Once again, ‘Annie’ wins us over

Once again, ‘Annie’ wins us over

Photo by Matthew Murphy Here are Annie and Daddy Warbucks during one of the musical’s brightest moments.   By AARON KRAUSE In the irresistible, new, non-equity national touring production of Annie, the orphans circle Miss Hannigan like vultures. Then, they unload garbage on her as though she were a dump....

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Maltz Jupiter Theatre triumphs with ‘Oliver!’

Jason Nuttle Photography Mr. Bumble (Troy J. Stanley) is astonished after Oliver Twist (Benjamin Pajak) asks for more gruel.   By AARON KRAUSE Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s current production of Lionel Bart’s beloved classic musical, Oliver!, is mostly a winner. The professional, nonprofit company has assembled a talented cast that includes...

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Area Stage’s immersive ‘Annie’ shines

Area Stage’s immersive ‘Annie’ shines

Photo by Giancarlo Rodaz The orphans look up to Annie in Area Stage Company’s immersive production   By AARON KRAUSE Young, visionary director Giancarlo Rodaz’s winning approach in Area Stage Company’s (ASC) current unorthodox, yet triumphant production of the classic musical Annie features eight actors playing all roles. That compares to a...

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Area Stage’s ‘Annie’ will be fresh, director says.

Area Stage’s ‘Annie’ will be fresh, director says.

Giancarlo Rodaz     By AARON KRAUSE For its next professional production, South Miami’s Area Stage Company (ASC) promises the musical Annie “like you’ve never seen before.” Still, ASC Associate Artistic Director Giancarlo Rodaz, who is mounting the production, said the award-winning, nonprofit professional company will present the classic next...

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A sunny ‘Annie’ at The Wick

A sunny ‘Annie’ at The Wick

  Photo by Amy Pasqantonio Sandy leaps up to his new best friend, Annie (Peyton Ella) in The Wick Theatre’s wonderful production of the beloved musical. By AARON KRAUSE BOCA RATON, Fla. — A director mounting an evergreen such as Annie doesn’t have to dig deep to unearth modern relevance. After all,...

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A darker Oliver! is still tuneful, hopeful, compelling at Goodspeed Opera House

A darker Oliver! is still tuneful, hopeful, compelling at Goodspeed Opera House

  Photo by Diane Sobolewski The Artful Dodger (Gavin Swartz) takes Oliver (Elijah Rayman) under his wing in Goodspeed Musicals’ production of Lionel Bart’s Oliver!   By AARON KRAUSE EAST HADDAM, Conn. — Goodspeed Musicals’ impressive production of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! isn’t shrouded in darkness and dismay. But, make no mistake: This...

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