Irish Timeswriters review Annie at the NCH and Cinders at the Olympia Theatre.
Annie, National Concert Hall
Since its debut on Broadway 30 years ago, Annie has rarely been off the stage. It is a perennial, for all the obvious showbiz reasons. The storyline is engaging, the characters are sufficiently colourful to attract top actors and award-winning performances, there is at least one hit song and other tuneful numbers, and the comedy strings them all together.
Some stage taboos are put to flight here, too. Actors are advised to steer clear of children and animals, but the play's girl-orphans bring the grown-ups with them, and an amicable dog does the director's bidding without a hiccup or other embarrassing emission.
So nothing new, then, and little need for it. Annie, lodged for 11 years in an orphanage under the thumb of gin-soaked Miss Hannigan, is determined to find her parents. Chance makes her the Christmas guest of Oliver Warbucks, tycoon, and she wins his heart, and also that of US president Franklin Roosevelt, inspiring him to his famous
New Deal. With allies such as these, Annie brushes off conmen and looks to a bright new future.
Star of the show is undoubtedly Laura Kerr as Miss Hannigan, a consummate actress, comedienne and singer in one irresistible package. Other leads are also excellent, including Tony Finnegan as Warbucks, John Matthews as radio star Bert Healy, Michael Evans as the villainous Rooster and Sharon Sexton as his girlfriend Lily. Ciara Lyons was the first-night Annie, attractively gawkish and forthright.
The amplification was somewhat overdone, with voices at times near-dominating the orchestra, and Annie's wig is a little excessive. But let's not get too picky. This is a good, seasonal night out for all those of good will. - Gerry Colgan
Runs to Jan 4
Cinders, Olympia Theatre
In heaven - and in Hollywood - school musicals are like this. But in profane Dublin, it is the domain of the Olympia Theatre and a slew of performing arts schools to put on such an enjoyable panto. Taking place emphatically in Dublin, Cinders reinforces the fact that there's always a bit of the divine - as well as Hollywood (not to mention the profane) - in any love story.
A cast of 110 very talented young people brought huge energy and exhilaration to the performance. From the opening number, their beaming enthusiasm rivalled their astonishing skill in delivering the song-and-dance routines, displaying a synchronisation rarely matched in adult shows. They were a joy to watch.
Panto and cabaret star June Rodgers bumbled through the story as Pixel Chick, the good fairy with L-shaped wings to indicate her learner status. She interacted well with her younger colleagues, providing a centre to the story without ever taking away their fire, and evoked the requisite amount of corny laughs.
The production team and musicians, who played live at the performance, made it all miraculously come together. With great expense and care lavished on all aspects of the presentation - including wonderful costumes - the children must have had a great experience preparing and rehearsing for the show.
Only two things jarred in the production: the use of live animals, for which the noise and lights must have been frightening (the pony drawing Cinders's carriage was visibly shaking); and the inclusion of Cinders's father in the story. His presence rendered a dismal family situation implausible, even if he did own the credit cards required for pre-ball shopping.
Special commendation goes to the two ugly sisters, 13-year-old Kevin Keeley and 14-year-old Alan Kavanagh as Delira and Excira; Craig Connolly (old beyond his years in declining to reveal his age in the programme) as Buttons; 16-year-old Kate Mitrogiannopoulou as the evil stepmother; 14-year-old Jack Gleeson as the rapping Fairy Godbrother; and Rebecca Barry, who at age nine shows great stage presence. It was an experience the cast as well as the audience should remember for years. Oh, yes, we will. - Christine Madden
