Annie national tour review

[jonmbway4652]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 1:15am

I just saw the NetWorks touring production of Annie... I must say I have never disliked a production of a musical as much as I disliked this show...
Here are my thoughts
CAST: There were no standouts. I do not think anyone was exceptionally talented. Oliver Warbucks and Grace were my least favorite. Neither could sing or act at all in my opinion. Annie was pretty good, not the best Annie I have seen, but she had a nice voice. The other little girls were okay, but again not great. The entire cast seemed tired and had very little emotion.
MUSIC: The orchestra sounded extremely synthetic and tinny. The trombone player was terrible. Now I know it's hard to pinpoint one particular orchestra member, but the trombone always came in late and messed up. The weak orchestra did not help that already worn out performers.
SETS: WOW. This set literally looked like it was on its last leg. The orphanage unit looked like it was going to collapse any second. The production overused painted drops that were faded, threadbare, and wrinkled. The staircase and Christmas tree at the end looked awkward and out of place.
LIGHTING: The lighting did little to enhance the set... The stage was always in a general neutral wash. The only exception was the dark blue lighting in certain scenes. For some reason this show overused the follow spot. The follow spot was used in EVERY SINGLE SONG. I would have liked to have seen brighter lighting that was not so bland.
AUDIENCE: The theatre was DEAD. I was up on the tier level and it was 1/4 of the way filled. From what I could see, the orchestra level seemed just as dead. The entire front row was empty.
This whole production just seemed tired and lifeless. There was no energy in any aspect of the production. If Annie is going to be kept alive then it is time for a new production because this one is done.

Overall I was very disappointed in this production. I am very glad I only paid $26 for my ticket (student ticket). If I paid $70 to see this I would be very angry. I know this tour is non-equity, but I have seen some non-equity tours that have been as good if not better than certain equity productions

Grade: F



Updated On: 1/3/10 at 01:15 AM

[eatlasagna]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 1:57am

i feel like this show has never stopped touring

[jonmbway4652]

Posted: 1/3/10 at 2:04am

^ I second that... this same production has been touring since 2004. I don't even want to know how many tours there have been before this one.