It’s back! ANNIE the musical opened at Croswell Opera House this weekend and it is exactly what you need for a family outing to see real live theater. (Get your tickets now, they are selling very fast).
Arriving on Broadway in 1977, the show works as well today as it did then. That it is a masterwork of musical comedy history shows in its hundreds of productions nationwide every year. Croswell Opera House last produced Annie 14 years ago, and this one looks a bit different and is a great introduction to theater that isn’t cookie-cutter based.
Charles Strouss and Martin Charnin’s songs come fast and furious, and they’ve never sounded better than with Raymond Novak’s orchestra which is full size and lush. This is the way Annie is meant to be heard, not with tracks or reduced small orchestras in most productions. Wynne Marsh’s musical direction is crisp and clear. Dom Glover’s choreography works well and keeps things moving throughout. The production is directed by Kristen Hinshaw.
Some outstanding and energetic work is done by the (large) girls ensemble and they clearly look like they are having the time of their lives. Annie is played by clear-voiced and charismatic Caroline Hubbard who never misses a beat to charm you. Sandy the dog is a crowd favorite, played by Blueberry with his own Instagram (@hello.itsblueberry!) and brings the tears in the final moments of the musical. Yes, a dog can do that.
Also very good are Elizabeth Mitchell as Miss Hannigan, Steven Kiss as Rooster Hannigan, Cassidy Giddens as Lily St Regis (like the hotel), and Emma Skaggs as Grace Farrell. Chris Stack is delightful in numerous roles in the show, and just try sitting there straight-faced during his “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.” D. Ward Ensign plays Warbucks.
The sets, costumes, lighting, and wigs all look great, as do the properties and everything runs smoothly from a stage management point of view. I personally love seeing drops move and pass and create stage magic and this all looks great here.
The audience was ecstatic throughout, and tickets are getting scarce so get yours today.
Annie runs through August 17th at the Croswell Opera House, Adrian, Michigan, Purchase tickets ONLY directly from Croswell and not from third party resellers who are not authorized to do so. Croswell.org — Photo courtesy of The Croswell Opera House.
Mostly Musical Theatre 
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