This verion of AGYG (I believe it's the third) cuts out what is possibly the most impressive company number, "I'm an Indian, Too", and adds another song, "An Old Fashioned Wedding" which, although written by Irving Berlin in the 1966 revival, is not a particularly great number. Likewise the song "I'll Share it with You" - was that in the original show? I do not believe that it was. It is perhaps interesting to know that originally the show was to be written by Dorothy Fields with music by Jerome Kern, who died before beginning the project. The producers, Rodgers and Hammerstein, then approached Irving Berlin who finally agreed. It opened in New York in 1946 starring Ethel Merman and ran for a staggering 1147 performances. The show opened in London in 1947 at the Coliseum where it ran for 1304 performances and starred Dolores Gray.
Marie-Louise Williams made a terrific Annie. Her acting/accent was just right, and her singing was wonderful. She kept in character throughout and was a delight to watch and listen to ... She was very well supported by the children, Florence Claringbold (Jessie), Hugo Pettitt (Little Jake) and Felicity Tysoe (Nellie). These three were excellent, keeping well in character, singing well and were a delight to watch ... Jevan Morris was suitably pompous as Frank Butler and his acting was fine ...
Jonathan Pettit was very good as Charlie Davenport, fussing around, arranging the tours etc. and coping with Dolly Tate, an amusing performance by Nicola Wallbank. Chris Kane's (Buffalo Bill) costume was fabulous, and the flowing wig was great. His acting was fine, although I would have liked a little more volume in his singing. Craig Turpie made a very impressive Chief Sitting Bull. His booming voice carried great conviction and he delivered his dialogue extremely well, keeping in character throughout.
The two young lovers, Winnie Tate and Tommy Keeler, Anna-Louise Statt and Stuart Riley, worked well together ... Their numbers together and their dance routines were good. Bill Northover trebled up as Foster Wilson, Pawnee Bill and part of the trio that accompanied Annie in "Moonshine Lullaby".
Other named parts were as follows : Jim Davis Mac the prop man; Chris Cuming Running Deer; Craig Coverman Eagle Feather; David Rees Sleeping Car Porter & Messenger; Louise Tysoe Mrs. Sylvia Potter-Porter; Catherine Minns Mrs. Schuyler Adams; Keith Hook Watier and Phil Charlesworth Dining Car Porter.
Mike Monk directed a good, lively show with some good dance routines choreographed by Sharon Bassingthwaite ... Stage/Production Manager James McCann and his crew made certain all ran smoothly. There was no problem with the lighting, Iain Maclean, or sound, Roger Knight and Chris Full. Jo Taylor was responsible for the props. As Wardrobe Mistress, Marguerite Ray and her assistants saw that the costumes were correct. The program, designed by Nadia Carter, was very informative and well laid out.
I must thank Maurice Ray (and Rita) for looking after us during the interval. Thank you too, Tony Austin for inviting us.