The show’s staging allowed songcraft and showmanship to be the stars numbers played out against minimalist backdrops, and the live audience was largely heard in eruptive applause but seen only in shadow. And, coming as it did in a flickering moment in which a production of this sort felt possible but still novel, “ Annie Live!,” starring Celina Smith as its optimistic orphan, made its goofy eagerness to be liked, and its occasional raggedness, into assets. The recent tradition, launched by the producers Neil Meron and the late Craig Zadan, of ceding a night of network primetime to a scrappy, let’s-put-on-a-show broadcast seems to have found its perfect match in “Annie.” The family-oriented musical has never had the remotest claim on coolness. The change from Orphan to Sandy the Dog and then back again was especially inventive.NBC’s holiday-season live-musical franchise is so proudly square that it’s surprising it took this long for them to get to “Annie.” It’s tough for a pint-sized police officer to convincingly arrest a Miss Hannagan a couple of heads taller than him, but it’s certainly funny, and certainly sweet!Īkshy Marayen had her work cut out with costuming, some children had as many as three changes. Of course, working with children of all ages it can be challenging to manage visual perspective. The production does not strive so hard to be slick that it loses its heart and soul, a quality Dramacube are garnering a reputation for. Although this production does not allow for as much dancing as some of Dramacube’s previous shows, it has its moments. The children move very well, they know their marks, and the production overall is quite slick. Their little heads popping out from blankets and a make-shift pile of mattresses in the opening scene is an especially sweet and memorable moment. The stage, filled with orphans, neither feels too crowded or too sparse, and everyone gets their moment in the limelight. The choreography in this production is especially strong under the guide of director Stephen Leslie and assistant director Mathew Bunn.
Music is provided in the form of a professional quality backing track, allowing for a professional sound without the headache of fitting an orchestra on the HHT stage! I have also seen productions fall-down where children struggle to adjust to live performers that inevitably sound different from a backing track, so this seems a wise choice. It is singing as a unit however, where each child really gives it some gusto! Hard-Knock Life hit with the force of many knocks, even from the balcony!Īnnie Jr 2016: Photograph courtesy of DramaCube Excellent experience for these young performers in handling nerves in the packed-out theatre, as well as the singing itself.
Of course, not every little girl can be Annie, but the production has been well balanced to allow for solo lines and moments to shine. The kids do not get off lightly with easier versions! And yet each and every child tackles the singing with aplomb. If you have seen Annie playing in the West End this year you will recognise the songs, because everything in this Jr. The script is a cut-down version of the tony-award winning musical, but though it is cut down in length it is not lacking in spirit, in plot, or in challenges.
The three teams of children each have two performances this week to show off all their hard-work to their families and friends, appreciation that has been hard earned by the children and Dramacube’s creative team. Their Christmas production this year is no exception. Over the last two and a half years, Dramacube has brought young talent (7-14 years) from across Richmond borough – and now Kingston – to the HHT stage, with a touch of creative flair and professionalism. But tonight, it is time for the children to show the grown-ups how heart-warming Christmas theatre is done. You maybe have already seen some Christmas pantos this season, traditionally for the children. With Christmas just around the corner, there is an infectiously feel-good atmosphere at HHT as mince pies are munched and hot chocolates sipped on. The story of downtrodden little orphan Annie, who is gifted with the opportunity to stay with a self-made millionaire for Christmas and finds the chance of a new, happier life, is a story we all know and love but seeing these little stars shine in Annie Jr, a Dramacube production, is a Christmas treat we can all enjoy! Lyrics by Martin Charmin, score by Charles Strouse Dramacube Productions at Hampton Hill Theatre until 23rd December Showing the Grown-Ups How it’s Done Annie Jr.