"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 17th, 18th, and 19th.
W. Fred Crow is free-lance theatre critic writing for
the Coast Weekly (Monterey/Carmel)
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