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'Annie' impresses at Summer Place
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Position: - July 30, 1999
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The classic musical "Annie,"
written by Thomas Meehan with music
by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, is presented by Summer Place
Theatre through Sunday, Aug. 8 in Naperville.
Director Timothy J. Mullen of Downers Grove has pulled this huge
production - consisting of 42 cast members, 38 production staff
and a 13-piece orchestra - together into a well-oiled machine, much
to the delight of appreciative audience.
Mullen's choice of Kallie Flynn Childress for the lead role of Annie
is right on the mark. Her stage presence at such a young age indicates
a high comfort level in this character and she looks the part perfectly.
Childress has the voice of an angel as well as the face of a cherub framed
in very natural looking red curls. She never missed a cue or forgot a
line during the entire performance. This precious little girl has a
bright future on stage.
The entire cast does a wonderful job during dance numbers and vocal
renditions, but one character stands out noticeably - Miss Hannigan
(Corrie Graham), the mistress of the orphanage. What a comedian!
Her voice, facial expressions, body motions and gestures will have
you in stitches. She's a stout, middle-aged marm who takes an occasional
nip from the bottle hidden in her desk drawer to help her tolerate all
the little girls in her charge. She's not above temptation, lunging at
an opportunity for monetary gain presented by her brother, Rooster Hannigan
(Paul Mullen of Downers Grove). When he and his accomplice, Lily St. Regis
(Laurie Kometz Edwalds), suggest a plan to make money at the expense of Annie,
she's instantly in on it. Their trio singing "Easy Street" is the kind of
thing you'd expect to see on Broadway - a credit to vocal director Michael
Watkins and choreographer Shannon Juzwiak.
Steven Zeidler embraces the role of Daddy Warbucks and shaved his head to
look the part. His commanding voice is strong yet touching as his heart
is tenderly stolen forever by his newfound friend Annie. Needless to say,
they form a life-long bond, assisted by Grace Farrell, Warbucks' secretary.
Farrell is played by Amy Arbizzani who has a beautiful voice as well as a
beautiful face.
Unfortunately, we can't mention everyone in the cast, but each member does
an exceptionally professional job. The sets created under the direction of
scenic designer Ken Frykholm are just wonderful from the orphanage to
Hooverville to Warbucks' mansion. Many professional sets couldn't compare
to these.
Lighting by sound and light designer Joe Pietrie plays a big part in setting
the scenes as well. Very nicely done.
Young children in the audience were so enthralled by "Annie" that they
managed to sit still through the entire first act and eagerly anticipated
the second. Director Mullen maintains an up-beat atmosphere throughout so
that even the saddest moments are brief and easily endured. Attention to
detail and high performance integrity are evident in every scene. The quality
of this show, produced by Andrew W. Lambertson, well surpasses most community
theater and easily rivals many professional.
It's entertainment you'll really enjoy in the spacious and comfortable,
air-conditioned auditorium of Naperville Central High School. Annie is
a "must see" in my book.
Summer Place Theatre's "Annie," based on "Little Orphan Annie," will be
presented Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., through
Aug. 8, at Naperville Central High School Auditorium, located between the
intersections of Aurora, West and Hillside streets in Naperville. Tickets
are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and student and $5 for children 12 and
under. Call 355-7969 until 3 p.m. on the day of performance to reserve seats.
Tickets are also available at the door, but advance reservations are recommended.
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