Musical: Annie Warbucks / Presented by CCT Musical Theater / East County Performing Arts Center / El Cajon, California / October 6th (runs until October 14th)
During the month of October CCT Musical Theater has been presenting Annie Warbucks at the East County Performing Arts Center in El Cajon, California. The original off Broadway production which was first staged in 1989, is the sequel to Annie. The musical is based on the book by Thomas Meehan, with music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics from Martin Charnin.
The musical is set in 1933, and pits millionaire Oliver Warbucks (Sean Tamburrino), the adopted father of Annie, against Commissioner Harriet Doyle (Kat Fitzpatrick), who is trying to wrest custody of Annie away from Warbucks. Doyle contends that Warbucks is unfit to be a parent because he is single. The plot however becomes much thicker and takes many unexpected twists and turns.
Eleven-year-old Danica Waitley already a veteran of the stage, and CCT productions is cast in the lead role of Annie. Waitley turns in a spectacular performance and becomes the darling of the audience. Her constant companion is her loveable dog Sandy, an Airdale mix, known in real life as Nicki. It is only fitting in a play centering about a former orphan (Annie), that Nicki was rescued from the San Diego County Dog Pound four and one half years ago.
Waitley’s performance however, should not overshadow the performances of several other superb actors, who appear in Annie Warbucks. The aforementioned Fitzpatrick is conniving, convincing and comedic in her role as Commissioner Doyle. Wendie Ward as Grace Farrell brings to the stage the antithesis of Fitzpatrick’s character, as she portrays the girl next secretary to Warbucks. She authentically brings to the fore the hurt feelings of one who is overlooked in love by her employer. Ward also possesses finely tuned soprano vocals, which we have ample opportunity to enjoy. Tamburrino was solid in his role as Warbucks, as was Erica Soares in her depiction of the evil Mrs. Kelly.
Christina Lanza and Eric Lige were hilarious in their roles as Ella and Alvin Patterson, sharecroppers from Tennessee, who find their way to the nation’s capital and the Whitehouse. Both actors also turn in very good vocal performances when called upon.
Dan Regas as the wheelchair bound Franklin Delano Roosevelt, may be the funniest president we have we have seen in quite awhile. Wait until you hear him deliver his knockout line, “I’m all dolled up.” When the president’s dog was lost, and later found in some bushes near the Whitehouse, some editorial license was taken as Regan’s character quips, ‘That’s just what I have been saying for a long time now, we have too many bushes around the Whitehouse.’
The sets for Annie Warbucks were fabulous, and for the most part were vintage 1933. We tip our hats to Julie Walbauer (scenic design), Darren Waitley (stage manager), Ed Jarrell (props), Michele Ninness (costumer/designer), Denise Plunk (hair/makeup), and the numerous others behind the scenes volunteers who worked hard to make this production of Annie Warbucks a spectacular event. Of course none of this would have been possible without the expert guiding hand of director Paul Russell.
For this reviewer the biggest thank you goes out to the many children and teens in the cast whose acting, singing and dancing was a highlight of this musical. We can only hope that you continue to make theater a part of your lives for many years to come, because if you do, your audiences will surely be blessed. We also wish to commend Fred DeBerg who in his role as choreographer put together for the youth and adults, some glorious dance numbers.
Musical director Warren Marsh, conductor Ryan Beard and the orchestra gave their audience one more reason to remember CCT’s staging of Annie Warbucks, as a theater highlight for the year 2007.
Annie Warbucks completes its run at the East County Performing Arts Center on October 14th. If you live in the San Diego area, you will not want to miss out on one of this year’s outstanding productions. For times and ticket information click here.
Reviewed by Joe Montague
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Reviewed October 6, 2007
