Dazzling with enthusiasm and energy

"Annie" was a hit at Sun Valley High School this Saturday - something to make even Miss Hannigan happy! The roster of talented actors and actresses successfully dazzled the entire audience with enthusiasm and energy.

Made famous in 1977 with its Broadway debut, Annie was based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strips, with music by Charles Strouse. The musical centers around the star of the show, Orphan Annie, and her attempt to escape the orphanage and find her parents. Along the way, she is taken by Grace Farrell to Daddy Warbucks, a wealthy businessman with a heart like no other.

Running into a few technical difficulties, Sun Valley's overall production was a success. Ensemble numbers were well-choreographed and entertaining ("Hard-Knock Life", "Hooverville", "NYC") despite containing a large number of students. Many scenes contained appropriate and stunning furniture, props, and backdrops. Especially admirable was the grandeur of Daddy Warbucks' mansion which exuded luxury and elegance.

The title character, Annie (Alexandra Ozer), sang numbers like "Maybe" and "Tomorrow" quite eloquently and effectively while staying in character - a skill sometimes forgotten while an actress is performing a song. It was no question, however, that Miss Hannigan (Brittany Hudecheck) commanded the stage in every scene she was in bringing her impressive side-splitting comedic timing as well as her remarkable voice and energy to bear.

The musical contained several strong supporting actors and actresses like the conniving couple Lily St. Regis (Danielle Overbeck) and Rooster Hannigan (Michael Mann). The duo had splendid chemistry - especially with Hudecheck in "Easy Street". Grace Farrell (Clara Joy Greskoff), yet another enjoyable actress, brought her beautiful voice to the stage and charmed the audience with, fittingly, her grace.

Behind the scenes of dirty orphanages and NYC skylines, the stage and tech crews were swift and worked without being noticed. Despite microphone difficulties, the lighting and set changes were spot on and skillfully executed. Finally, costumes, by Amy Eunson, added a higher level of enjoyment to the 1920s musical.

Annie lit up the Sun Valley High School stage on Saturday with enthusiasm, energy, and crowd-pleasing comedic timing that dazzled the entire audience. Experiencing a few minor technical difficulties did not stop the production from becoming a "Fully Dressed" and thorough rendition of the classic tale we all know and love.