetness found in many portrayals of Annie. Instead we have a tough, city-smart, courageous kid, with the voice of an angel, who’s capable of breaking the audience’s heart in a beat. She’s supported by Tod Doodle, the dutiful doggie who plays Sandy, along with a half-dozen talented young triple threat orphans also surviving the House of Hannigan. All the kids are delightful, especially when belting out “It’s the Hard Knock Life” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” with Emiko Chichester, in the performance I attended, a particular standout as the feisty, appropriately-named, Pepper.

John Boss brings his usual polish and professionalism to his portrayal of Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, the fictional Republican billionaire, with whom Annie is chosen to spend Christmas. Boss  brings a stern, paternal love, balanced by a boyish sense of playfulness, to Warbucks. His faithful, loving secretary, Grace Farrell, who befriends Annie, is played with poise and propriety by lovely Chamaya Moody. The always terrific, multi-talented Ellen Phelps, deliciously delights as the bossy, boozy Miss Hannigan. Mr. Estrin has ensured that his villainess displays a few moments of honest vulnerability, as well, allowing the harridan a few moments of sympathy (“Little Girls”) for what she has to endure. The gifted duo of Kyle Ryan and Becca Duff complete this trio of scoundrels as Miss Hannigan’s nasty brother Rooster and his tootsie du jour, Lily St. Regis. Together this talented duo bring brassy humor and rubbery flexibility to the show’s musical ode to wealth, “Easy Street.”

The entire ensemble raises the roof with their spirited singing and dancing in production numbers like “We’d Like to Thank You, Herbert Hoover,” “NYC,” “Annie” and “A New Deal for Christmas.” Nicky Mendelsohn slays as a very funny laundryman named Bundles, among many other roles; Jimmy Hogan is excellent as Bert Healy; Alexander Rubin leaves his mark as both Harold Ickes and Drake, the butler; Shaina Summerville dazzles as the Star-To-Be, as well as one of the Boylan Sisters, along with talented Emily Lewis and Alison Stake. And, in a wonderful performance, Bill Chamberlain is magnificent as President Franklin D. Roosevelt.  

Despite theatergoers who say they’ve seen enough productions of “Annie” to last a lifetime, this new presentation brings sparkle, vigor and intimacy to the story, something that may have been lacking in other bigger, flashier productions. And for all those nay-saying pessimists who pooh-pooh the musical’s positive message, “Tomorrow,” Annie’s anthem to keeping your chin up when times are tough, is what this holiday confection is really all about. In fact, the song’s positive spirit, contagious melody and uplifting message is especially appropriate for today. To add some joy and a smile to your holidays, spend a couple hours up in lovely Lake Forest to unwrap “A New Deal for Christmas” this year.  

By Colin Douglas

Highly Recommended

Presented November 20-January 5 by Citadel Theatre Company, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest, IL.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 847-735-8554 x1 or by going to www.citadeltheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.