Review: 'Annie' by Landmark Community Theatre

Pictured above: MaddieKay Harris as Annie For tickets call the box office at 860-283-6250 or order on-line http://www.landmarkcommunitytheatre.org/shows- events/showsponsor/view/show/2416/annie Photo by Lisa Cherie

Dedicated to the memory of Pat Meehan, who touched the lives of so many children

Thomaston, CT - ANNIE was written by Thomas Meehan with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin (who also directed the original Broadway production.) And yes, The Goodspeed Opera House has the honor of being the originally producer of this beloved musical.

Mensah Robinson directed the large ensemble of actors of all ages and should be proud of each and every member of the cast. Music director Jessica Smith brought out the best of all of the singers. The set and lighting designed by the wonderful Jameson Willey easily brought us to the New York locations and Stage Manager Joanne Chenkus kept everyone in their places. Jim Luurtsema filled in on sound for opening weekend.

MaddieKay Harris of Avon writes in her bio that “She has been acting since the age of four when she discovered that belting was more fun than pretty much anything in the world. It became apparent immediately that she has mastered the technique at the tender age of eight. Thankfully her performance as little orphan Annie retained the image of the plucky little girl, eternally optimistic but still a little girl. Ms. Harris’ big brother Brendan is understudying the role of Oliver with Goodspeed Musicals this summer.

James M. Woods (Clarence in IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE with Landmark) was a wonderfully charming Oliver Warbucks (the billionaire) with his deep speaking voice and great onstage presence. One of the highlights of this production, and there were many, was the father/daughter chemistry between Mr. Woods and Ms. Harris.

Ashley McLeod gave a standout performance in the role of the boozy orphan herder Miss Hannigan. Every move and musical note could not have been more perfect. Two special needs adults and their adult relative who sat in front of me raved about her performance during intermission and were so impressed that Ms. McLeod is a special education teacher by day. Her theatrical credits include Janet in ROCKY HORROR, Shelby in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, The Witch in INTO THE WOODS, Heidi in [title of show], Elizabeth in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN and The Lady of the Lake in SPAMALOT.

Anya Caravella sang beautifully as the motherly Miss Farrell in her Landmark debut and Bob Saunders (MEMPHIS with Landmark) was great as both Mr. Bundles and Drake the butler.

I couldn’t stop smiling when Frank Beaudry, the real-life husband of the actress who played Mrs. Greer Caitlin Beaudry, entered the office of his sister Miss Hannigan as the shady Rooster. Tunxis Community College student Grace Consonni (MAMMA MIA) was also great as his partner in crime Lily St. Regis.

Leading orphan girls were third grader Isabella Lowell as an adorable and polished Molly, Jaylee Zeigler as Pepper, Jillian Alena as Duffy, Brianna Ortiz as July, Wamogo HS student Sayde Joie Mendell as Tessie, and Cheyenne Fortier as Kate.

Kudos to Phil Zaprzalka for covering the roles of President Roosevelt and Eddie, and to the always impressive Jonathan Zalaski for appearing as the apple seller, Ickes in the President’s cabinet and my personal favorite, Bert Healy (drop page!) I will miss Mr. Zalasky when he heads to Marymount Manhattan College of NY to study (what else?) Musical Theatre, but I know that this will prepare him for a bright future.

Everette Hutchins, the father of “orphan” Desiree played Lt. Ward, while Douglas Sato was both Howe and the Dog Catcher. Lou Oporto earned $10 from his two daughters in the cast by winning a bet when he played Whacky, Fred and Jimmie J. Richard Lavieri of Winsted was summoned as Judge Brandeis as well as Hull. Richard Henderson, the father of two young ladies in the cast with the last name Henderson, was Man 2 and Morgenthau.

Susan Hackel (MUSIC MAN at Sharon Playhouse) stepped out of the ensemble to play Mrs. Pugh, Patti Paganucci (LEGALLY BLONDE at 7A) covered Sophie and Cecile who picks Annie’s clothes. Caitlin Beaudry was a lovely Mrs. Greer and Bonnie Boylen in her Landmark debut. Olivia Cotter (BILLY ELLIOT) managed to shine as the Star-to-be, Annette and Connie of the Boylen sisters. Karen Robinson, the loving wife of the director, appeared in the cabinet as Perkins and the final lovely sister Bonnie. And two-year-old Maeve the dog played Sandy the dog.

The very strong and finely tuned Orphan ensemble included WAMS student Hailey Auburn, Briana Cochran, WAMS student Isabella Curulla, Grace Henderson (MEMPHIS at WAMS,) Sarah Henderson, Desiree Hutchins, Dara Johnson (SEUSSICAL at Richter,) Azayda Lynt, Aubrae Oporto, Raelin Oporto, Jackie Phillips and Sophia Anais Sedlak in her stage debut. Hooverkids/NYC Kids were played by Jaidyn Bellmay, Makenzie Cruess, Grace Henderson and Sarah Henderson.

The adult ensemble included WAMS Eric Canfield, the young actor who recently received the “Up and Coming Actor” Halo Award for his performance in MEMPHIS. The nine member orchestra in the pit did extremely well with the memorable score.

ANNIE, the fourth production of the Landmark season, runs at the Thomaston Opera House for two more weekends.

Nancy Sasso Janis Photo by J. Timothy Quirk

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer.