Annie
“Oh my goodness,” no matter how many different versions you’ve sampled of the Tony Award winning “Annie,” you’ll experience a refreshingly new interpretation of Miss Hannigan, thanks to Sally Struthers headlining Cabrillo Music Theatre’s brand-new production.
Fortunately, you’ll have a number of chances to be sure you’re in a seat for this hit, which hits the stage through Sunday, Oct. 23 at the Kavli Theatre, in the Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center. This charming family-perfect musical comedy is strewn with famous songs, from “Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street” to “Tomorrow.”
Struthers’ lip-twitching, trembling, and funny fits on the floor gives a lighter tone to the orphanage director, whose beleaguered charges in Depression-era New York City include young Annie. That red-headed burst of optimism (quite effectively played by Quinn Allyn Martin) exists amid loveless living conditions, gruel, endless floor-scrubbing.
In real life it was Struthers’ daughter Samantha who ignited the actress’ shift from “evil” to lighter, Struthers explained later. Mom Struthers said she took her daughter to see the film starring Carol Burnett, but the screaming three-year-old was so frightened by Carol Burnett’s Miss Hannigan, the duo left the movie house.
When fate intervened years later (Sally played Miss Hannigan in the 20th Anniversary National Tour of “Annie”), Struthers decided the orphanage director “doesn’t have to be dark and evil, she had to be out-of-control. She’s an unhappy, boozed-out cranky woman.” You’ll see Struthers, 64, dip, twist and fall, all without personal training (“guess I’m just lucky that way”).
The original Broadway production triggered a sequel, two movies and a Broadway revival. It’s special that Cabrillo’s version, which launches its new season, precedes another Broadway return, announced for 2012.
The Ovation Awards-winning Cabrillo serves up a top-notch production, which does not tour and was created for Southland audiences only. You’ll have to rush to see the other master artists/vocalists who contribute to Annie’s search for the family she never had: the very lonely billionaire Oliver Warbucks, perfectly played by another major theater force, Norman Large; Dink O’Neal as the best-ever shifty Rooster Hannigan; Christanna Rowader whose voice and genteel manner as Grace Farrell, Warbucks’ private secretary, scores. Also tops: Andrew Brasted as radio show host Bert Healy; Ronald Rezac as Warbucks’ colleague, U.S. President FDR; David Gilchrist as the caring butler Drake (and Cordell Hull) and floozy Noelle Marion as Rooster’s sidekick, Lily St. Regis. Integral, too, are Annie’s orphanage roommates, a peppy, cohesive ensemble.
But the wonderful web is spun of many other vital strands, beginning with “Annie” director Lewis Wilkenfeld; choreographer Heather Castillo; and music director/conductor Ilana Eden. Irwin Meyer, producer of the original Broadway performance, was on hand with wife Karen and saw the significant contributions by behind-the-scene artisans like wardrobe supervisor Christine Gibson, and Mark Travis Hoyer -- hair and make-up design.
But of course other stars elicited audience-wide “ahs” in every scene. One was “Dog caught by Dog Catcher,” overshadowed by Annie’s stray dog Sandy, The four-footed canines were from the stable of Bill Berloni’s trained rescue dogs, which dovetails with a Cabrillo outreach program, animal rescues. That’s why in front of the theater there were so many woofs and wagging tails, with pet rescue groups showing off adoptees-to-be and hoping, just like “Annie,” to find families.
As a decades long Cabrillo volunteer, I must note two other clever Cabrillo twists. Wilkenfeld created Orphan Boys, who in character outfits circulated to peddle “Annie”grams. For a buck each, this afforded communication with cast and crew, and simultaneously contributed to Cabrillo’s critical need to enhance its coffers.
For “Annie” tickets and information scram to call the box office at (805) 449-ARTS (2787). Or contact Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Discounts for all seniors all performances, and a special evening performance has been added the final day at 7 p.m., said Wilkenfeld. The Kavli is located at 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.
“Annie’s” score is by composer Charles Strouse and lyricist Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan. Struthers is a two-time Emmy Award and Golden Globe winner for her role as Gloria Stivic in the milestone TV series, “All in the Family.” Her multi-faceted career embraces being a TV dancer, commercial actress, various small screen shows, films, Broadway productions and voice-overs. Also, Sally Struthers paints. As the Fairy Godmother in Cabrillo’s “Cinderella,” she won an Ovation Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.