The sun comes up, and with delight, in Berkeley Playhouse’s nicely timed production of “Annie.”
The enthusiastic cast does a great job telling the feel-good, Depression-era story of the red-haired orphan (of comic strip fame) who finds a new home with a benevolent billionaire.
Under director-choreographer Megan McGrath and music director-conductor Daniel Alley, the performers shine throughout the popular show, the 1977 Tony Award winner for Best Musical by Thomas Meehan (book), Charles Strouse (music) and Martin Charnin (lyrics).
All are particularly good singers. In the title role, Cara Impallomeni warbles the signature tune “Tomorrow” with clarity and spirit, getting the show off to a great start. Her companion Penny, a rescue pooch, is similarly impressive as Sandy, providing cute barking accompaniment and enjoying treats at a recent matinee.
Note: Exemplifying the plethora of talented youngsters in the area, this “Annie” boasts two youth casts. Cara is alternating with Emma Jilizian as Annie; the roles of her orphan friends and her dog Sandy are shared throughout the run, which continues through Dec. 21 in the 1910 Julia Morgan Theater.
Excellent dancers as well as crooners, the girls do a knockout job in their fun group numbers “It’s a Hard Knock Life” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.”
The adults also get into character: Sarah Bylsma is nicely duplicitous as the orphans’ mean matron Miss Hannigan, as are Liam Cody and Maia Campbell as her accomplices Rooster Hannigan and Lily St. Regis.
Returning to the part for the third time, Berkeley Playhouse veteran Melinda Meeng takes charge as Grace Farrell, secretary to the kindly Oliver Warbucks. And Brendan Simon stands out as Warbucks, the sensitive and sensible mogul who takes a shine to his 11-year-old holiday guest and uses all of his resources, including a presidential alliance (Milo Mee plays the affable Franklin Delano Roosevelt), to help her find her parents.
The energetic ensemble—as homeless folks in Hoovervilles, Warbucks’ capable mansion staff or the president’s cabinet—rounds out the appealing cast in this universally appealing show. Set during Christmastime in an era beset by social and political problems (not unlike today!), “Annie” remains a perfect holiday entertainment.
Berkeley Playhouse’s “Annie” continues through Dec. 21 at the Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley. Tickets are $23-$59 at berkeleyplayhouse.org.
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