"Annie" Gets an A Grade in Mount Dora



Hanna Cheesman as Annie
photo provided

What’s not to like about a poor orphan girl who has optimism, a loveable dog, and the wisdom of Solomon? To have these traits at the nadir of the Great Depression in New York City makes this child very special as shown in musical “Annie” now playing at the Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse in Mount Dora.

Annie (Hannah Cheesman) was left as an infant on the doorsteps of the New York City Municipal Orphanage supervised by the mean spirited Miss Hannegan (Joan Nelson). In the opening scene nine ragamuffin waifs led by Annie lament their predicament in a spritely “A Hard Knock Life” number that shows off their individual budding talents.

Things take a turn for the better for the orphan when Grace Farrel (Robyn Sennott), secretary to billionaire Oliver Warbucks (J. Michael Werner), selects Annie to spend the Christmas holidays at the Warbucks mansion as a philanthropic gesture. Werner is an excellent choice for Warbucks, the blustering autocrat whose heart is touched by Annie, but Sennott is the perfect choice for Grace, the warm yet level headed assistant.

A show about the well known comic strip character is nothing if the leading role is not played properly. With less than a perfect singing voice, the young Cheesman is still able to pull off her assignment with an effervescent, enthusiastic delivery rarely seen. A Shirley Temple attitude lets Cheesman takes charge---even up to leading the massive Warbucks around in their dance. Her line delivery and diction are close to perfect for a youngster playing the role upward in age. In addition, she is always on cue.

In the supporting role area, Hannegan, Rooster (Eddy Coppens), and Lilly (Emily Coppens) give a rousing version of “Easy Street.” Once again, Eddy Coppens shows that he can do just about anything on stage.

Poppy as Sandy never missed a line or an entrance.

Technically, spectacular sets moved in and out on rolling platforms without a hitch. Sound is good with only an occasional blip. Spots need sharpening. The recorded music is pleasant, but nothing replaces live music. I would have liked to see Annie’s dress in the final Christmas scene as an exact replica of the comic strip heroine (note photo above), but that is a director’s choice.

The script is definitely outdated. Who the heck is Cordell Hull? Does anyone remember that Harpo Marx is a mute? But, for the kids, who cares? Just to see the youngsters perform in a credible fashion is a treat.

Note: Because of the excellent audition turnout, Artistic Director Darlin Barry chose to double cast all the orphans. The role of Annie is played by Clarissa Moon with a different set of waifs on alternating weekends.

“Annie” now showing in the Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse deserves an A grade. It is good entertainment, regardless of your age. The show runs Thursdays-Sundays through December 18. Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals are invited to attend an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted performance on Saturday, December 3.

Ticket prices are $20, but for youngsters they are discounted for this show to $10 - $15 depending upon age.

Evening performances start at 8 pm except for Thursdays 7:30. Sunday matinees start at 2 pm. Senior tickets for Thursday and Sunday shows are priced at $18. Check the box office for additional dates and times. For further information call 383-4616 or visit their Web Site at www.icehousetheatre.com.