PitmanHigh School’s drama department brings to us one of the most loved family musicals of all time, Annie.
For those who are unfamiliar with the plot, it revolves around a young, optimistic, and fiery orphan girl named Annie (Chrissie Ford, senior), who is in search for her family. After living in an orphanage run by the wicked Miss Hannigan (Bronwyn Arnold, senior), she is taken away by Grace Farrell (Eliana Roberts, senior) to live with the billionaire Oliver Warbuck’s (Jake Sylvester, junior) for a couple of weeks during Christmas. Annie quickly touches the hearts of the staff and Mr. Warbuck’s, who soon wishes to adopt Annie. But instead, decides to put all his money and power to use in hope of helping Annie find her real parents she has always been wishing to reunite with. Soon after hearing of the large reward Mr. Warbuck’s is offering, Miss Hannigan’s brother, Rooster (Andrew Cheesman, junior) and his girlfriend, Lilly (Ashlyn Christenson, sophomore) devise a plan to pose as Annie’s parents in order to obtain the reward money.
On December 4th, opening night, the Pitman drama department provided almost a flawless performance of classical songs “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Tomorrow,” and “Easy Street.”
Director Andrew Cheesman, three-year drama student, truly did this musical justice. He found a perfect balance when incorporating Annie’s comedic charm into such a lighthearted production. The musical was very well choreographed by Lea Siegel for such a short time period of four weeks provided.
It was breath taking watching Chrissie Ford (Annie) perform. Her engaging stage presence in every scene seemed almost effortless and the way she was able to fully embody all the characteristics we love of such an iconic character, made her seem as if she truly was Annie. Chrissie Ford was the star of the show that night.
Another breathtaking performance was done by Bronwyn Arnold (Miss Hannigan). Her transformation into portraying such an obnoxious and revolting character, just made the audience want to see more. Arnold perfectly represented that reoccurring character everyone loves to hate. Arnold provided an unforgettable performance that provided much of the comic relief for the story.
Alongside the following actors were a few more that deserve notable mention: the crooks Andrew Cheesman (Rooster) and Ashlyn Christianson (Lilly), Jake Sylvester (Oliver Warbuck’s), and the adorable yet feisty orphans, and quiet, yet beyond entertaining to watch, Breanna Cotton (Bonnie the Boylan sister).
This production of Annie is perfect to anyone, especially those who enjoy delightful musical productions. The combination of such fantastic performances left the rest of the audience wanting more. It was a production that could be watched again and again, and is by far the best cast and directed Pitman production. It wasn’t just a high school musical, but a Broadway show.