Azaleah Korn plays the title role in Gateway Theatre\u2019s production of Annie, which runs to Jan. 3. Neko is one of three dogs that plays Sandy. (photo by David Cooper)<\/i><\/p>\n
If you want a warm and fuzzy holiday treat, see Gateway Theatre\u2019s production of Annie<\/i>. Set in Depression-era New York City, Orphan Annie and Sandy, a rescued dog, embark on a search for Annie\u2019s real parents only to be caught up in a world full of mystery, lovable waifs, a kind-hearted billionaire bachelor, dastardly villains and a nasty headmistress who hates children. Even President Franklin Roosevelt makes an appearance, getting the FBI and Elliot Ness involved in Annie\u2019s quest. All of this plays out against a backdrop of great songs and fancy footwork.<\/p>\n
Azaleah Korn (highlighted in the JI<\/i> last issue, jewishindependent.ca\/see-annie-at-gateway)<\/a> plays the plucky, wide-eyed, optimistic, red-headed 12-year-old Annie with panache and has a voice mature beyond her years. Her rendition of \u201cTomorrow\u201d brought tears to my eyes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You could not pick a better actor than dashing Charlie Gallant to play billionaire Daddy Warbucks. He exudes charm and sophistication but with a sense of vulnerability. Sarah Cantuba, as Warbucks\u2019 personal secretary, Grace, and ultimate love interest (surprise, surprise), plays the role with calm confidence.<\/p>\n Jennifer Copping as Miss Hannigan, the orphanage\u2019s flask-swigging, whistle-blowing matron, plays it big and in your face. Josh Graetz does a marvelous job as her brother, Rooster, as he conspires with her and his moll, floozy Lily St. Regis (Manuela Palmieri) to win the reward\u00a0<\/span>offered for information leading to Annie\u2019s parents. Their \u201cEasy Street\u201d number is a showstopper.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The six supporting orphans span the spectrum from sweetly shy to tough as nails. Special mention goes to Elle Hanson, who plays the youngest, Molly, a mischievous little imp if ever there was one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Even with a 19-person cast, most of the supporting actors have to take on multiple roles and do so admirably.<\/p>\n And, of course, the dogs. Three different dogs will play Sandy over the course of the run, all cute as heck. Opening night showcased Neko, who had the audience oohing and aahing every time he scampered on stage.<\/p>\n Ryan Cormack\u2019s set starts out in the bleak orphans\u2019 bunk room and transitions seamlessly (thanks to the nimble work of the cast) into the orphanage office, the streets of NYC, the Roxy theatre and the Fifth Avenue mansion of Warbucks. Each transition is accompanied by a lighting change courtesy of designer Sophie Tang, from the dark opening scene to the bright and festive final Christmas scene, a metaphor for the optimism that grounds the production and grows as the story unfolds. Nicol Spinola\u2019s choreography is the icing on the cake.<\/p>\n The six-piece orchestra, under Sean Bayntun\u2019s leadership, provides the upbeat and lively sound that drives this production, although sometimes the volume drowns out the actors\u2019 words. Donnie Tejani\u2019s costumes are bang on for the era: simple dresses, pinafores and pantaloons for the orphans, three-piece suits and fedoras for the gents, fancy frocks for the ladies and Shantytown chic for the hobos.<\/p>\n Although there were a few hiccups on opening night, they should work themselves out. Perhaps the best measure of the show\u2019s success is the response of the audience, who leapt to their feet even before the closing notes of the finale.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Director Josh Epstein (also highlighted in the Dec. 5 JI<\/i> <\/a>) is to be congratulated for bringing all the elements together in this heartwarming story of love.<\/p>\n