“You’re never fully dressed without a smile!” Falls Church High School’s heartwarming rendition of Annie invites everyone to enjoy the ups and downs of finding family in those around you.
Written by Thomas Meehan, Annie premiered in 1976 at Goodspeed Opera House and went on to win numerous Tony awards. Adapted from a 1924 comic strip, the orphan Annie is trapped at the orphanage and determined to find her parents, but in a twist of fate ends up spending the holidays with the billionaire, Mr. Warbucks. Can he help Annie find her parents, and more importantly… home?
The lights slowly rose on several disheveled beds as the leading actress stepped onstage. With charisma, Ellie Whitfield brought a childlike wonder to every scene as Annie. Whether braving the cold streets of New York City or inspiring Franklin D. Roosevelt, Whitfield was a lively presence, drawing eyes to her ever-present optimism even when all hope seemed to be lost. Luckily, Annie found a new companion in Mr. Warbucks, played by Colt Armstrong. He may seem like a grumpy old man, but his stoicism only enriched his tender moments with Annie. Colt Armstrong’s calm presence was the perfect contrast to Whitfield’s bubbly persona, as he commanded the stage with a strong booming voice and beautifully navigated poignant songs.
Amidst all the cheerfulness, Quinn Lopez portrayed Miss Aggie Hannigan with a chilling blend of wicked comedy. With a large reputation to uphold, Lopez effortlessly combined sarcasm and a fiery facade for a fresh take on a well-known antagonist. Similarly, Lam Vu played Rooster with impeccable comedic timing along with his partner in crime Dara Kearney, as Lily St. Regis. As the trio cooked up an outrageous scheme, Lopez, Vu, and Kearney flamboyantly executed their shenanigans, continually stealing the spotlight with their limited time together.
A show of this caliber required incredible attention to detail, and this production did not disappoint. Throughout the show, the stage crew, composed of Stephanie Mejia Ramos, Ali Lieberman, and the Running crew, seamlessly transitioned through a myriad of locations, brilliantly highlighted in the effectiveness of the set, built by Max Purtill, Leslie Fon, and the Set crew. From the two moving staircases to the detachable railings, the simplicity of the set successfully contrasted the run-down orphanage and the pristine Warbucks’ household. The costumes, curated by Isabelle Paparella, Sophie Veas, Sydney Grimard, and Aaron Seide, further enhanced the Great Depression time period, from the patched-up orphan dresses to the crisp business suits. There’s no denying the entire show was visually beautiful; however, the attention to detail truly made the show soar.
As the curtains closed, you couldn’t help but exclaim, “Oh Boy!” Falls Church High School’s delightful production of Annie proved that family could come from the most unlikely places.
