Hope for a Better and Brighter Tomorrow Lives On in Sharon Playhouse’s Revival of “Annie”

Sharon Playhouse’s production of “Annie” is a wonderful reminder of why this show is a classic and fan favorite. The musical is based upon the Little Orphan Annie comic strip created by Harold Gray in 1924 which continued until 2010, with numerous spinoffs, including this musical. Set in New York City during the Great Depression, the story follows Annie’s adventures when she is selected to leave the orphanage to stay a week at billionaire Oliver Warbucks’ home before Christmas. 

Avery Hope (Annie) brings a winning blend of confidence and sincerity to the title role. Her vocals are warm and tender throughout the show. Thomas Christopher Warren’s (Oliver Warbucks) smooth baritone voice brings subtle warmth and charm to his character. Warbuck’s growing bond with Annie is portrayed gently as each duet between Warren and Hope reveals an increase in emotional chemistry which eventually leads to Warbucks’ decision to adopt Annie.  However, when Warbucks reveals his intentions, Annie refuses and insists that her parents are alive. Warbucks agrees to help her find them, enlisting the help of radio announcers, detectives, and even President Roosevelt himself.

Countering Hope’s charm is Courtney Balan (Miss Hannigan). Miss Hannigan manages the orphanage.  She is often drunk and always cruel, especially to Annie. Balan’s portrayal is hilarious and perpetually frazzled, delivering great vocals in each number as well. Balan’s voice and abilities with physical humor really shine during “Easy Street,” performing alongside the equally entertaining Harrison Drake (Rooster Hannigan) and silly Landry Champlin (Lily St. Regis) as the trio hatch a plot to pretend to be Annie’s parents in order to claim the reward money offered by Warbucks.

Director Carl Andress and Music Director Eric Thomas Johnson lead a large ensemble of “triple-threat” performers that never miss a beat.  Standout  solo vocals come from ensemble member Sophie Nassiri Morvillo who also plays a number of small roles during the show in which her rich vocals radiate, including Sophie, The Kettle in “We’d Like to Thank You, Herbert Hoover” and A Star to Be in “N.Y.C.”Combined with Krystyna Resavy’s dynamic choreography,  the show is visually entertaining from start to finish, but especially memorable in numbers like “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Little Girls,” “Easy Street,” and “N.Y.C.” The physicality is so intense, one orphan wore some distracting modern knee pads that I wish had been covered by longer bloomers.

Christopher and Justin Swader deliver excellent set design that seamlessly transition between NYC streets, the orphanage, and the Warbuck’s mansion. The painted skyscrapers in the wings and backdrop offer consistency, as smaller set pieces and props move the story along smoothly from scene to scene.  Complementing the set design are the period costumes, designed by Kathleen Deangelis. Every costume worn by Grace Farrell (Savannah Stevenson) was stunning. The looks were elegant and literally “grace” in motion.  

“Annie” at Sharon Playhouse is a must-see. The optimism and charm on stage is contagious among young and old alike. Even volunteers at the theatre seem excited to talk with patrons about the show. One volunteer, Denise, told me that they have had mostly sold-out shows and are really excited by each audience’s response to the production. From what I saw on stage, it’s easy to see why. “Tomorrow” is “only a day away,” but if you want to get a ticket—I’d suggest you grab one fast, because I’d “bet my bottom dollar” this show will sell-out in no time.

“Annie” runs through August 10th at Sharon Playhouse. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.sharonplayhouse.org/annie