Annie

There's no doubt about it - Annie is one of those shows that just keeps coming back around. It's a perfect show for community theatre with it's large, all-age cast. It's a simple, warm-hearted and seemingly timeless story of an eternally optimistic little girl who wins the heart of the curmudgeon. Being that it's a show that keeps on coming back around - the challenge for any director is to keep it fresh and fun for new and old audiences alike and the only way to do that is to cough up a truly polished production and GMS has come up with the goods here. The vocal depth of the lead cast, the vibrantly coloured sets and costumes, the precision and execution of the choreography and the refreshing energy and commitment of the ensemble all added up to make this show feel far from hackneyed and twee.

The junior cast - including the role of Annie, is multiplied by two - so this reviewer is loathe to name names, as I have been told that each cast is as good as the other - so suffice it to say the opening night kids were not only talented young individuals in their own rights - they worked really well as an ensemble while Annie was focused and articulate with a truly lovely voice.

Director Jillian Logan's strong acting background in musical and traditional theatre also proved a telling factor in the finesse of the lead performances. Comic turns by Jane-Ann Scott as Miss Hannigan, Joshua Keane as Rooster Hannigan and Jessica King as Lily St Regis were as good as you'd see anywhere, while talented veteran Tim Page had a field day with some ofDaddy Warbucks' more sophisticated gags. Energetic cameos by Alan Royal and Gareth Isaac kept the show humming along right to the end. 

Rose Cooper