Leapin’ Lizards!

Annie

Music Theater Works, under the fine Direction of Kyle Dougan-LeBlanc, assisted by Andrew Lund, is joyfully celebrating the holiday season with this lovable, tuneful, heart-warming family musical. It’s an appropriately spirited and Christmasy finale to the company’s 2025 season. And, Leapin’ Lizards! It’s hard to believe that this beloved musical classic, that’s become a part of theatre history, is now almost 50 years old! 

The original 1977 production features a clever book by Thomas Meehan, a lush musical score by Charles Strouse and witty lyrics by Martin Charnin. The production became much-loved,  multi-Tony Award-winning hit. Based upon the comic strip characters by Harold Gray, the original Broadway production ran for almost six years. Eventually the show spawned two revivals, several National and International Tours and countless professional, amateur and educational theatre productions. The popular musical was even adapted for film and television and hatched two sequels to the original show. The enduring love for this show, especially with little girls everywhere, continues to draw audiences almost five decades later.

The timeliness of ANNIE is not only reflected in its Christmastime setting. Depression Era America is the scene for the musical, and the economic and political climate feels all too familiar these days. And while the musical’s strong message of hope and optimism may seem schmaltzy to some theatergoers, only a Scrooge will sit through this moving musical without smiling, singing along, laughing out loud or even shedding a tear. 

Actually, for those familiar with ANNIE, Music Theater Works has breathed some new life into the 1977 version. Thomas Meehan’s original script has been fine-tuned. The orchestrations have also been refreshed, and have never sounded better, thanks to talented Music Director Michael McBride and Conductor Linda Madonia, and her gifted 16-member orchestra. (However, I didn’t think the addition of  new song for Oliver Warbucks added anything to the show, except to make it a little longer). Talented Mollyanne Nunn, whose work has been enjoyed in MTW’s PIPPIN and LEGALLY BLONDE, has beautifully Choreographed this production with her typical spunk, spirit and old-fashioned Musical Theatre moves.  

The production’s striking new Scenic vision, co-Designed by Jacqueline and Richard Penrod, looks deceptively simple, at first; but on closer examination, it’s richly textured and inventive.The sets are based upon the two-dimensional 1924 comic strip drawings by Harold Gray. Historical perspective is cleverly presented through a multitude of authentic period photos and film clip projections, which add so much to this production. The opening sequence, nicely synced with the overture, is especially delightful, providing the audience with a pictorial retrospective of time and place. The video additions help theatergoers understand the reality of the Great Depression, the Hoovervilles popping up around the country and how New York City looked in 1933. These creative embellishments make this production feel almost brand new.

The only technical trouble I had was with some of the Costumes Designed by Rachel M. Sypniewski. Typically, this artist’s work is stylish, colorful and period-perfect. But there were problems in some of the costumes in this production. Poor Grace Farrell’s wardrobe looked bland, unimpressive and her skirt length seemed too short for the 1930’s. But the ruffled red number she wore in the final scenes was totally out of character. Another confusing costume was Drake’s white uniform jacket, that featured a piece of black fabric that hung down front, like a tiny apron. I also wished that Annie had been costumed in some brighter colors when she was staying with Mr. Warbucks. Her opening outfit was adequately ragged, her new coat was stylish and attractive and Annie’s iconic red and white dress for the finale was perfect.   

Kyle Dougan-LeBlanc has cast his production with some superbly gifted actors. Every company member is a triple-threat sporting brilliant vocal and choreographic talent. Leading the company as Annie, Elin Joy Seiler does a fantastic job in the title role in this, her first appearance with Music Theater Works. However, perhaps due to her height, the young actress looks a little older than an 11-year-old character. But we soon forget this because Ms. Seiler is an experienced and gifted performer who can belt with ease. She also shows so much grace and ease in carrying this demanding role. I was especially impressed with the way she skillfully handled her stray dog, Sandy (played by Nosi on opening night and by Teddy at certain performances).

As Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, accomplished young actor Michael Metcalf magnificently portrays the bald, billionaire bachelor with grit, gumption and a toughness that melts as his fatherly fondness for optimistic young Annie blossoms. The two actors have great chemistry on stage that feels honest and real; and Mr. Melcalf is as adept at selling a song as he is with carrying a scene. Michael has impressed Music Theater Works’ audiences as both Lord Farquaad and King Arthur in Music Theater Works’ productions of SHREK  and CAMELOT. I look forward to seeing more of this accomplished actor.

And as Miss Hannigan, the depraved diva who runs the Manhattan orphanage, hilarious actor Sarah Smith is a much welcome newcomer to the Chicago talent pool. An extremely polished actor/singer/dancer, Ms. Smith has starred in National Tours of MAMMA MIA and CINDERELLA. She effortlessly sports a powerful voice that can be clearly heard and understood all the way up to the balcony. A skilled character actress who truly understands comic timing, knowing when less is more, Sarah  portrays this bad-tempered, booze-swilling, opportunistic harridan with ease. Bringing down the house in her musical monologue, “Little Girls,” Ms. Smith turns in a solid performance as the show’s villain. But it’s together with the excellent and agile David Geinosky, as her smarmy brother Rooster, and lovely Emily Holland, as his moll Lily St. Regis, that we really get to see her true colors.

Other standout performances are turned in by Callan Roberts, playing a number of roles, such as Bundles the Laundryman and radio celebrity, Burt Healy. Callan will be remembered for his very funny portrayal of Nathan Detroit in Music Theater Works’ production of GUYS AND DOLLS. As the “Lovely Boylan Sisters,” Jenny Couch, Kristin Brintnall  and Riley Dominiak bring happy harmony to “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.” Lovely Desiree Gonzalez does a fine job in the role of Grace Farrell, Mr. Warbucks’ faithful secretary who loves Annie from the very beginning. Audience favorite, Bob Sanders is delightful as President Franklin D. Roosevelt; and Peter Ruger makes a stalwart Drake, Warbucks’ faithful head butler.  

The large company of skilled singers and dancers who keep the show moving includes the vivacious Asia Posey, who takes the stage as the Star-to-Be in the rousing production number, “N.Y.C.” And the sorority of hyper talented little girls who endure the “Hard Knock Life,” and are Annie’s friends at the orphanage, include Audrey Bucholz (Molly), Brielle Horwitch (Pepper), Molly Dibble (Duffy), Lea Juat (Kate), Catharina Araujo (Tessie) and Larrah Lambo (July). They’re backed up by a Youth Ensemble comprised of Quinn Frances, Charlotte Keefer, Katie Romanski, Kylie Kaplan, Jojo Nabwangu and Rebecca Hutchinson.

There’s a lot to recommend in Music Theater Works’ heartfelt finale to their 2025 season. With each season this company grows in talent and creativity. Following a very bitter national election, and an economic landscape that makes the holiday season extremely difficult for so many, we can all use the positive message that comes from the musical’s hard-to-forget anthem to hope and optimism,“Tomorrow.” It’s Little Orphan Annie’s personal prescription for keeping your chin up when times are tough. This musical comedy is, after all, what Christmas spirit is all about. And Leapin’ Lizards! With the holidays just around the corner, this is an ANNIE that all of Chicago can cheer about.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented December 18-January 4 by Music Theater Works at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 N. Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the theater box office, or by going to www.MusicTheaterWorks.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.