SIR WILFRID LAURIER’S ANNIE INSPIRING, CHEERFUL

Show #9: Annie Where: Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School Director: Sonya Schrum

Wake up at four in the morning to scrub the floor just for some cold mush — seems like vacuuming the house is nothing to groan about after all. In Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s spirited and charming production of the musical Annie, the cast and crew demonstrated the true value of optimism.

Set in 1930s New York, sunny little orphan Annie is invited to spend her holidays with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, who soon adores her. However, when Warbucks offers $50,000 for Annie’s parents to reclaim her, Miss Hannigan, the abusive mistress of Annie’s orphanage, and her brother, Rooster, commence plotting for the money. The renowned musical was based on a 1920s comic strip and first performed on Broadway in 1977, where it won seven Tony Awards.

In this vast production, the cast members anchored the musical with their enthusiasm and chemistry. Many members played three roles or more, and still gave each character their own stage presence. As well, in all the ensembles, the actors individualized their own roles with personal touches while adhering to the group. This was displayed strikingly in massive numbers like the children’s reprise of Fully Dressed, where each orphan expressed cheer with different mannerisms, while yet maintaining congruous choreography and a clean tap shoes beat.

Leading the musical, Sarah Humphries as Annie portrayed the adorable 11-year-old with skill and energy. She adeptly captured the compassionate and optimistic child with her earnest, open expressions and eyes sparkling with empathy and wonder. In classic numbers like Tomorrow, Humphries dazzled with her sweet and soaring high notes, effortlessly hit. Whether driving the scene or just observing it, Humphries maintained

her role of an innocent child through her physique, tone and joyful vivacity.

Patrick Hessian juggled the two sides of Warbucks with ease, playing the epitome of a capitalist, yet spontaneously softening with affection and doubt when dealing with Annie. His deep, resounding voice gorgeously juxtaposed with Humphries’ soprano in NYC. As well, Katrine Mercier portrayed Miss Hannigan with sublime sourness and honeyed sarcasm. She confidently soloed in Little Girls, adding growls to her strong vocals and neatly enhancing the number’s intensity. Rooster (Trevor Jones) and his girlfriend, Lily St. Regis (Darcey Pearson), likewise demonstrated their impressive acting when conning Warbucks, using comically exaggerated mannerisms while staying realistic.

The 125 costume pieces created by the school’s Secret Sewiety swept the atmosphere back to the 1930s, with its felt beret hats and wide-sashed dresses. There was an abundance of props, and the stage crew supported the show with their rapid and silent set changes, unobtrusively transforming the stage from orphanage to mansion and back again.

With a lively cast, compelling vocals, and historical attire, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School nimbly re-created Annie, the classic, which taught countless children that the sun will come out tomorrow, that one’s never fully dressed without a smile, and that “leapin’ lizards” is a much better exclamation than anything else.