Call me a sentimental slob, but I have no psychological defences against Annie, its tear-jerking and improbable story notwithstanding. The moment those orphaned girls begin to sing, as they do in the very first scene, I'm a goner. It must, of course, be produced to a high quality - I'm clutching at a straw of critical standards now - but the show at the Tivoli takes care of that in spades.
The young girls here are really talented singers and dancers, and act quite unselfconsciously. Annie, played by Meabh Carron (Carol Heffernan plays alternate shows) is simply a prodigy, with a voice like a bell and charm that radiates across the footlights. The orphanage tyrant Miss Hannigan, embodied with verve and in good voice by Susannah de Wrixon, is a continuous hoot.
Bill Murphy is great as the charismatic billionaire Daddy Warbucks, who takes a shine to Annie and wants to adopt her. The two Grennell brothers dominate their roles; Michael is President Roosevelt and Nicholas the comical loser Rooster, who tries a scam based on Annie's parentage. Eileen O'Sullivan as Warbuck's assistant and Jenny Maher as Rooster's moll complete the lead roles. They are all part of a wonderful team, never letting the action and fun flag.
Everybody knows the songs - don't they? They are tuneful, wistful, snappy and a great fit for their slots in the story's unfolding. An invisible orchestra creates a great rumpty-tum-tum sound, with lots of brass, to accompany them and set toes a-tapping. Noel McDonough directs with such meticulous attention to detail as to deprive one of even minor reservations. This is a lovely show for adults and children.
Runs into January; to book, phone 01-4544472/3
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