If you’re looking for an energetic show that will leave you wanting to adopt a redheaded orphan of your own, Victoria Operatic Society’s rendition of Annie is the perfect recommendation. But if you’re worried about the kids staying up too late or grandma falling asleep on a stranger’s shoulder, you’d better catch a matinee.
Last night’s excellent opening performance of Annie lit up the McPherson Playhouse. Vivacious cast members and vivid set pieces made it easy to fall in love with the show’s charm. While each scene was fun and energetic, the most thrilling part was watching the precocious orphans chant, “It’s a hard-knock life!”
Split into two acts totaling almost three hours, Annie was giving the audience a show of epic proportions. While most scenes were crucial to the progression of the storyline, a couple, including Healy’s radio-show segment, could have been condensed. Maybe it’s because I’m a boring old spinster, but getting home at midnight after sitting in a theatre for three hours? Not ideal.
Still, even though at times the jokes fell flat and notes came out sharp, Annie was an entertaining and authentic performance that put a smile on every face in the audience. Aside from the long scenes, the sheer joy, passion, and talent of the cast members was worth every minute.
Annie
December 6-15
$21 and up, McPherson Playhouse
vos.bc.ca