Tag Archives: Annie

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre offers up a delightful early holiday present

The orphans in “Annie” perform “It’s a Hard Knock Life.”

By Carol A Hillman

Community Contributor

 

“Annie,” the iconic Broadway Musical, 40 years young is a Tony, Grammy, and Drama Desk Award-winning production. It has graced the Grand Rapids Civic Stage four previous times, including a summer run after a season successful run in 1984.

 

Miss Hannigan is played by Noddea Moore Skidmore, Rooster and Lily are portrayed by Jon Calkinsand Emily Ambs respectfully.

Saturday night’s performance of the opening weekend was a wonderful rendition with strong set, pit, costuming, and engaging character portrayals. The well known songs were such a pleasure to hear in context with some of the best diction and pitch accuracy performed. Not one primary character was weak in both acting and voice capability. Of Course, Annie, played by Ellie Brower, was the character all wondered how a young person can “sell” the role. Ellie does not disappoint in the least. Her acting and singing are spot on. You forget she is acting, but brings Annie alive to the audience. Her emotional involvement in the role is engaging. Whether singing a solo, with her capable fellow orphans, or duets with Oliver Warbucks, played by Jason Morrison, she is entertaining and believable.

 

Every lead in this production is a joy to “live” through while weaving this familiar story to adults wanting to introduce this story to the younger set. Many children were in the audience and watching their engagement and applause demonstrated an understanding of the presentation. Applause was spontaneous frequently during well-done choreography, songs, and line delivery.

 

Staging for this year’s return of “Annie” is very engaging as well. There is a beautiful meld of realizing you are in the New York of December 1933, and the use of today’s technology to bring authentic portraits of the New York landscape of that era. Not wanting to give away how this is done, you will need to attend to fulfill your curiosity. The actors, themselves, are involved in the transitions between scenes with seamless and interesting to watch scene shifts. Props were accurately portraying the era as well.

 

Ellie Brower plays Annie and Abbie plays Sandy.

Speaking of the 1930s, the costuming, hairdos, and sets were very reflective of the time. The shoes were very complimentary to the dress of each character. Hairdos were delightfully apropos and Wigboys is to be congratulated for their great selections.

 

Not to disappoint, a live dog portrays Sandy. Any consideration of live animals on stage is not to be taken lightly. The choice of Abbie from the Playford family was well done. She was comfortable on stage. Just as the other actors are volunteer and dedicated with many hours of rehearsal and subsequent performances, Abbie rose to the occasion.

 

It would be easy to dedicate a full page on each actor involved in this production. Suffice it to say, that the orphans and their additional ensemble was a treat to watch. Miss Hannigan played by Noddea Moore Skidmore, Rooster and Lily played by Jon Calkins and Emily Ambs respectively, Oliver Warbucks portrayed by Morrison, and Grace Farrell played by Kira Alsum, (for a story on local resident Alsum, click here) all in demanding roles both in their own right, but also because the roles are so familiar to many over these many years, deserve accolades galore. Such confirmation in their acting abilities to put their own theatric savvy in to their roles without delivering nothing less than stellar renditions must be mentioned here. Bravo! In addition, those involved in the scenes at the Radio Station and the White House were comic with great line and song delivery. Applause was genuine for all involved.

 

It is a pleasure to write this revue. So much so, I may return “Tomorrow”……”Maybe”, just for the joy this production emits. Do not hesitate to purchase tickets as “I Think You’re Going to Like it Here.”

 

Jason Morrison is Oliver Warbucks and Kira Alsum is Grace Farrell.

Local resident takes the Civic Theatre stage in upcoming production of ‘Annie’

Kira Alsum portrays Grace Farrell in Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s upcoming production of “Annie.”

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Kira Alsum is very familiar with the show “Annie” as it is one of her favorites. In fact, she loves it so much, that when the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre opens its production of the world’s most famous red-headed orphan this weekend, it will be Alsum’s third time in an “Annie” show.

 

“It is such a different show for its time, and now,” Alsum said of the musical based on Harold Gray’s comic strip “Little Orphan Annie.” “She is such an optimist in a very dark time, the Depression, and I think everyone needs a little ‘the sun will come out’ at some point, especially right now.”

 

From the Kentwood area, Alsum portrays Grace Farrell, a part she first performed at her high school alma mater Grand Rapids Christian.

 

“Not only do I love the music of ‘Annie,’ I love Grace Farrell,” Alsum said, adding she really became familiar with the character during her Grand Rapids Christian performance. “She is a strong woman and is one of the few in musical theater.”

 

It is Grace Farrell who comes to the orphanage run by Miss Hannigan for the purpose of selecting an orphan who will be the guest of billionaire businessman Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks for the holidays. It is Grace Farrell who stands up against Miss Hannigan to take Annie and against Warbucks who was expecting a boy orphan. And finally, it is Grace Farrell who helps Warbucks open his heart to Annie and Annie to find a place to call home.

 

“The Civic production of ‘Annie’ has all of the songs and moments that you love and remember from childhood, but updated technology in our building – including projections and LED lights – have given this production a fresh new energy,” said Director Allyson Paris.” It is a charming show – the thing Holiday memories are made of.”

 

The musical is peppered with familiar songs such as a “Hard Knock Life,” “Little Girls,” “Easy Street,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” and of course “Tomorrow.”

 

“While working on this production, I’ve heard so many people –neighbors, friends, family members – say that they grew up watching and listening to ‘Annie,’” Parsons said.  “They always say this with a wistful smile, and I’m sure that’s because the message of optimism and hope resonates with people of all ages and from all walks of life.”

 

Alsum encourages everyone to come just to see the orphans.

 

“I am amazed at how talented the orphans are,” she said, adding that the adult cast is incredible too but you expect adults to have a certain level of professionalism. That level can be seen in even the youngest cast members of the show she said, adding, “They are amazing singers and actors.”

 

Alsum, who graduated from Hope College with a degree in theater and vocal music, said she credits the encouragement of young talent to the strong support of theater at local high schools such as Grand Rapids Christian and East Kentwood and programs like the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s School of Theatre Arts, where she got her start.

 

Alsum’s interested in theater began in third grade and by high school “it had deep roots as I knew it was something I did not want to stop doing.” She has volunteered with Civic Theater over the years and was in the past production of “Holes.” She also has volunteered with other companies such as Circle Theater and was part of Circle’s “Annie” crew. She most recently completed a marketing internship at a professional theater company in Rhode Island and has performed with Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company. Her next great production after “Annie” will be getting married.

 

But first comes the 27 performances for the show, which being that it is Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s holiday offering, tickets are selling quickly.

 

“So ask me after the 27 performances if I still love the show,” Alsum said with a laugh. Leapin’ lizards, we’re betting just as the sun will come out tomorrow, she sure will.

 

“Annie” runs Nov. 17 – Dec. 17 at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m .Wednesdays – Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. (There is no matinee performance on Nov. 18.) Tickets are $18-$37. There is a give thanks special not eh Wednesday, Nov. 22, before Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving, Nov. 23, performances with tickets being $15/students and $27/adults. For more information, call 616-222-6650 or visit grct.org.

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre recently announced its 2017-2018 season

A cat in a hat, everybody’s favorite red hair orphan, and a grumpy green Ogre will lead the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s 2017-2018 season.

 

The theater company recently announced its upcoming season which will include the musicals “Seussical the Musical, Oct. 20 -29; “Annie,” Nov. 17 – Dec. 17; “My Fair Lady,” Feb. 23 – March 18; and “Shrek the Musical,” June 1 – 17.

 

Kick off the season will be the play “Calendar Girls,” Sept. 15 – Oct. 1, the story of a group of middle-age garden club members who decide to create a pin-up calendar. Other plays for the season are “All the Way,” Jan. 12 – 28, a look behind the doors of the Oval Office as President Lyndon Johnson tries to pass a landmark civic rights bill, and “Akeelah and the Bee,” April 20 – 29, a young women’s fight against the odds to be placed at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

 

The Summer Repertory Theatre Intensive showcases will feature the musical “School of Rock” and the classic Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women,” July 27 – Aug. 5.

 

Season subscriptions are on sale through Dec. 30. General tickets to individual shows will be on sale starting Aug. 23. For more information, visit www.grct.org or call 616-222-6650.