Ogden-Annie, the famous orphan redhead, based on the comic strip from 1924, debuted as a musical on Broadway in 1977. Ever since it has spawned revivals, sequels, international productions, tours, regional productions, school productions, and several movie adaptations. The Ziegfeld Theater in Ogden Utah is producing this holiday favorite, directed by Morgan Parry, with a book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Martin Charnin.
I confess, Annie is not on my list of favorite shows. I was intrigued to see how the team at Ziegfeld would interpret Annie for today, because as director Parry points out in her program note, the themes of struggle and economic difficulties in the background of the great depression that the orphan Annie, played by Shelby Reardon, has her story set in. That interpretation did stand out as one of the best parts, with the number We’d Like to Thank You Herbert Hoover being an ensemble strength. From the choreography by Keely Parry to the biting vocals brought together by music director Kristin Parry. One could really see the frustration of those who are struggling with the economic woes of the era, and the anger at the leader that people believed had brought them there. It made me wonder what people may write about current leaders 50-60 years from now.
The costumes by Maria Menlove were quite fun, especially for those considered upper class. I truly adore hats, so the addition of fun hats, coats, and gloves made me smile. With some of the poorer representations, I know it can be harder for a theater on a budget to make sure to stay completely in time period, and for the most part the choices were quite on point. I did notice here and there some jeans or others that might have looked slightly too modern for the rest of the aesthetic. The set designed by Erica Choffel was full of interesting choices, and I really enjoyed the transitions from the meager orphanage to the magnificent Warbucks mansion. Added to the set were the projections by Troy Martell. I have truly been impressed with the last few productions at the Zig and how they have upped their game with projections. Being an avid NYC fan and former resident, having different images of the city projected over the screens throughout the show brought an appropriate level of nostalgia.
Each of the players in the show brought enough charm to keep this classic exactly where it needs to be. For people wanting some good holiday cheer and especially looking for something other than another production of A Christmas Carol, this will be a welcome night out and break from the somber news of the day. The ensemble of young ladies Parry has gathered in her cast is outstanding. This is evident in the classic song Hard Knock Life, but where they really hit it out of the park is during the number Fully Dressed Without a Smile. This is also where choreographer Parry shines. The spinning kick line at the end of that number is something I have seen adult ensembles struggle with, so to see a cast of younger players pull it off with ease was impressive indeed.
Our three villains, Karaline Taylor as Lily St. Regis, Ben Ames as Rooster, and Erica Choffel as Miss Hannigan were a delicious team. Choffel was the classic unhappy caregiver of children, Taylor the dumb broad, and Ames the no good crook. Together they brought down the house with their rendition of Easy Street, but also their acting and comedic timing made me long for even more scenes with their no good deeds.
Danna Facer as personal secretary to Oliver Warbucks played the character with the Grace worthy of the character name. She also had a golden voice that was lovely to listen to. Layne Willden as Warbucks was quite a surprise. His character was a bit more of a jolly, elf-like approach than I had seen before, which gave the show an even stronger Christmas appeal, again, a nice thing for the holiday season. And on the evening I saw the performance, Annie was played beautifully by Reardon. One of my favorite things about her performance was her connection to Willden as Warbucks. Their playful nature with each other was evident right down to their facial expressions, which is one of my favorite things about these smaller, intimate local theatres we have all over our state. It was hard to determine if it was an acting choice or a secret between the actors themselves, but either way, I had no doubt in my mind of the affection shown on stage.
As I said in the beginning of my review, Annie will never be a favorite show of mine. However, in this time in our own history of turmoil and strife, for a little more than the cost of a movie ticket, one can instead go see local talent on stage sing about love and hope for tomorrow, and do so in a way that showcases real hard work and effort and skill. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the season.
Annie plays Fridays Saturdays, and Mondays at 7:30 PM and Saturday matinees at 2pm through December 23, 2024 at The Ziegfeld Theatre (3934 Washington Blvd, Ogden). Tickets are $22.95-26.95 . There is an ASL interpretation night December 13th. For more information, visit www.zigarts.com.
