Theater/Classical Music

We now know how to bring the Republicans and Democrats to the same table to work together: Annie. Simply send in the diminutive red-haired little girl to the Congressional chambers and the White House, and they will all melt into song about how everything will be right tomorrow. The production of the Broadway musical "Annie," now playing at the Fox Performing Arts Center, imagines it working for FDR and his staff during the Depression.

After more than 2 ½ hours of having a smile plastered on my face on opening night, I can attest to the power of positive productions. Annie, the ever-hopeful orphan seemingly condemned to a pathetic life in an NYC orphanage, is so positive I'm guessing her blood type is B-positive. As Annie, Madison Kerth delivers a genuine, comfortable, and convincing character without being sickeningly cute.

This Broadway adaptation of the comic strip "Little Orphan Annie" garnered a shelf full of Tony Awards when it opened, and its quality, seamless music and lasting dialog has staying power beyond opening night, especially poignant in light of our nation's economic and political situation. With its clever and fascinating sets, classy orchestra, and top-notch cast, this production could still be receiving awards.

The other six little orphan girls will knock your socks off, especially Mackenzie Aladjem as Molly, the littlest orphan, who will absolutely consume your heart. The whole gaggle of orphans sing and dance totally committed, totally engaging, but mostly unintelligible, at least to those of us sitting far from the front.

What would an orphanage be without a mean-spirited head-mistress of sorts? Lynn Andrews is deliciously wretched in every respect as Miss Hannigan at the orphanage. Singing with a clean and powerful voice, Andrews took the role over the top into a realm of happy slap-stick fun.

"You're big, you're loud, you're tough," sings David Barton as Oliver Warbucks about NYC - his home town, New York City. He could have sung it about himself. A big man in stature and heart, a loud and blustery man, and a tough, strong Type-A character, he allows himself to gradually melt under the influence of the unassuming little girl, eventually professing to Annie "I love you" in a breathlessly quiet moment on stage.

This show sparkles with glittery details: the back-drop image of the Chrysler Building piercing the sky high above the slums; Miss Hannigan's lip-synching to the opening lines of her favorite radio show; the re-enactment of a radio show with busy, silly characters carrying on behind the mike; the radio announcer's pitch for our local radio station KOLA; the orphans' ebullient kick line to "You're Never Fully Dressed without a Smile"; FDR's snappy command to sing "harmony" in the reprise of "Tomorrow"; the shining snow falling behind the windows of the mansion's backdrop; and Sandy, played convincingly by Mikey - the plucky orphan dog that Annie befriends, very responsive to handy dog snacks Annie sneaks to him.

The Fox, in wonderful restored splendor, elevated the entire experience with a beautiful setting and an easy-to-listen-to sound system.

As musical theater, "Annie" has all the right ingredients - marvelous music with punchy lyrics, endearing and silly characters, amazing staging, kids, a dog, and a message worth thinking about: the sun WILL come out tomorrow. It always has.