"ANNIE"
W. Fred Crow

It’s been said that it takes a community to raise a child. No where else was this adage more evident than in the Shoestring Theater Company’s production of "ANNIE". STC showed that vision, hard work, and dedication by the many can produce a success to be proud of and that should be shared with others. From the very young to those seasoned seniors, this presentation of ‘ANNIE" was a delight. It truly was ‘community’ theater.

"ANNIE" is that musical classic where, in the midst of America’s great depression, the rich and powerful Oliver Warbucks reaches into the depths of sadness to release a little girl from a life in an orphanage and those surrounding scoundrels who attempt to make a buck along the way.

With a cast and crew numbering almost a hundred people, this amateur production of "ANNIE" might have proven unwieldy. However, director Kris Andrews managed to mesh the many factors that make good theater into one happy package, complete with ribbon and bow. Period costumes, lighting, music, staged on a small stage - all fell into place. And rarely have I attended a community production where the sound system was so well covered. My hearing is 20-20 and I’m picky about being able to hear what is said and sung.

The set design was cleverly thought out though the dozen-plus scene changes demanded so much time and effort that there was an impact to the flow of the show. This might have been distracting but for the fact that the entire package was a treat.

Sasha Scott (ANNIE) played the lead with a strong voice and the strong presence of a kid left to herself. She was impish and sweet and believable and lit up the stage when in the spotlight.

The large and talented group of "orphans" proved surprisingly good. Well versed in their music and staging and acting and were performing beyond their years. It was a pleasure to see such stage discipline among young actors. The strong supporting cast of youngsters in various other and sundry roles added so much to the overall presentation of "ANNIE".

Rusty Andrews brought life to the storybook character, Oliver Warbucks. Strongly performed and with a clear ringing baritone, Rusty showed a professional edge in an amateur production as he romped in the part of the powerful industrialist. With his newly polished pate, he was in command of all that he surveyed - well, except when his heart melted before a little girl.

Kathy DeMerit was a delight as the mean-spirited, short suffering, boozing Miss Hannigan. The song ‘Little Girls’ was her battle cry and she played the game with finesse.

Kim Hartley, the prim and proper assistant to Warbucks, spoke and sang with a confidence that only comes with being in the employ of the rich and powerful. Understated but in charge, her words and music carried authority.

Stan Scott (Rooster) and Caity Andrews (Lilly St. Regis) were capable as the conniving duo dedicated to getting free bucks from Oliver. Andrew Byshenk (Bert Healy) had a 30’s radio voice that oozed charm and appeal. Walter Borlase played President Roosevelt in as splendid a manner as the man himself. ‘Star to be’ Robin Rector froze the stage in the song "NYC" and you just knew that she was going to be a success.

There are far too many individual contributions that made this show a success to note in this review. All of them necessary. All of them fit. All of them wonderful. This was top of the line community theater.

If you missed this production of "ANNIE" you missed quality family entertainment. Try not to miss the next offering by the Shoestring Theater Company. A high standard has been set with "ANNIE". Who knows what waits in the wings.

"ANNIE" played at the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos September 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th .