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Annie, the cherished tale of the American dream told through the eyes of an eleven year old orphan, received an energetic update from West Springfield High School.

One of the oldest and most famous musicals ever performed on Broadway, Annie presents the ideas of optimism, hope, and the peculiarly American idea of social mobility, something particularly relevant to the 1930s, the era in which this musical is set. Desperate for love, Annie begins a search for her real parents as she sings and dances her way through the streets of New York and into the arms of billionaire Daddy Warbucks.

As Annie, Julie Frost was vibrant, defining her character with ease. Her voice reached impossible notes of clarity that perfectly complemented the optimism and energetic nature of an adolescent girl. Oliver Warbucks (Kelly Snow) was solid, providing juxtaposition for the orphan’s abundant joie de vivre.

The ensemble, consisting of street urchins, apple sellers, and most particularly, the cast of orphans, matched Annie in her intensity and street-wise toughness. The energy was high all around, and this group had definable characters and kept the musical moving. Aided by an exceptional orchestra, the songs were filled with exceptional performances and propelled the plot.

The sets were exceptional, with dimension and different levels perpetuating reality, and the stage crew, many dressed as maids in Warbucks’ Fifth Avenue Mansion, blended seamlessly into the scene. The sound, however, was unsteady, often interrupting a song or an important scene with a jarring note of inconsistency.

The ideas of wealth, dignity, love and optimism presented in Annie, well-known and beloved to all, became relevant in West Springfield High School, as the cast was imbued with a palpable energy that ably performed and brought to life the tale of Little Orphan Annie.

by Caitlin Hurwit of George Mason HS

This review was written by a Cappies high school critic. The Cappies were founded in 1999, for the purpose of celebrating high school theater arts and providing a learning opportunity for theater and journalism students. You can learn more at cappies.com.