PicksInSix Gold Review: Annie - Drury Lane Theatre
Adorable ‘Annie’ Warms The Holiday Heart!
PicksInSix® Gold Review | Ed Tracy
All we really need to kick in the holidays is a rambunctious orphan with an immensely cheerful outlook and we can easily change the world. And look no further than Drury Lane Theatre’s splendiferous new production of “Annie” now playing in Oakbrook, proof positive that remarkable things come in small packages named Emerson Mae Chan, a sweet, kind and thoroughly engaging Annie in a wonderful show that will grab your heart and never let go.
The ageless musical—book by Thomas Meehan, lyrics by Martin Charnin and the iconic music of Charles Strouse—could not be in better hands than director Scott Weinstein who has gathered one of the most seasoned casts you will see on any stage in Chicago right now. In addition to the charming Chan and her wonder dog Sandy (actually Georgie, a seasoned veteran of Annie fame trained by the great William Berloni), this cast is stacked to the rafters with Chicago talent and a terrific gang of kids at the orphanage.
For starters, Kelly Felthous’s portrayal of Miss Hannigan, the depraved, hard-drinking, bully matron of the orphanage, is hilarious. Felthous has natural comedic instincts and brings both a physical and emotional depth to Hannigan that really pays off. Joined here by the multi-talented duo of Jackson Evans (Rooster Hannigan) and Amanda Walker (Lily St. Regis), the trio score big in “Easy Street,” showing their true colors and setting the wheels in motion for the get rich quick storyline.
On the side of goodness and light, managing the affairs of Oliver Warbucks—played with gusto by the brilliant Anand Nagraj—is the lovely and captivating Allison Sill in one of her finest stage roles yet as Grace Farrell. Farrell is the connecting tissue of the story, brokering with Hannigan for Annie’s holiday and release, guiding Warbucks to accept Annie as his ward and, all the while, containing the pent up desire to build a family of her own. Nagraf’s Warbucks is just the kind of billionaire we need more of these days and we truly want to root for these three to see what an amazing life they can have together, in spite of the heartache along the way.
The terrific ensemble covers a cavalcade of roles and all have featured stints that deserve mention. Standouts include funnyman Ed Kross, he of subtle glances and understated physical comedy, as the servant Drake; Teah Kiang Mirabelli and the other Boylan sisters (Rochelle Smith and Shelbi Voss), among others; and the ever-present Ron E. Rains as the debonair FDR fashioning with Chan’s Annie one of the most enduring moments of the show.
Music director Julia Schade brings out amazing performances of the Charnin/Strouse score complimented by the big band sounds of the Drury Lane Orchestra under the direction of Christopher Sargent.
The stunning scenic design by Tijana Bjelajac transforms effortlessly from the dark and foreboding orphanage and street scenes to the sweeping elegance of the Warbucks manor. Mara Blumenfeld’s richly-fashioned costumes perfectly evoke the early 30s era. With Jose Santiago’s lighting and the holiday touches of green and gold for Christmas eve, “Annie” becomes a stunning series of artful tableaus.
With so much talent and a touching message for the whole family, Drury Lane’s “Annie” will be the heartwarming holiday hit of the season.
PHOTO | Justin Barbin
Drury Lane Theatre
presents
Annie
100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL
through January 10, 2027
WEBSITE
TICKETS
For more reviews, visit: Theatre In Chicago
PicksInSix® is a registered trademark of Roxbury Road Creative, LLC