Review: Annie

Review: Annie | Town Hall Arts Center | Littleton, CO | Curtain Up! | Eric Fitzgerald

There may be flashier titles on the theatrical horizon, but few musicals arrive with a brighter, steadier beam of optimism than Annie—and at Town Hall Arts Center in Littleton, that glow feels surprisingly restorative. Under the confident direction of Kris Graves, with Donna Kolpan Debreceni guiding the production’s musical core and Carrie Colton shaping the choreography, this staging emphasizes the show’s enduring themes of resilience and renewal, offering an evening that reminds audiences why this little redhead continues to matter. And you also can’t go wrong with a stage full of wide‑eyed little girls—led by Meika’s earnest, big‑voiced Annie—and a scene‑stealing dog named Cooper Mays, who brings just the right amount of delightful spark to Sandy, the dog.

With the book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Martin Charnin, Annie remains one of the most instantly recognizable titles in the musical theatre landscape. From the ever‑familiar “Tomorrow” to the punchy “Hard Knock Life” and the bustling, full‑throttle energy of “N.Y.C.,” the score delivers hit after hit.

Set in Depression-era New York, Annie follows the relentless Annie (Meika) as she escapes the clutches of the often drunk and scheming Miss Hannigan (Arabella Beaubrun) and finds an unexpected home with billionaire Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks (David W. Kincannon, II). With Grace Farrell (Carolyn Lohr) smoothing the way and Miss Hannigan’s partners-in-crime, Rooster Hannigan (Jerod Mose) and Lily St. Regis (Taylor Baker)— plotting their own get-rich scheme, Annie’s search for her parents becomes intertwined with Warbucks’ growing affection for her—and the possibility of a family neither of them expected.

Meika exhibits a remarkable level of poise and professionalism toward Annie, stemming from an extensive list of credits that surpass her years, making her debut at Town Hall Arts Center feel like a natural progression. Already known to many Colorado audiences for her powerful national anthem performances at major sporting events and cherished local traditions like the Stock Show and Cheyenne Frontier Days, she brings the same confidence and clarity to her performance, grounding the production with heart. Beaubrun, a performer born in New York with an impressive resume, adds a sharp, authentic edge to Miss Hannigan. Meanwhile, Kincannon delivers a commendable portrayal of Daddy Warbucks, with his clean-shaven dome, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the role.

A particularly impressive trio of actors injects a jolt of electricity into the production, with Mose’s slick-haired, scheming Rooster and Baker’s delightfully vapid Lily St. Regis leading the charge. Their showstopping rendition of “Easy Street,” performed alongside Miss Hannigan, erupts into a swaggering burst of comic bravado, complete with sharp kicks, exaggerated struts, and sly shoulder rolls that all but seize the spotlight. Threaded through all the mischief is Lohr as the ever-nice Grace Farrell, whose clear, luminous vocals and steady presence guide the story from beginning to end.

No production of Annie would be complete without a spirited roster of young performers, and this one boasts a lively group of orphans brought to life by Andrea Rojas, Clara, Ella, Lane, Macaelle, Sofie, and Vivian. Their collective energy, crisp timing, and unfiltered enthusiasm give the show much of its heartbeat, filling the stage with the kind of scrappy charm audiences come hoping to see.

The ensemble injects real energy into the production, shifting smoothly from the gritty residents of Hooverville to the elegant staff in Daddy Warbucks’ mansion. Among them, Colorado and Town Hall newcomer Aaron Pardini stands out, delivering sharply defined character work and impressive dance skills as the ever-vigilant policeman and in other roles. His multiple appearances add depth and momentum each time he steps onstage.

Kris Graves’ direction makes full use of the entire auditorium—aisles included—drawing the audience directly into Annie’s world and giving the production a welcome sense of movement and immediacy. Although the show slowly eases into its rhythm at first, it quickly gathers speed and finds its footing with confidence. As audiences have come to expect from Town Hall productions, the musical leadership of Donna Kolpan Debreceni, supported by assistant Caleb Wenger, ensures a rich vocal blend and crisp musicality throughout, complemented by Carrie Colton’s expressive choreography, which adds color and character to every scene.

Scenic designer M Curtis Grittner provides a flexible, visually engaging backdrop that keeps the story moving fluidly from scene to scene. At the same time, Emily A. Maddox’s lighting design adds warmth, contrast, and just the proper dramatic emphasis at key moments. Sound designer Curt Behm ensures a clean, balanced mix throughout, allowing both dialogue and musical numbers to land with clarity and impact.

Under Kris Graves’ pleasing direction and anchored by Meika’s poised, heartfelt turn as Annie, this production captures the enduring warmth and spirit that have kept Annie beloved for generations.

Annie continues at Town Hall Arts Center through December 28, offering audiences a welcome dose of cheer and optimism as the year winds down.

Information and tickets: https://townhallartscenter.org/event/annie/