REVIEW: TCR's 'Annie' brings new deal for Christmas

By Diana Nollen

CEDAR RAPIDS - It just doesn't get much cuter, sweeter, more heartwarming or professionally polished than Theatre Cedar Rapids' production of “Annie.”

The tale of eternal optimism amid great strife opened to a full house Friday night at TCR Lindale, and already, the run has been extended, with additional performances at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12. Start dialing (319) 366-8591 or clicking links at www.theatrecr.org to see if you can capture a golden ticket.

It's that good.

I can't sing the praises loud enough for 12-year-old Michelle Lindhart of Williamsburg in the title role. She is Annie through and through, from her fleet little feet to her great big voice and auburn-tinted hair. She's spunky when she needs to be and charming without even trying. She melts the audience with the same gusto that melts the heart of blustery billionaire Oliver Warbucks.

Jonathan Swenson of Marion plays Warbucks to a T. He's gruff but not growly - just really focused on business, which is his life. By not being harsh, it's not such a leap to see him soften under Annie's influence.

This is a story known so well, based on a comic strip about a little orphan living in appalling conditions in New York City. It's 1933, the country is in the throes of the Great Depression, and Warbucks, about the only person still making money, decides to shine up his image by inviting an orphan to spend the holidays in his mansion. He's doing the child an enormous favor, but of course, she ends up doing the greatest favor by instilling hope and happiness not only in him, but right up the ladder to President Roosevelt.

Gene Whiteman of Cedar Rapids has played FDR in all three TCR productions, first staged in 1984 at the Paramount Theatre, then in 1990 at Theatre Cedar Rapids downtown, and now, at the troupe's temporary home by Lindale Mall, 4444 First Ave. NE. Whiteman always finds the right pitch for the president who's eager to pull the country out of its doldrums.

Who better to spread a little sunshine than a child who's seen dark days? In the capable hands of Annie and FDR's Cabinet, “Tomorrow” - the show's signature song - never sounds cliche.

The stage is filled with performances worthy of praise, from littlest orphan Molly (Alexa AbouAssaly) and all her compatriots living their “Hard Knock Life,” to Heather Akers as Warbucks' caring secretary and a chorus full of shining moments.

A special nod, however, goes to Jennifer Boettger, who lights up the stage every time she swaggers on as Miss Hannigan, the boozy, swoozy head of Annie's orphanage. She snarls her way through “Little Girls” with a bite that is every bit as bad as her bark. I have seen many productions of this show over the years, from professional to amateur stagings, and I've never seen anyone as good as Boettger in the role.

Equally up to the task are Ryan Foizey as Hannigan's shenanigans brother Rooster and Emily Nelson as his floozy girlfriend, Lily. When they knock on his sister's door begging for bucks, they end up scheming and dreaming up a deliciously oily slide down “Easy Street.” For bad guys, they're awfully good.

A final round of applause goes to Hinkel, a goldendoodle who makes a most proper and adorable stage debut as Annie's dog, Sandy. He kicks the aww factor up a few more notches.

Surrounding all the action is the splendid scenery designed by Bret Gothe, who shows how to make the most out of the theater's limited backstage space. The pocket doors approach worked smoothly to quickly transform cityscapes into Warbucks' mansion. All other production factors were excellent, as well, from the period costumes and the clever choreography to Damon Cole's always-stellar orchestra and the capable hands of director Casey Prince.

Bring on the standing ovations.

ARTS EXTRAInformation: www.theatrecr.org

What: “Annie,” family musical staged by Theatre Cedar Rapids

Where: TCR Lindale, 4444 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids

When: Through Dec. 6; 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday; added performances 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12

Tickets: $20 and $25 adults; $15 youths ages 5 through college; in advance at the Grant Wood House, 800 Second Ave. SE, (319) 366-8591 or www.theatrecr.org $12 rush tickets 30 minutes before curtain at the theater, if seats available

Thanksgiving special: Donate one package of size 4 and 5 diapers for Waypoint Services and get one free ticket to the Nov. 26 show. Tickets/donations must be exchanged no later than Nov. 24, in person only, at TCR's temporary box office, 800 Second Ave. SE.