Review of Annie

By Lila Rhoades

Annie follows the story of a young orphan searching for her parents, who is then adopted by Mr. Warbucks (Christopher Swan). However, Annie (Ellie Pulsifer) encounters many obstacles, one being the orphanage caretaker and alcoholic, Miss Hannigan (Stefanie Londino). Ellie Pulsifer delivers an outstanding performance, bringing the audience on an emotional and rewarding journey. Her optimistic acting choices reflect the gregarious nature of Annie, and engages the audience wonderfully. Also, Stefanie Londino provides a comedic yet belligerent perception of Miss Hannigan. Additionally, Christopher Swan commits to a prosperous Mr. Warbucks. 

Furthermore, the songs capture the atmosphere of New York in the early 1930s, and leave the audience singing along in their seats. The set design truly integrates the whole show and contrasts the exuberant characters with dark New York streets. However, in the second act, the affluent Mr. Warbuck’s house is beautifully captured with bright accents and famous paintings. In addition to the set design, the costumes mirror the character’s unique personalities and add to the dance numbers. Speaking of which, the dance numbers were performed with lots of skill, and the dances matched the song’s peppy undertones perfectly. The ensemble was bursting with talent, and their strong presence added to the overall performance. 

In conclusion, Annie is a perfect family friendly show full of colorful characters and phenomenal musical numbers. All of the characters do a delightful job at conveying the themes of the show. It’s a must-see at the DPAC!