By Ande Jacobson

The long time Broadway favorite, Annie, is coming to the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts 14-22 November 2015. Peninsula Youth Theatre (PYT) is mounting a spectacle that should bring smiles to Annie fans young and old with its upbeat score, lively singing and dancing, and heart-warming story. Follow the adventures of the spunky orphan Annie who wins the heart of a billionaire and changes not only her life, but also the lives of everyone she meets for the better (well, except for the villains).

The show has a lush Broadway history that started in 1977. After its initial almost-six-year run, it not only toured the U.S. multiple times, it also delighted audiences overseas. School theatre programs and community groups eagerly awaited the show, and once it became generally available, the number of productions soared. Annie has also enjoyed numerous revivals, and multiple feature films. In short, Annie is both well-known and very popular.

The staff for this production includes: Roberta Inscho-Cox (Director); Meg Fischer Venuti (Vocal Director); Marcie Shapiro (Choreographer); Nick Kenrick (Orchestral Director); Andrea Bechert (Set Designer); Steven B. Mannshardt (Lighting Designer); Caela Fujii (Costume Designer); and Tracey Bobrowicz, Mike Cobb, and Michelle Rusch (Producers).

Favorite songs from the production include “Tomorrow”, “Maybe”, “A New Deal for Christmas”, “It’s a Hard Knock Life”, “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile”, and many more. PYT’s production features two casts that are ready to wow you.

Maestro Kenrick’s orchestra is slightly reduced from the original instrumentation, but it will still provide the extra excitement you can only get from live music wafting up from the pit. Yes, I’m playing this one, so there will be no A Good Reed Review review. Ranging from the rousing honky-tonk strains of the “Overture” to the sweet accompaniment of “Something Was Missing”, the orchestra will do its utmost to help make the kids on stage shine.

Please join PYT this November, and usher in the holiday season with Annie.

What: Annie

Where: Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA.

When: 14-22 November 2015, see: Annie at PYT for more information.

Additional references:

Annie (DVD, 2015)
Annie (Special Anniversary Edition DVD)
Annie (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
Annie (Piano/Vocal Selections)