Entertainment Review It Was A Grand Night At The Theatre As The Historic Crighton Theatre Opened To Nostalgic Little Orphan

By Doc Fennessy Ah yes folks, it was a

grand, memorable and fun filled night at the historic Crighton Theatre on Friday, July 23rd as the Stage Right of Texas theatrical troupe finally brought the award-wining c1a8sic: VWMEANNIE.: The xheatp w a s p a c k e d w i t h a n appreciative audience that had an affinity for nostalgia and the show transported you back in t ime to the world of "NEWSPAPER COMICS" and the Little Orphan Annie strip, in the 1930's &19401s,

' live and on stage. All you had to do was let your senses take over, sit back and vicariously place yourself in the Crighton Theatre back 75 years.

Coudos to theatre Manager Bingham and Stage Right of Texas's technical and s t age c r ews fo r such appropriate backdrops, props, music, lighting, vocal sounds, and coordination of all. The set design by Greg Kelly of the inside of Daddy War bucks' house was awesome both in both in design and function. .What a job Head Costumer Kpir'qq! + k2#&4$ , had ie matchkg the htirhi: factor for authentic costumes for several scenes and there had to be hundreds of costumes changes for the cast of 80 plus.

Professional Director Tina Cafeo, with a career on Broadway did a hero's job of organizing, directing and most of all teaching the talented cast. There were about 50 children in the show, from 4-years to 17-years old that put on a i%Mning, fantastic and unbelievable performance to support .the primary cast of characters.

As expected Hope Harris, a s "Annie , " made an immediate impact as soon as she swept into the theme song of "TOMORROW". The audience was in awe for the rest of the show every time Hope appeared on stage and demonstrated her effective stage-presence, and what a fine actress she is. I can see her in years to come in the finals of MCPAS's "Young Texas Artists Competition and Concert". ' When Annie

appeared with the dog "Sandy" and sang to her, the dog's antics brought the audience to the edges of their seats rollicking in thunderous laughter.

Yvonne Owen Nelson as the orphanage manager, Miss H a n n i g a n , p u t on a magnificent and pbwerful performance that brought the audience to a standing ovation. Yvonne's personality changes and attendant antics created a vivid impression how cruel it was in thdse early days of America to be alone and poor. Henry Wood as Oliver warbucks, actually looks like him in the comics, injected m o r e p o w e r t o t h e performances of the other cast members as he took comrhand of the stage.

The acting by all members of the cast, especially the kids was wonderfizl, as was the singing and dancing by all

members of the cast. I'll say it again; the costuming was fantastic and wildly creative. If you want an exciting show for the family, Annie is it! If you want to hear singing, everyone in the cast of 80 sings, especially the kids, m e is fix yon! -,U you want to see a variety of group dancing, Annie is for you! If

"ANNIE" you want to see some realistic acting extremely appropriate for the time factor and scene Annie is for you! If you want comedy, it is coming at you continually h m all parts of the stage! Folks, this is the show I would take my grand c~ldren So fir the s - a p.m. Matinees. Take grandma and grandpa too! They'll love

ya' for it. The show runs every Friday and Saturday until Sunday August 8th with 2:OO p.m. Matinees on Sundays. Tickets are available by calling the theatre Box-office daily between 3:00 & 6:00 p.m. at: (936) 441-7469.