By Nicolas Pacelli

When the world we live in today often feels like “the hard-knock life”, it is moments like Zach Theater’s production of Annie that remind us why we so often return to the world of live theatre – to feel alive and connected to others and the world around us in an increasingly isolating digital world. As Annie heads into its final week of performances at Zach Theater, Jamie Goodwin (Oliver Warbucks) encouraged the audience to embrace the positivity they felt as the curtain closed, and carry it with them, spreading a “boost of optimism” into the world. This production of Annie is certainly imperfect, and one of Zach simpler productions in recent memory, but it is undoubtedly triumphant in spreading some much needed hope into the audience and beyond! 

Theatrical to the Fullest Extent

So often, musical productions attempt to break the mold of what is expected, particularly in the case of beloved and popular musicals such as Annie. Though not always successful, this is part of what makes theatre so special; The ability to re-imagine and re-tell stories over and over again to meet the moment or fulfill a specific directorial vision. So many productions such as the recent CATS: The Jellicle Ball or Zach’s own long-running A Christmas Carol take strong creative risks that pay off for their audiences and unlock the original material in innumerable ways. 

So while the direction (Cassie Abate) of Annie at first left something to be desired, this by-the-book interpretation of the source material ultimately overcomes its shortcomings by leaning into what makes any musical great…Theatricality! The strongest component of this creative vision is by far the Choreography by Kiira Schmidt Carper. WOW, what a treat these dance numbers were. What was so brilliant about Carper’s choreography here is that it completely understands the type of show it is a part of. Rather than overcomplicating formations and pulling influence from trending dance styles, the choreography in Annie lets loose and creates fun character moments and visual interest throughout. The highlight of the show by far, both in terms of choreography and performance, is “Easy Street”. Carper’s smooth yet stylish choreography in this number creates the foundation for a comedic masterclass from the cast, especially Yurel Echezarreta as Rooster Hannigan. While this number takes the cake, there are so many other great moments throughout the show where Abate’s direction takes the backseat while other aspects of theatrical artistry take center stage, and truly shine! 

Clever Character Choices Galore!

How refreshing and inspiring to see this seasoned cast take bold risks with their characterization of characters we have seen time and time again! Across the board, the principal cast of Annie at Zach Theater is stellar, starting of course with a courageous and clever performance from Layla Ramos as Annie herself (Green Cast) Ramos’ Annie is one of the most tongue-and-cheek versions of the character I’ve seen to date, and the show is all the better for it. Her balance of bravery and vulnerability really shines here, especially in her relationship with Mr. Warbucks.

A particular moment at the end of Act One involving an adoption proposal is outrageously effective here, due entirely to Ramo’s willingness to break the audience’s heart and piece it back together! Jamie Karen’s Miss Hannigan is a version of the character many may not have seen before, but its bravura is undeniable, particularly in the vocal department. Karen plays Hannigan as slightly less kooky and cranky, but rather more deeply-upset and broken, a woman who perhaps missed her chance to break free of her past, and is still bitter years later. However, this more grounded approach to the role did not fully land at all times, particularly when Hannigan is placed next to her brother Rooster, played by the brilliant Yurel Echezarreta. Echezarreta’s Rooster is easily the standout of the show, on all levels. While he goes BIG in every way, particularly his physicalization, his performance never feels too over-the-top, a truly perfect balancing act. His incredible vocal and physical control shine in “Easy Street” before his acting chops take center stage in the show’s knockout climactic scene.

Lastly, Tiffany Solano’s Grace Farrell is a wonderful compliment to Ramos’ Annie, meeting every comedic and dramatic moment with grace (pun intended) and class. Her green dress in the show’s final moments is also a total showstopper, thanks to costume design by Susan Branch Towne. 

Standout Songs & Sequences

• Hard-Knock Life: The young ensemble of Orphan Girls really steals your heart in this one, complete with the iconic brooms, mops, and laundry baskets. Billie Grace Lit as Molly (Green Cast) is a standout in the show’s first few numbers, including this iconic anthem!
• We’d Like to Thank You Herbert Hoover: The ensemble is having the absolute greatest time during this dark-alley ditty, making the most out of their sleek choreography and gritty costuming. The scenic design in this sequence is also a standout. 
• N.Y.C.: The role of Star to Be has certainly become one of Musical Theatre’s unsung heroes, and Malia McLellan makes the absolute most of her brief role, belting out of the longest and clearest notes you’ll ever hear! 
• Easy Street: What more can I say about this brilliant piece of theatre! All three performers are on their A-Game, backed up by brilliant lighting design and a killer orphanage set piece. 
• Finale “Tomorrow”: So much hope fills the house in this lovely concluding moment as we say goodbye to all the characters we love so deeply. Ramos’ final few moments as Annie in this number are sure to bring a tear to your eye as the curtain closes for the last time. 

Annie is playing at Zach’s Topfer Theater through August 2nd, and it’s certainly a crowd-please that you won’t want to miss. While certain parts of the production can feel underwhelming, the all-star lineup of talent both on and off the stage make it hard to see anything but the positive in this production. Zach Theater has once again added another show to their legendary history as one of Austin’s most star-studded and prolific regional theaters!

Song List

Act One

• Overture
• Maybe
• Hard-Knock Life
• Hard-Knock Life (Reprise)
• Tomorrow
• We’d Like to Thank You, Herbert Hoover
• Little Girls
• Little Girls (Reprise)
• I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here
• N.Y.C.
• Easy Street
• Maybe (Reprise)

Act Two

• Entr’acte
• You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile
• You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile (Reprise)
• Easy Street (Reprise)
• Tomorrow (Reprise)
• Something Was Missing
• Annie
• I Don’t Need Anything But You
• Maybe (Reprise)
• Finale “Tomorrow”