Lyceum Theatre's Season Continues with ANNIE in Historic Arrow Rock, MO

Although few will remember Harold Gray, the original creator of the cliff-hanging comic strip that features the pupil-less girl known as "Little Orphan Annie", most people are aware of the musical adaptation that premiered in 1977. Over thirty years later, this charming and delightful work by Thomas Meehan, with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, still maintains its humor and heart with it's simple search for love and acceptance. The Lyceum Theatre is presenting a solid and tuneful production, perfectly suitable for children and adults to attend and enjoy.

Annie chronicles the adventures of a little orphan girl who's searching for her parents during the depression. They've abandoned her in a rather seedy orphanage, but left behind a letter in a locket promising one day to return. A chance opportunity to spend two weeks during Christmas with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, provides her with the means to pursue her missing parents, even though Warbucks would prefer to adopt her himself. Naturally, things go awry, but a happy ending is guaranteed for all.

C.J. Fam does a fine job as Annie, imbuing the spirited tyke with the proper amount of spunk and pathos required. Her renditions of the opening tune "Maybe", and the overly familiar, but still moving "Tomorrow", are nicely crafted, without any unnecessary showboating. David Girolmo also impresses as "Daddy" Warbucks, who's immediately smitten with the diminutive redhead, despite mounting business concerns. His versions of "NYC", and the tender song "Something Was Missing", are especially well done. Ashley Lapine also shines as Grace Farrell, Warbucks' personal assistant.

As the central villain of this piece, Marcy McGuigan's portrayal of Miss Hannigan, the liquor-swilling caretaker of the orphans, is simply terrific. Her sarcastic run through "Little Girls", and her work with Len Pfluger as her equally sleazy ex-con brother Rooster on "Easy Street", are both nicely rendered. Pfluger also adroitly handles the choreography for the show.

A strong supporting cast includes: a gaggle of cute children as the orphans; Bess Hearst as the wonderfully adorable dog, Sandy; and director David Hemsley Caldwell as FDR.

Caldwell's direction keeps the action moving along at a brisk pace. This is a very efficient show, enhanced by the scenic design of Dan Calandro; the lighting of Jonathan Reed; and the costumes of John Metzner. James Woodland's music direction is also smartly conceived and executed.

Annie continues through June 28, 2009 at the Lyceum Theatre in Arrow Rock, MO. Call 660-837-3311 for ticket information.

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