Drake was hilarious and wonderfully scathing. His characterisation was excellent, and the haughtiness really shone through. He definitely had the audience laughing. The ensemble has to be praised for their meticulous delivery of the choreography, movement, and vocals. They enhanced the show throughout, never on stage without a reason, and really shone as a cohesive cast. The 16-piece orchestra, led by musical director Paul Lawton, added richness to the production. While their performance is undeniably skilled, there were moments when the music slightly overpowered the actors' dialogue. A bit more balance would have allowed the actors to shine in those quieter moments. The simple set design, which largely relied on props to indicate scene changes, worked effectively, keeping the focus on the performers. Costumes were right for the period, reflecting the 1930s era while adding colour and vibrancy to each character. Credit to Janet Newcombe and Annabelle Reyes for their hard work in the costume department. The uniforms of the Warbucks’ staff were eye-catching and accurate and really stood out. Tracy Harper's choreography was nothing short of fantastic. The ensemble danced with precision and energy, bringing life to each musical number. Harper's ability to keep the entire cast in sync, particularly in large group numbers, is impressive. And how she got all the youngsters to deliver everything so beautifully, I’ll never know! Under the direction of Michael McCaw, the pace of the show was tight, and the emotional beats landed just right. The combination of strong performances, engaging choreography, and solid direction made this production of Annie a joy to watch, despite minor technical imbalances with the orchestra. All in all, this was a delightful evening at The Plaza, offering a fresh and vibrant take on a classic musical. Many thanks to the Drama Dept. for their hospitality, and I look forward to seeing what they do next.
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