Valley Welcomes Little Ophan "Annie"

Annie" is a great musical to get you in the mood for the holidays with its cheerful premise and talented company of actors, as well as songs that will forever be stuck in your head long after you leave the theater. In these days full of wild fires and writers strikes it is nice to know that the sun will come out tomorrow.

Orphans, outlaws and FDR all sing and dance their way through the Great Depression in the Valley College Theatre Arts Department's delightful production of "Annie."

The musical is an adaptation of the classic comic strip featuring the pupil-challenged orphan who first appeared in 1924. The red headed curly topped little girl hoofed it to Broadway in 1977 where her Depression era adventure finds Annie in search of her parents.

Cathy Pyles directs this show in its five performance run at Valley's Mainstage Theatre with a light touch that is served up like great comfort food, and she knows the make or break aspect of the production is in finding the right Annie. Happily Pyles has found the right little girl to put on the trademark red dress.

Young Lindsay Ryan fits into the title role with a grace seldom seen in someone of her age. Ryan mixes moxie with genuine adorable as she belts out such famous tunes as "Tomorrow" with total conviction, and most important she never crosses the line of too cutesy.

The rest of the orphans do their part, singing and scrubbing floors like most old- time kids. Kaleigh Ryan amps up the cute factor through the roof as Molly the youngest of the cast who is so sweet you may need to see a dentist after the show.

Annie's foil Miss Hannigan is played with gusto by Lindsay Bytof, her rendition of "Little Girls" is a sharp contrast to the saccharine sweet songs that surround it. Bytof knows her way around the stage and has a great rapport with the children, and her comic timing really shines through anytime she has to deal with those merry moppets.

Marjorie Vander Hoff's choreography is simple and charming, never overshadowing the production but blending seamlessly into it. All the players tackle the routines with aplomb, making up for any rhythm challenges with big smiles and enthusiasm.

The music direction is held together quite well by Patricia Hannifan who keeps things moving with upbeat overtures and those now very familiar songs. The cast also keeps the beat with better than average vocalists who show remarkable restraint when competing with Annie who remains at the center without being lost in the music.

The show is a perfect fit for adults and children who may never have experienced a stage show. The colorful sets and costumes will keep kids interested in between musical numbers. Real-life puppy Harrison as Annie's dog Sandy is sure to inspire "awws" as he runs across the stage and manages to sit still while people are singing and dancing all around him. A trick I am sure all parents would want to know during the 90-minute production.

The musical runs November 9th,and 10th as well as the 15th, 16th, and 17th at 8p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 students and seniors. For more information and reservations call 818-947-2790.