CENTERblog

Annie
by Terra Laughton - West High School

While not a hardnock experience, Annie at the Atwood Concert Hall Wednesday night lacked spark. NETworks Presentations’ Annie is playing at the Atwood Concert Hall until March 23rd and will happily entertain you, but don’t expect anything new.

It’s difficult to give such a well-known story unique flair, but most movement onstage is so predictable it actually detracts from the scenes at several points in the show. The show’s fun music, played well by an orchestra under the direction of Adam Jones, is unsuccessfully complemented by simple choreography.

Annie has its moments, to be sure. Young Madison Kerth, as the title character, impresses us with her strong voice. Even more remarkable is Mackenzie Aladjem, a seven-year old in her professional theatre debut playing little orphan Molly. Mackenzie’s tiny body has an enormous presence onstage and her adorable energy is contagious. One of the show’s highlights is her impression of mean Mrs. Hannigan, as she stumbles around pretending to be drunk and blowing her invisible whistle.

Analisa Leaming as Grace Farrell is a delight to watch, effortlessly floating around the Warbucks Mansion in a style appropriate to her name. Leaming’s clear voice helps us all love Annie just a little more during “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here.” Finally, the well-trained dog who plays Sandy was a fun addition to the Hoovervilles in the first act.

Kids will enjoy Annie, but their parents may grow tired of so many “aw gee”s and “oh my goodness”es. The story is adorable, but performed in a way that is too contrived to be engaging.

Annie
Anchorage Concert Association
March 18, 2009 at 7:30 P.M.
The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Atwood Concert Hall