Annie Musical: Not just about a girl and a dog

SINGAPORE — “This show is about an orphan and a dog, right?” My husband asked right before we headed into the MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands to watch Annie, which opened here last month (Aug 24).

Opening my mouth to say more, I changed my mind. “I suppose you can say that,” I replied, shrugging.

Before all you muscial purists throw Annie’s trademark curly-haired wig at my head for my non-committal reply, my defence is this: My perception was coloured by the terrible 2014 Hollywood remake of it. It starred Jamie Foxx as William Stacks, a wealthy politician and business mogul based on Oliver Warbucks and Annie’s father figure, Rose Byrne as Grace Farrell, Stacks’ assistant, and Cameron Diaz as Miss Colleen Hannigan, a cruel woman who rules the foster home where Annie resides.

Notwithstanding the star-studded cast, the movie garnered a miserable 27 per cent on film review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes and earned itself a Razzie in 2015 for the Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-off or Sequel.

I also watched the 2012 rendition of the musical when it previously ran here, and couldn’t remember anything much beyond the fact that it was about a little orphan girl who had a really bad hair day.

Needless to say, I had very low expectations for this rags-to-riches musical even though it was widely acclaimed when it was first staged in 1977, dominating the Tony Awards that year and earning several other accolades. Its heartwarming and optimistic storyline, featuring a spunky young Annie who went from being an orphan at a hard-knock New York orphanage to living in the luxurious home of billionaire businessman Oliver Warbucks, and its catchy tunes, have made it one of America’s best-loved family musicals.

The thing is, not many in Singapore are familiar with this musical and its context of life in New York during the 1930s when Franklin D. Roosevelt was the president of the United States.

It is not just about a girl and her dog — in fact, it is a close look at poverty, cruelty, materialism and child abuse. Underlying all those adult themes lies a shining theme on positivity, that things will work out if you have a pure heart of gold.

This time round though, there was something different that shone through compared to the 2012 production- a touch of magic, if you will. This production was directed by Martin Charnin, who conceived, directed and scored Annie in 1977. It is no wonder the show’s intended innocence and anthem of optimism came across strongly and genuinely. The first act started off well, with strong performances and singing from talented young actresses who were playing the motley crew of orphans. The sets too, were beautiful, with 3D props lending authenticity to the scenes.

And who can forget the dog? I was expecting a scruffy brown pup instead of the eventual Border Collie, but I found it hard to be annoyed, especially when it was trying so hard to concentrate, with what must have been a promise of impending treats just slightly offstage.

There was one grievance though. The production, though more arresting than its previous incarnations, was bogged down by some lengthy and unnecessary scenes. For example the song number You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile during the Bert Healy radio show didn’t really do much for it, besides, perhaps, giving the cast time to do a change of clothes.

As with any musical production, there are usually show stealers — and in this one, there were two.

Lynn Andrews, who plays the deliciously wicked Miss Hannigan, was the clear winner. She cracked the audience up every time she wriggled her head and shook her giant hairdo in glee (or in unadulterated disgust), or when she tried to snuggle up to potential suitors or government officials with unmasked desperation in her eyes. Every eyebrow twitch and lip sneer was done with hilarious perfection.

Heidi Gray, an 11-year-old actress who stars as Annie, was a delight as well with her wide-eyed enthusiasm and crystal clear vocals.

Sung by a lesser vocalist, the trademark tune Tomorrow might be grating on the ears by the third go, but with Gray, it comes across as honest, heartfelt and refreshing every time.

So maybe the musical will take some time before it captures the hearts and minds of people here. Maybe that might just be “tomorrow”, if Singaporeans gave this version a shot.

Annie runs until Sept 11 at the MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands. Tickets from S$60 are available through Sistic.