When we were looking for a magnificent show to put together for 2021, it seemed that Annie would be a fabulous choice. Annie is a show that brings a smile to people’s faces. For a lot of people, there are memories from childhood and many of the songs are very well known.
Annie holds the message that optimism helps us overcome difficulties in our life and provides us with the belief things will only get better; we just have to hang on and trust that what we are experiencing is temporary and will change. In our current world, there has never been a more appropriate time for optimism and for always believing things will get better.
Annie is actually quite historically correct. The Great Depression’s impact on the American people meant many lost not only their jobs, but ended up homeless; living in shanty towns known as Hoovervilles. Many blamed President Hoover for their situation. When Annie met the Whitehouse politicians, the characters had the real names of Cabinet people – these politicians were instrumental in working with the new President Roosevelt in creating the New Deal – a political idea that was designed to improved employment opportunities to turn around the fortunes of those who had lost so much. It was Cabinet’s optimism and view to the future that provided optimism to the people. Annie ends with a fresh look at the future; the New Deal provides hope, just like Annie’s change in circumstance provides hope to the other orphans.
We started auditioning this show at the start of term 1. Over 130 girls auditioned. Rehearsals began at the start of term 2. We were very fortunate to only be slightly impacted by the lockdown at the end of term 2, and the students rose to the challenge by using videos and tracks to rehearse at home so that we did not get behind. We consider ourselves very fortunate that this was the only COVID interruption. We know that many other schools across Australia have had cancellations of their shows, some as close to two hours before curtain-up on their first show. The cast, crew and orchestra were reminded of this and performed for all those students across Australia who could not be onstage right now in the busiest time for high school musicals to be performed. We are very grateful that our show could be performed and, with the disappointment of our 2020 show being cancelled, we all were very appreciative and grateful for Annie going ahead and for being able to put on such a fantastic show.
Right from the start, we knew we had cast a strong and very talented team and they all worked very hard throughout the whole rehearsal process. The end result was a high energy show that demonstrated commitment and excellence.
We were fortunate to be able to cast Jamie Mercanti in the role of Warbucks, and his industry experience and mentorship of our students meant this show went to the next level. We thank Jamie very much for his expertise and talent in bringing Warbucks from a grumpy rich man to a man who realises money isn’t everything – love and family fulfils.
Annie was played by Year 12 ATAR Drama and Music student Ella Simpson. Ella seems born to play this role. She was appropriately sassy, yet also loveable, as Annie. Ella is a talented and hardworking person and there was a strong identification with Annie in her characterisation. We are very pleased that a senior student played the title role; Ella’s maturity and commitment provided a great example to all of our student cast.
This show had a lot of younger students in the cast, many of whom had never been in a Mercedes production. We now think the future of our productions is very secure – these talented younger students loved this experience and are all already talking about next year’s show.
We thank our 7 boys who were part of this show. The boys came from Trinity College, Ursula Frayne Catholic College and John Septimus Roe Anglican School. They ranged from year 8 to 12 and we loved every one of them. They are all great actors and singers. Special thanks to Anton Coomblas (now in year 9 at JSR) who came back to us after playing Boq in Wicked and who dazzled us again with not only his acting and singing, but also his tap dancing.
Two dogs added a sense of realism and emotion to this show. Thanks to Miss Armstrong’s dog Gilly who was the dog taken to the dog pound, and extra special thanks to the Cormack family for the loan of Lucy the Golden Retriever to play Sandy – the stray dog that Annie adopts as her own dog. Lucy is the most placid and lovely dog and she sat there patiently night after night while Annie sang Tomorrow. The dogs were a big hit backstage and both dogs got a lot of pats and love from the cast in the week we were at the Regal Theatre.
The choreography by Mrs Jessica Pesti took our orphans, homeless, NYC citizens and maids to heights we could only dream of. The energy and stylised movement of all the choreography really made this show and Mrs Pesti worked very hard with all of our students to achieve amazing dancing.
Of course, the costumes were always going to be phenomenal with one off-creations by Mrs Jo Driscoll. Everyone looked authentic and the costumes are still being talked about, well after the last curtain has gone down.
The music of this show is so well known, which made it both easy and hard for Mr Harry Oliff as Musical Director. Thank you Mr Oliff for another brilliant show, where the singing, the band and all the atmospheric music was so amazing. We had several students in our band this year, and they had a fantastic experience.
So, the cast of 80, the backstage crew of 18, the orchestra of 25 and the teachers involved now sign off and say thank you to all of you who came to see Annie and who supported us. We had full houses and this was so appreciated. We can’t wait to dazzle you again in 2022. The announcement of show will come soon!
