"Annie" on stage at Civic Theatre through Oct. 10 is a wonderfully buoyant way for the Allentown theater to kick off its first in-person season since the pandemic. The musical with its themes of hope and resilience is a perfect choice to open the 2020-2021 season.
From the moment the curtain rises on a stage full of energetic orphans, the production proves enchanting and exuberant to the jubilant end.
As red-headed orphan Annie, Annie Hotz has no problem commanding the stage and has a powerhouse voice to boot as evidenced in the classic belter "Tomorrow" as well as the poignant "Maybe." The other orphans, played by Arianna Millheim, Madelyn Haupt, Ella Bloszinsky, Ainsley Quay, Sierra Docherty, Abigail Carrig, Elyn Millheim and Emma Taylor shine as well in playful songs like ""It's the Hard Knock Life" and "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile (reprise)." Arianna Millheim as Annies younger sidekick Molly is particularly adorable.
Melisa Klausner is deliciously over the top as the evil Miss Hannigan who runs the orphanage with an iron fist and a gulp from her flash. Her rendition of "Little Girls" was nothing short of hilarious.
Joining her on the dark side is Jarrod Yuskaukas as her sleezy brother Rooster Hannigan who soundly delivers on the side-splitting "Easy Street," along with Klausner and Cindy Lozada, who is amusing as Roosters dippy girlfriend Lily St. Regis.
Nina Elias Ace is appealing as the tough but kind Grace Farrell, who sets the story in motion by defying Miss Hannigan and choosing Annie to stay with her boss, the billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Aces voice soars leading on group songs like "N.Y.C." and "You Wont be an Orphan for Long."
Robert Fahringer starts out appropriately gruff as the too-busy industrialist Warbucks and charmingly warms up to his young guest. He and Annie are delightful in their duet "I Dont Need Anything But You.
The production numbers are lots of fun and showcase the strong ensemble cast, particularly the actors portraying Warbucks small army of servants. The servants are especially fun in "I Think Im Gonna Like it Here." Will Windsor Erwin as head servant Drake is a standout.
Annies dog Sandy is played by Jingles who seems to be one very happy dog. The dogs tail didnt stop wagging the whole time onstage and the pup endeared itself to the audience even when it didnt follow stage directions.
Frank Ruscitti also is good as the pragmatic President Roosevelt.
Adding a slightly more serious note is the Hooverville-ites, who emphasize the difficulties faced by many families at the time in "Wed Like to Thank You Herbert Hoover."
Ensemble members as Roosevelts cabinet members and the cast from a popular radio show all add strongly to memorable numbers like "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile" and "Tomorrow (reprise)."
William Sanders direction is smooth and well-paced and Deena Linns choreography is lively, as is Brian Foleys music direction.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30, Oct. 1, 2, 7 and 8; 2 p.m. Oct. 3 and 10 and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at the 19th Street Theatre, 527 N. 19th Street, Allentown.
Free parking is available along Liberty and Allen Streets near 19th Street, and at the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot at 19th and Liberty after business hours.
Tickets are $34 for adults and $32 for students, seniors and military.
For information, go to civictheatre.com, or call 610-433-8903.