For Family Fun, Annie Dazzles at JCC

The JCC Musical Theater Company is back on the boards with "Annie," opening Saturday night at the JCC MetroWest. Just in time, I say. As winter continues to break our hearts and the nation's economic numbers continue to be dicey, we need a rousing musical reminder that "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow."

Based on a visit to a recent rehearsal, bring your metaphoric sunglasses: This two-week run of the Tony award-winning adaption of the Great Depression era comic strip, "Little Orphan Annie," is dazzling. The original show with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin opened in 1977, ran for six years, won the Tony for best musical among many others and is set for a second Broadway revival in 2012.

This production is a revival in a sense too; it's celebrating the tenth anniversary of both the first JCC "Annie" production and the highly successful 10-year artistic collaboration between current theater musical director Ilene Greenbaum, a 35-year resident of Livingston, and company director Camille DiLorenzo, a West Orange native who has come home after 18 years in West Caldwell. Greenbaum has been with the community theater since its 1989 founding.

In addition, some of the professional musicians in the orchestra and one cast member, Lindsay Maron, of Short Hills, were in the 1991 production. Maron, 16, returns as one of the singing Boylan Sisters: "All my life is theater," Maron said. "It's exciting to be back in the show where it all started."

Greenbaum talked about the company and its history. "It's a wonderful production team," Greenbaum said. "We do this for the love of theater and to watch amateur actors give professional performances. "It's great for the actors and great for the audiences. Ten performances total, 450 seats, we hope over 4,000 people come."

The show may be about orphans but a family theme runs throughout the cast. There are a number of actual families whose motto could be the family that plays together — well — has a great time.

As to the 16 orphans, they range in age from 7 to 14 and were quick to tell me they had fast become best friends forever. They also gleefully called out earlier JCC and other productions they have performed in: "Seussical, "Cinderella," Fiddler on the Roof," "Charlie Brown," "101 Dalmatians," "The King and I," and, of course, "The Sound of Music."

Company producer Howard Tilkin — a Livingston native now living in New York City — reported that Macy, who plays the stray dog Sandy, has appeared often in the role and was rescued, adopted and trained by veteran animal theatrical trainer William Berloni. 

Macy is the only case member who belongs to Actor's Equity. "The dog is definitely the only paid cast member," said Michel Efron, a professional dancer. "And while we rehearse for two months, she comes in like a true Diva a week before we open."

Evening and matinee performances  in the Maurice Levin Theater begin tonight, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. and runs through Monday, Feb. 21. See the full schedule and/or buy tickets here. The box office number is 800-494-TIXS. The JCC is at 760 Northfield Ave., West Orange. The facility and theater is handicap accessible.