We all need Annie in our lives right now. There are two more chances to escape from the world and be reminded that “the sun’ll come out tomorrow…come what may!” in this Cwmbran High School production.
It’s on this evening- Wednesday 25 March and tomorrow, Thursday 26 March.
I walked quickly from my car to the entrance last night as it was raining. As I write this review, the sun is out, and I’m feeling pretty good. I’m not usually superstitious but thank you Annie.
The show was a joy from start to finish. Even the usual pre-show warning about mobile phones and fire alarms came over the speakers by someone with a thick Manhattan drawl.
We start at bedtime in Miss Hannigan’s chaotic orphanage during 1930s New York. I’ve never seen a stage-fight scene that was so realistic. I felt myself go ‘ooh…ouch’ with the thumps of the poor orphan hitting the floor.
Annie’s smile never left her face from that opening scene to when she walked out two hours surrounded by every cast member and they all rightly enjoyed the curtain call. The whole show is about optimism and the lead character had this with every song, right down to her skipping entrance or exit from the stage.
Mrs Hannigan
Like Annie’s smile, Miss Hannigan’s hip flask never left her either as she swaggered, bullied and (tried to) charmed her way through different scenes.
The staging was a delight – easily rotating between the orphanage, Oliver Warbucks’ townhouse, the White House and a New York subway.
The cast wore microphone headsets- an extra challenge for any actor to learn along with their lines.
There was clearly investment in the staging, sound, music, props and costumes for this production and the pupils thrived on it. Warbucks’ phone calls were made on an Art Deco-style telephone. With the cast aged from 12 to 16, I imagine they had to be taught how to use this object with a lead that allowed them to talk to other people.
My favourite prop was the 11 black buckets used by the orphans as they scrubbed the floor. They suddenly banged them in rhythm on the stage and we knew what was coming- “It’s the Hard Knock Life”.
Their lives were run like an army regiment and this musical favourite was a chance for them to shine as a team; punchy and full of character right down to the choreographed head movements flashing up and down as they cleaned.
I was so used to the New York accents that the sudden arrival of a couple from south Wales on stage took me by surprise. Great comic moment but that’s as far as my mini-spoiler will go. You’ll have to get a ticket and enjoy it for yourself.
The show opened with the music to “Tomorrow” and ended with the full cast on stage singing the lyrics, “Tomorrow, tomorrow! I love ya tomorrow! You’re always a day away!”
There’s an important message there. Thanks to all the young people on stage for reminding us of it.
Headteacher
The programme includes a good quote from Matthew Sims, the school’s headteacher.
He writes: “Throughout the process, our pupils have shown remarkable creativity, unwavering positivity, and true resilience…we could not be prouder of what they have achieved together.”
When you go (not if!), make the most of the well-stocked cafe at the back of the hall, with all the usual snacks and treats, including alcoholic/ non-alcoholic drinks.
And buy a raffle ticket if you can- the money helps future drama productions in the schools.