Before this week, I had only seen one Broadway performance of "Annie."
It was during the show's 20th anniversary tour, which brought it to Chicago in 2006.
I loved it.
Now, "Annie" has finally made it back to the Windy City, albeit for a short run, just through Sunday at the Auditorium Theatre at Roosevelt University in Chicago.
Thankfully, it's playing a large venue because this is a show with fans of all ages.
I caught the Wednesday matinee of "Annie" and I'm still humming along to the songs, three days later.
On Tuesday night, I trekked up to the Rosemont to see the Broadway tour of "Mamma Mia!," playing Rosemont Theatre and also closing Sunday.
If only the cast of "Mamma Mia" had half the energy and one-fourth the powerhouse voices of the stars, both young and old, of "Annie," it would have been worth that trip to Rosemont. (For my "Mamma Mia!" review, check out Saturday's Feature Focus page.)
From Madison Kerth shining bright in the title role of "Annie" to tiny Molly played by entertaining Mackenzie Aladjem, there must be some powerful vitamins in these orphans' bowls of mush.
Their singing earns an A-plus.
And the enthusiasm the group shares for this story of hope and survival is unsurpassed.
Although, my "stop the presses" raves about this show are reserved for actress Lynn Andrews, who plays orphanage director Miss Hannigan.
Andrews, sporting a heavy New York accent for her character, strikes the perfect balance between mean and misunderstood.
I haven't laughed at such a well-executed comedy performance such as Andrews in a long time.
This is also an actress with a beautiful voice, filled with talent that is apparent at many levels.
She brings a fresh and funny slant to the role of Annie's arch nemesis.
I really can't think of any improvements for this show, except I wish it was staying longer.
David Barton is also captivating as Daddy Warbucks and Traci Bair, playing his secretary Grace Farrell, offers an angelic voice in songs like "I Think I'm Going to Like it Here" and "Annie."
Also worthy of praise is actor Zander Meisner, who plays Miss Hannigan's brother Rooster. A man of many talents, he slips in and out of disguises and voices with ease.
And speaking of ease, Meiser joins Andrews and Cheryl Hoffman for an unforgettable rendition of the number "Easy Street," with Andrews providing some of the most inventive and entertaining choreography imaginable.
I had also forgotten just how many wonderful period references there are in this show, from mentions of Babe Ruth, Walter Winchell and J.P. Morgan to Harpo Marx, J. Edgar Hoover and Elliott Ness.
And since this musical is set in December 1933, there are many references to U.S. presidents Herbert Hoover and Franklin D. Roosevelt, tent cities, soup kitchens and prohibition.
I enjoyed an added chuckle during Andrews fantastic rendition of the funny song "Little Girls," when she says she's waiting for there to be a "prohibition against little girls."
As mop-top "Annie," Kerth has captured every emotion, as evidenced from her wonderful heartfelt rendition of "Tomorrow."
Heed my advice and don't wait until tomorrow to get tickets for this weekend's final shows. Call for reservations today.
Tickets are $20 to $75 with a select number of premium seats also available. Call (800) 775-2000 or visit BroadwayInChicago.com.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or 219.852.4327.
Today's Celebrity Birthdays
Actress Piper Laurie is 78. Actor Seymour Cassel is 75. Actor John Hurt is 70. Singer Steve Perry (Journey) is 61. Bassist Teddy Gentry of Alabama is 58. Actress Linda Blair is 51. Actress Diane Lane and country singer Regina Nicks of Regina Regina and rap DJ-actor Jazzy Jeff are 45. Actress Olivia d'Abo ("The Single Guy," "The Wonder Years") is 42. Singer Marc Gay of Shai is 41. Actor Balthazar Getty is 35. Actor Christopher Kennedy Masterson ("Malcolm in the Middle") is 30. Singer Willa Ford is 29. Actress Beverley Mitchell ("Seventh Heaven") and guitarist Ben Moody of The Fallen (and Evanescence) are 29.
