In a welcome departure from the almost preternatural perkiness of so many young female actresses cast in the title role, Jessica Booth and Julia Fallon, local actresses who share double billing in the Alhambra Dinner Theatre’s current production of “Annie,” charmed the audience at an evening production of the beloved musical comedy based on the story of Little Orphan Annie.
A TIMELESS STORY
From the opening scene in the Depression-era New York City Municipal Orphanage run by the drunken, man-crazy Miss Hannigan, to her ultimate evolution into the apple of the monied Oliver “Daddy” Warbuck’s eye, the trials and tribulations of Annie, a gutsy waif with a mop of fire-engine red curls, has long melted the hearts of audiences young and old.
At a time when Americans are actively seeking a diversion from the increasingly unsettled — and unsettling — state of world affairs, “Annie” didn’t disappoint. The cast did justice to the musical score with its time-honored hits such as “Maybe,” “Easy Street,” and “Tomorrow.” Especially amusing was the scene where the vile tempered, yet long suffering Hannigan, played by Amy Allen, a graduate of the New England Conservatory with a master’s degree in opera and classical voice, belted a rousing rendition of “Little Girls,” skewering Annie and the other denizens of the orphanage.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PERFORMANCE?
Dan Circle Jr. amply filled the spit-and-polished shoes of the perennially dapper Daddy Warbucks. Along with being physically attractive, he nicely embodied the character he was playing: charming, affable and understated, with a heart every bit as big as his outsized wallet.
Especially amusing were Tony Triano, as the greedy, conniving Rooster, brother of Miss Hannigan, and Peg Paschal, as his equally money-grubbing sidekick, Lily St. Regis.
AND THE FOOD?
Timely political one liners such as the one where Daddy Warbucks ponders what to feed the visiting FDR for dinner — “Find out what Democrats eat” — brought forth appreciate chuckles from the audience, who, coincidentally, seemed more than content with its own evening repast — a buffet-style spread incorporating chicken, roast beef, barbecue ribs, mashed and scalloped potatoes, assorted vegetables and a variety of desserts including chocolate mousse and German chocolate cake.
HOW MUCH?
Performances continue through Aug. 17. Dinner and show prices range from $35 to $46, plus tax. Call the box office at 641-1212 or log on to www.alhambradinnertheatre.com.
— by Patti Connor