Annie Jr

Pelican Productions has a reputation for nurturing young talent and there is plenty of it on stage in the company’s latest production, Annie Jr. I was lucky enough to see Cast 1 perform for the afternoon.

The story of ‘Little Orphan Annie’ has become a family favourite and this latest interpretation does nothing to dampen enthusiasm. From the moment one hears those familiar notes of the score you are transported back to the New York City of the 1930s.

There is nothing I did not love about this production. Director Jen Firth and her incredible production team have put on a show that could rival a professional production. With over a hundred talented kids to choose from, they have done well to pack them all in and make use of their varying talents.

Choreographer Bec Schembri has done a great job with the big cast numbers. Choreography was aesthetically pleasing. Colourful and bright costumes were only rivalled by the huge smiles on the faces of the cast, who were clearly enjoying themselves.

Taylor Schwartz played the title role at the matinee I attended. She was wonderful and had that added spunk and naughtiness that makes Annie so adorable. It was hard to believe this young lass is only 11 years old. As she vocally hit all the right notes, I couldn’t get enough of this polished performance.

There were so many wonderful individual characterisations. Cooper James as Rooster Hannigan was energetic and simply wicked, while Grace Farrell was played with poise by Victoria Thorp. This show works well because of its powerful ensemble; the energy they brought to the stage was commendable.

The Annie dialogue omitted in this production was not missed. The story flowed well and the 70 minutes seemed to fly by. My ardour for this production seemed to be shared by a vocal audience.

Bravo, Pelican Productions, you have done it again!

Kerry Cooper