“Annie” at the USAG Ansbach Terrace Playhouse ()
From energetic, lively scenes to emotional tender moments, the USAG Ansbach Terrace Playhouse performance of “Annie” brings the story of this red-headed orphan alive.
Directed by Margi Ritscher, “Annie” is the familiar story of a New York City orphan down on her luck who experiences life changing events that reveal a whole new side of the city and help her uncover a profound appreciation for family.
The show begins at an orphanage where we are introduced to Annie (Selah Choate) and her fellow orphans. In “Hard Knock Life,” the anger is palpable as they sing about injustices they have been handed all of their lives. It is a moment that shows off the cast’s dance talent with energy that continues into the entire show. Orphanage director Miss Hanagan (Alyssa Brown) shows us why the orphans are so miserable, and her spirited singing draws in the audience.
A standout cast of both youth and adults carries the excitement and conflict throughout the play. It is an emotional rollercoaster, and the cast brings out all of the feelings with vulnerable moments and complex characters who have much aggression. The strife of the homeless population is on display, and the cast seamlessly draws us into their attempt at normalcy in a dire situation.
“Annie” at the USAG Ansbach Terrace Playhouse ()
It is not all gray, however, as moments of comedy punctuate the dismal setting. In the orphanage, Molly’s (Adilyn Howard) vigorous dancing, lively one-liners, and feisty scenes with Miss Hannigan help us all find humor in otherwise sad lives.
The real treat is when the four-legged cast member takes the stage! Having Ace play Sandy is an amazing and unique addition to the performance.
As Annie’s narrative progresses, she is sent to stay with NYC billionaire Oliver Warbucks for the holidays. Their time together leads them on an unexpected quest to find the meaning of family.
Suddenly, we get an electric glimpse into what the city has to offer in the beautifully performed song “N.Y.C.” New characters pop up with individual talents, giving us a visual buffet of color and texture. It is a side of New York City that Annie has never been able to enjoy, but armed with the love and friendship of Oliver Warbucks (SPC Stephen Wykle) and Grace Farrell (Kelly Choate), she is excited and overwhelmed. The cast joyously presents this big turning point in the plot. We finally see hope and joy and it is a stark contrast to the gloom and darkness of the earlier scenes.
Cast and crew for “Annie” at USAG Ansbach Terrace Playhouse ()
Cast and crew for “Annie” at USAG Ansbach Terrace Playhouse ()
Sets for this show help establish the difference between the worlds that Annie experiences. At the grimy orphanage, bunkbeds create multiple levels and make the dance sequences even more dynamic. The Warbucks house, in contrast, is comforting and well-appointed and even draws in the audience with stair access.
Costumes are also used to define the class distinctions. Orphans wear muted colors, Miss Hannigan’s dresses seem like an extension of her personality, city residents have exciting costumes to match their profession and house attendants are crisp and clean.
In the end, we are all taken on a journey to discover the true meaning of family. We observe the hope that one girl brings to an entire community. Through the Terrace Playhouse cast and crew we witness chaos, hardship, tender honesty and, most importantly, joy.
“Annie” at the USAG Ansbach Terrace Playhouse ()
