Annie
10 December 2010
With “Little Girls” a plenty, the big NYC was brought to life this Christmas as St. Edward’s College put on a fantastic Lower School Production! Pupils and public alike were transported to the enchanting world of a little girl with a dream; never mind “Maybe”, Annie (Holly Cullen) brought the house down with a leading lady performance beyond compare, displaying talent more akin to the West End Theatre!
With a cast filled with stars of the future, the College displayed its best vocal and musical talent; the college band (as always) blurring the barriers between school and professional production, under the magnificent leadership of Miss Roberts, it truly had the St. Edward’s factor!
Certainly not “Hard Knock” viewing, the breathtakingly true to life orphans captured the audience from start, us, like Molly (sensitively played by Megan Carden) wanting to hear Annie’s story again and again. It’s safe to say they “Won’t be Orphans for long”. The beautifully characterised Daddy Warbucks (George Baker) and Grace (Jocelyn Orrell) brought to life the humour and love that connect us all to Annie’s new family – a convincing and charming message that made the production so memorable.
Equally as convincing was the true display of talent from Miss Hannigan (Holly Ambrose) epitomising the cruel orphanage matron with style and shocking realism. Yet never mind “thanking Herbert Hoover” the direction of Miss Jenkins, Miss Parr and Miss James brought us straight out of the depression, excelling themselves once again, proving the wealth of talent lies not only amongst our pupils but teachers too.
The stars of our show extended beyond the stage to the genius of our ever brilliant back stage crew, making this production visually and emotionally captivating. It’s safe to say that NYC – Next Year’s Cast – will have no “Easy Street” to beat this one. Another triumph!
By Charlotte Rowan, 11M
