You Won’t Be An Orphan For Long

Annie

Following three years of a pandemic shutdown in theatres all across American, Broadway in Chicago welcomes back this true family classic. Looking around the packed opening night audience, I had the distinct feeling that for many children and even some adults, this was their first time seeing “Annie.” Some of them may have listened to the Original Broadway Cast Album, or probably watched one of several film or television adaptations of the show. But there’s nothing quite like experiencing  the most optimistic, rags-to-riches story performed live in an opulent theatre, like the Cadillac Palace.

As the houselights dim those first brassy notes soar from the orchestra pit. Suddenly the magic happens as conductor/keyboardist Elaine Davidson, and her ten, talented musicians, unleash Charles Strouse’s glorious overture. This musical montage not only sets the mood for the entire show, it offers a sampling of the catchy score we’re about to enjoy.

 Then, as the curtain rises, we can hear a little girl crying in the dim, early morning light. This tiny tike is Molly (played by a multi-gifted Bronte Harrison), and the only child in this dank, dingy orphanage who can comfort her is a spunky little redhead named Annie. She’s played by a very gifted 12-year-old named Ellie Rose Pulsifer. This feisty, but tenderhearted young actress croons “Maybe,” a sweet lullaby that soothes the other orphans with a message of hope. We now know that this American Cinderella story, set in New York City during the Great Depression, is off and running. In addition to Ellie Pulsifer’s powerful performance as an actor, whenever Annie belts out “Tomorrow,” that contagious anthem of optimism,” the audience cheers her on and our hopes rise to the rafters.

The original production, with a book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, was a multiTony Award-winning hit musical back in 1977. The show was based on the comic strip by Harold Gray. That production ran on Broadway for almost six years. Eventually the show spawned revivals, several National and International Tours and countless more professional, amateur and educational theatre productions. The popular musical was adapted for film and TV and hatched two sequels to the original. One of the biggest hit musicals ever, the enduring love for this show continues to draw audiences over four decades later, especially little girls.

Over 45 years later, the musical is shorter, having been tweaked and tightened a bit. The creatives have trimmed the original 3 hour show by 30 minutes, even including a 20-minute intermission. The beautiful new scenic design by Wilson Chin is colorful and filled with authentic historical accuracy and texture; and Alejo Vietti’s homage to Theoni V. Aldredge’s original costume designs and accompanying hair and wigs by Ashley Rae Callahan are all lovely. Directed with spirit and pace by Jenn Thompson, and choreographed with vigor by Patricia Wilcox, this 21st century National Tour feels absolutely fresh and sparkles with life.

Of course, this production also features an entirely new cast, most of whom weren’t even born when the original show took Broadway by storm. Christopher Swan, recently seen as Wilbur in the recent Tour of “Hairspray,” is everything Oliver Warbucks should be. He’s handsome, strong and gruff, but with a heart that easily melts under Annie’s influence. He leads the entire company in a rousing tribute to the Big Apple, “NYC.” Then Mr. Swan charms with his ballad to the little orphan, “Something Was Missing,” along with the uptempo “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” and the entire company’s pledge to Annie,” You Won’t Be An Orphan For Long.” He’s assisted by beautiful Julia Nicole Hunter as Grace Farrell. She gives the story a strong, young maternal viewpoint while providing a loving adult to take Annie’s side. Ms. Hunter raises her gorgeous voice in every number and brightens up the stage whenever she enters.

This cast features dozens of other standouts. Stefanie Londino, last seen in the National Tour of “A Bronx Tale,” is a terrifically wicked Miss Hannigan. She plays the show’s villain with a modicum of sympathy for a woman who, despite her nasty disposition toward children, is really just trying to make ends meet during an economically difficult time. She sings the blazes out of her musical plea for sympathy, “Little Girls.” And this lady can strut, shimmy and shake it with the best during the toe-tapping “Easy Street.” In this number she shares the stage with an athletic Nick Bernardi, as her shifty brother Rooster, and Betty Boop-voiced Krista Curry, playing his floozy, Lily St. Regis. Together these three tear up the stage. And the production’s hardworking ensemble all sing, dance and add lots of comedy and drama to the story.

Although “Annie” is now a staple of most educational and community theatres, and the movie is easily available on DVD or through streaming services, there’s nothing quite like seeing a live, professional production. While this isn’t an Equity offering, but the talent and production values represented on the Cadillac Palace stage are strong. Every single character is memorable and winning. The score is great, the story is another popular rags-to- riches Cinderella tale, and besides a gifted cast there’s the most beautiful, lovable dog that you could ever imagine. And both Addison and Georgie, the two pups who share the role of Sandy, were both rescued from an animal shelter. Another real life rags to riches story! To quote George Gershwin, “Who could ask for anything more?”  

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented by Broadway in Chicago March 7-19 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at all BIC box offices, at all Ticketmaster retail locations, by calling the Broadway in Chicago Ticket Line at 800-775-2000 or by going to www.BroadwayInChicago.com

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