Fine Arts Association’s ‘Annie’ is heartwarming fun

Everyone’s favorite redhead is in town.

The Fine Arts Association’s “Annie” can make even the tiniest grinch heart grow three sizes this holiday season.

Directed by Sandy Kosovich Peck, this show boasts large dance numbers, eager and animated cast members and impressive vocals.

The optimistic orphan herself is played by 10-yearold Makenna Hagan.

At her age, you may expect her to have mastered only either acting or singing, definitely not both. But Hagan seems to be a natural actress who sings like an angel. There doesn’t seem to be a drop of discomfort for her on the stage, and she nails every line.

Annie’s scenes with Mr. Warbucks (Dave Peck) are the most Christmas-y of the show. The two share tender moments that, of course, reflect the true meaning of Christmas.

Peck is the perfect choice for Warbucks. His knack for acting allows his character to exude money and authority as well as a sweet vulnerability.

Haley Gagnon usually plays a playful princess on the Fine Arts stage. She’s been Disney’s Ariel in “The Little Mermaid” and Esméralda in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” But in this story, Gagnon gets to thrive as a boisterous bimbo. It’s refreshing to see her as an antagonist, and she seems to have fun with the change of pace. In the role of Lily St. Regis, Gagnon howls and cackles in an impossibly high pitch that purposely comes fully loaded with nasal nuances.

Her character is romantically paired with a sketchy man named Rooster Hannigan, played by the always hilarious J.J. Luster. The two get big laughs as they sheepishly fall all over each other due to their palpable lust.

The couple brings a great intensity to the production and kicks up the show’s energy level by a few notches with their cheeky dancing and teasing.

Oops ... she did it again. Emily Stack has managed to steal another show as the villain. Stack has dominated as evil sea witch Ursula in Disney’s “Mermaid” at both FAA and Geauga Theater in Chardon in a production by Geauga Lyric Theater Guild. In “Annie,” she owns the stage as the desperate and drunk Miss Hannigan, who tries to keep Annie from a better life outside the orphanage that she runs (poorly). Stack is as commanding as she is funny. This show demonstrates her range as well as a delightful inability to take a backseat.

By far, the most lively and entertaining scenes are those that include Stack, Luster and Gagnon. Most notably, the talented trifecta perform a musical number called “Easy Street” — easily the best song of the show.

Some of the most charming moments, however, come from some of the smallest cast members.

Maddie Halapy makes her theater debut as an orphan named Molly. The perpetual smile on Halapy’s face reflects just how much fun she’s having on stage. She sings her heart out in each song with contagious enthusiasm. Here’s hoping to see more of Halapy on stage again soon.

Another cute surprise comes from a four-legged actor named Rory-Girl. The show has a Labrador retriever that receives an audible “aw” in every scene she’s in as Annie’s pup, Sandy.

The wardrobe deserves special praise. Costume designer Colleen Bloom has helped to bring the story to life with authentic outfits for each character. The most dazzling is the iconic red dress Annie wears on Christmas morning.

Simply put, “Annie” is a great way to soak up the magic of the season.

PRELUDE PHOTOGRAPHY Makenna Hagan, left, as Annie, and Maddie Halapy, making her stage debut as Molly, share a scene in the Fine Arts Association production of “Annie.”