Reviewed by Tony Annicone
The current show by the Uncommon Theatre in Foxboro at the Orpheum Theatre is “Annie”, the 1977 hit musical. Based on Harold Gray’s comic strip “Little Orphan Annie”, it won seven Tony Awards and ran for 2,377 performances. This high energy show is a hit again with this audience. This heart warming musical is the rags-to-riches story of plucky young Annie’s journey from a hard knock orphanage to the luxurious home of billionaire businessman Oliver Warbucks. It has insightful direction by Meg Quin Dussault, topnotch musical direction by Eric Anderson Jr. and wonderful choreography by Alex Sweeny. This show is what is needed in today’s society, a brighter future and the optimism of the title character.
Meg blocks the show wonderfully, creating picture postcard moments. Eric taught the cast their musical numbers while playing lead keyboards and conducting a terrific nine piece orchestra. The outstanding dance numbers are the servants dances, “Easy Street”, the kids “Smile” kick line and “Hard Knock Life.” 13 year old Alexandra Richardson tackles the iconic role of Annie and comes up a winner. Her strong voice and topnotch acting ability is witnessed all night long. Her belting voice is heard in “Maybe”, “Tomorrow”, “NYC”, the two servant songs and in the duet “I Don’t Need Anything.” She handles the comic moments wonderfully and makes you choke up on the poignant ones where she tugs on your heartstrings. India-Mae Fraser plays the heavy drinking, harridan, Miss Hannigan who mistreats the orphans while swilling down her “medicine.” She sings “Little Girls” number and “Easy Street” with Rooster and Lily. lndia transforms herself into this frumpy woman who hates little girls.
Nate April plays Daddy Warbucks fabulously. Nate gives the role some terrific comic touches but it is his dramatic turn when he realizes that he must adopt Annie that is very poignant and moving. His transition from hard boiled executive to caring adoptive parent is handled splendidly. His strong tenor voice sells his numbers including “NYC” when he and Grace show Annie the sights of the Big Apple, the touching, poignant ballad “Something Is Missing” when he realizes Annie is a wonderful addition to his life and the joyous duet with Alexandra called “I Don’t Need Anything” with their terrific steps to it. I last reviewed Nate as King Triton in “Little Mermaid” in 2016. Rayna Carner, a pretty brunette plays Grace and shows how much she cares for Annie as this tender hearted, compassionate woman. Her voice is heard in “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here”, “NYC”, “You Won’t Be an Orphan for Long”, “Annie” and “We Need a New Deal for Christmas” with Nate and Alexandra.
Playing the villains of the show are Matt Neary as Rooster and Maya Blodgett as Lily St. Regis. His portrayal of this slimy, sleazy guy and hers as the not to bright bimbo are fantastic. They are also hilarious as the Mudges, the phony parents of Annie while wearing red matching wigs like hers. Matt and Maya display their voices and dancing skills in the show stopping “Easy Street” with India. He is a hoot and brilliant in this role stealing many scenes. I last reviewed Matt in “Little Mermaid” as Prince Eric. Playing the Star to Be in “NYC” is Grace Ward with her strong voice.
The singing and dancing orphans in the show are terrific, too. They display their skills in “Hard Knock Life”, “Never Fully Dressed”, “New Deal for Christmas” and “Tomorrow” finale. These talented girls are 7 year old Reagan Gardiner as the youngest, Molly, (who steals many a scene with her fabulous voice and comic timing of her one liners) Charlotte and Sadie Dussault as Tessie and July, Samantha Grosshandler as Duffy, Alexis Maron as Pepper and Anita Camp as Kate. A couple of other standout performers are fifth grader Tom Zinno as the Sound Effects man who makes them during “Never Fully Dressed” with Bert chasing him all over the stage and sixth grader Brody Phillips as Harold Ickes who shines as he is transformed from a grouch into a nicer person by Annie in the “Tomorrow” number in Act 2. Brody also plays the comical butler, Drake. My favorite song in the show is “We’d Like to Thank You, Herbert Hoover” done by the chorus. This show brings back memories for me, having directed it back in 1995. So for a musical that will lift your spirits in these trying times, be sure to catch “Annie” at Uncommon Theatre Company in Foxboro.
ANNIE (16 to 18 November)
Uncommon Theatre Company, Orpheum Theatre, 1 School Street, Foxboro, MA
1(800)838-3006 or www.uncommontheatre.org
