Cappies Review: 'Annie' At Falls Church High School

By Amelia Rizzo of Wakefield High School

Aw gee! The sun has truly come out with Falls Church High School's production of the hit Broadway musical Annie.

Written by Thomas Meehan with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, Annie opened in 1977 at the Alvin Theatre (now the Neil Simon Theatre). Filling the hearts of theater lovers throughout the nation, it won the 1977 Tony Award for Best Musical and earned 11 nominations. Based on Harold Gray's comic strip, Little Orphan Annie, this musical follows a spirited little redheaded girl whose life takes a turn for the better when she is suddenly whisked away from her "Hard Knock Life" to spend two weeks with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Having temporarily escaped the deteriorating orphanage and its sarcastic keeper, Miss Aggie Hannigan, Annie, with the help of Mr. Warbucks and secretary Grace Farrell, continues the search for her biological parents while bringing optimism and joy to those she meets along the way.

Effervescent and warm, the cast and crew of this production had the audience laughing, crying, and rejoicing in nostalgia.

With a commanding presence and child-like wonder, Ellie Whitfield as Annie lit up the stage. A clever character voice, fiery disposition, and vividly powerful belt characterized Whitfield's original interpretation of this classic character. Complementing Annie's spunky personality was the stoic, yet surprisingly tender, Oliver Warbucks, played by Colt Armstrong. Armstrong's honey-smooth vocals and subtle mannerisms brought life and realism to this otherwise matter-of-fact role. Beside Warbucks was his classy secretary, Grace, played by Kate Schlageter-Prettyman. Never breaking character, Schlageter-Prettyman exhibited an impressive display of talent and range.

Filling the show with warmth, energy, and laughter, the various ensembles, such as the Orphans and Servants, executed the bright choreography with ease and vigor. Furthering this performance was the Easy Street Trio. Comprised of Rooster, played by Lam Vu, Lilly St. Regis, played by Dara Kearney, and Miss Hannigan herself, played by Quinn Lopez, this trio filled the stage with their effortless comedy and conniving schemes. Also notable was the loveable Shetland Sheepdog, Whimsy Cheddarbean, as Sandy, who stole the show with his huggable demeanor and adorable jumps-for-joy.

From the festive Christmas decor to the eight handmade orphans' beds, Falls Church High School's set crew (Max Purtill, Leslie Fon, and Set Crew) and stage crew (Stephanie Mejia Ramos, Ali Lieberman, and Running Crew) certainly wowed the audience. Seamless transitions between scenes and the sheer amount of unique and beautifully constructed set pieces made for an impressive display of technique and skill. Extremely well-thought-out lighting choices, such as the use of blue-toned lights for clean, pristine areas, and orange-toned lights for grungier areas, demonstrated Chloe Brown, Brian Gutierrez Lujan, Aleks Jachimiak, and Nathalie Medina-Sadias's attention to detail. Also notable was the work of Falls Church High School's hair and makeup team (comprised of Vin Watts, Natalie Mejia-Ramos, Ellis Mitchell, and Leona Timana), who were responsible for Annie's fabulous tight red ringlets and Mr. Warbucks's sleek silver hair.

Delightful and heartwarming, Falls Church High School's rendition of Annie left the audience fully dressed with smiles.