On World Theater Day 2024, the sun came out after gloom and drear earlier in the week, and a brilliant cast brought smiles to the faces of those enjoying Annie in TPAC’s Jackson Hall.
The timeless tale of the radiant redhead, Annie traces her feelgood story from the “hard knock life” of an orphanage to the lap of luxury and the family she’s always wanted. From comic strips to a Broadway musical to a hit film to live broadcast productions, the story has inspired and entertained for decades. But for all the merits of the printed page and polished films, there’s nothing like seeing it all in person, and this weekend provides just that chance here in Nashville. With an outstanding orchestra, superb staging, a stellar cast, and a satisfying story, the show is a delight for all ages.
Native Middle Tennessean Julia Nicole Hunter plays the aptly named Grace Ferrell with exceptional elegance and grace, while Christopher Swan adeptly glides between the boorishness and benevolence of Oliver Warbucks. The sleazy, unscrupulous, yet sometimes seemingly suave Rooster Hannigan and Lily St. Regis are played to a tee by Jeffrey T. Kelly and Samantha Stevens, respectively. Stefanie Londino, meanwhile, depicts the harsh and hapless Miss Hannigan with strong vocals and comical force. I just love a good understudy appearance, and Tony Mowatt’s appearance as FDR was a treat. The opening night audience even got to see a canine understudy as Kevin took on the mantle of the loyal dog Sandy.
For all the brilliance on display, it’s the kids who bring so much heart and soul to the show. Rainier (Rainey) Treviño takes on the title role with stunning singing and likability, while Jade Smith (as Molly), Avery Hope (as Pepper), Ariana Guller (as Duffy), Savannah Austin (as July), and Addie Jaymes (as Kate) each add humor, wit, and adorableness. And “Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness!” I’ve seen a lot of adorable youth actors, but Kylie Noelle Patterson might just be the most adorable as Tessie.
As might be expected, “It’s the Hard Knock Life” is rife with cuteness, cleverness, and choreography, and the first act’s “Tomorrow” is beaming with hope and spunk. Of all the wonderful numbers, I was especially enamored with the reprise of “Tomorrow” in the second act when Annie mingles with the powerful elite to help design a plan with potential to raise up all of the downtrodden of society just as she had been. What happens between a billionaire, a president and his cabinet, and a little orphan girl with a gargantuan heart is a beautiful moment set against the backdrop of the 48-star iteration of Old Glory.
On a weekend when many celebrate life and hope and resurrection amidst the longer hours of daylight, Annie brings a hopeful, playful effervescence to an already bright and blooming time of year. And there’s really nothing like enjoying a comedic, heartfelt show in an audience with little ones peppered throughout it. Despite it being a school night, plenty of parents (ourselves included) gave permission for their progeny to stay up a bit past bedtime to take in this theatrical classic, and I’m sure they’re glad they did so.
With the recent time change and the changing of the times here in the Nashville area, it’s easy to be optimistic when the weather is warming and the arts scene is facilitating the development of lifelong theatergoers. If you pay attention to TPAC’s season lineups (and given the fact that you’re reading this, it’s highly likely that you do), you’ll have noticed that each season brings with it at least one prime opportunity to bring along the kids or grandkids to a show. While they might not appear on the list of donors in the back of the show’s program, bringing the younger generation to the theater is where the stars of tomorrow begin to dream, where the tinkling giggles from the audience originate, and where the next generation will improve, revive, and create the legacy of our love of theater as it’s passed along to them.
Witnessing TPAC bringing one of theater’s most beloved shows to delight all ages is just one sign that, amidst the unstoppable explosion of growth going on around us, the quiet, consistent growth of a love of theater among the children here is happening in our midst. It truly makes me proud of the vision of the arts in our city and the tomorrow that awaits it.
I think I’m gonna like it here.
Annie will be in Nashville until March 30 in TPAC’s Jackson Hall. For tickets and more information, click here.
Next up in TPAC’s Broadway season: Disney’s Frozen (May 7-18). Tickets and more info here. Take a look at the rest of TPAC’s 23-24 season here.
The 24-25 Broadway at TPAC season has been announced! See what’s headed to Nashville and purchase season tickets here.
The Frenetic Peripatetic 