Re-treating to 'Annie'

... 30 years later, well, 20-some years after I first saw it, 'Annie' is still a treat to see ...

Kates and I caught the 30th-anniversary tour last night for its opening of a five-day stay in Milwaukee ... and we loved it ...

Without a doubt, the highlight of the night was the comical and feisty orphans -- especially their performance of 'Hard Knock Life' (you can see it and other scenes here) and any scene featuring the smallest orphan Molly, played by the hilarious, ham-it-up 8-year-old Amanda Balon. It seemed everytime she was on stage, she had all of the audience's eyes ...

But this show is about more than just some orphans ... Marissa O'Donnell, was spunky and talented as Annie, although her voice came across a bit nasally at times and her phrasing was somewhat awkward. Nonetheless, she could carry a note as beautifully as anyone in the cast, prompting Kates and I to sing 'Maybe' almost all the way out of the theater ...

... It wasn't until looking through the program during intermission that we realized all the star power we were seeing in Conrad John Schuck as Daddy Warbucks and Mackenzie Phillips as Lily St. Regis. Both have been all over telelvision, and both turned in memorable performances. ... and Alene Robertson's rambunctious and comical portrayal of Miss Hanigan was memorable also -- once we got use to the fact she wasn't Carol Burnett.

Also duly noted: for a little touring show, the sets were amazing ... Sandy (played by Lola) was a scene-stealer in her own right, never missing a cue and expertly trained in patience and sitting still -- although it was hard not to miss, and chuckle, at the sight of Annie constantly feeding her treats during the dog's inital appearances ... there were lots and lots of children in last night's audience, perhaps helping some of us older kids appreciate the charm of 'Annie' even more ...

For more reviews go here.