The scene in the lobby of the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on the morning of Saturday, January 31 was precious, with an air of excitement that was contagious.
Little girls, all dressed up with bows in their hair, were holding hands and giggling, while the boys looked a bit bored, resigned to having to spend a perfectly good Saturday morning watching their sisters sing and dance (thank goodness a few of them remembered to bring their Game Boys). While everyone waited to take their seats in the theatre, moms and dads (many holding bouquets of flowers) walked around greeting friends and family. Grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins packed the lobby … we were there to see Ovations Dance Repertory Company in conjunction with The Patchogue Theatre For The Performing Arts present “Annie, jr.”
I had never heard of “Annie, jr.” before. “Annie”, sure; but “Annie, jr.”? Nope. It was explained to me that in order to obtain the rights to perform this show, the roles could not be played by professionals – all cast members had to be under eighteen years of age. Also, this production was one and a half hours, not two hours. Same story and music as “Annie”, but performed by youngsters; hence the name, “Annie, jr.”
As I got settled in my seat I watched the crowd and reminisced to myself about the countless shows I attended when my nieces and nephews were growing up. They’re in their twenties and thirties now, but I’ll never forget the nervous excitement I always felt before the curtain went up and they appeared on stage. Those are good memories, very good memories.
The opening number, “Maybe” was sung so sweetly by Annie (Hayley Mistler) and the Orphans, and the second song, “Hard Knock Life” was expertly choreographed and performed. I thought the littlest Orphans were beyond adorable as they danced and scampered around the stage, singing their little hearts out.
When Miss Hannigan (Rebecca Walter) appeared on stage to sing her first number “Little Girls”, I had to remind myself she was a student, not a professional actress. What a voice, what stage presence, what excellent casting – this young woman was the quintessential Miss Hannigan. If Rebecca has her sites set for Broadway or Lincoln Center, I’ll buy a ticket.
When the curtain went up for Act 2, I was taken by surprise when Rooster and Lily (Chris Loeschner and GinaMarie DeCavallas) burst onto the stage. Again, I had to remind myself that I was not watching a ‘professional’ performance, these were kids! Chris and GinaMarie ‘nailed’ their characters – a Slick Talker and a Dumb Blonde, they were classic! Their speaking voices and moves were reminiscent of characters portrayed in 1930’s and 40’s gangster movies: a sleazy, wiry con man and his gum chewing, squeaky-voiced babe. Their rendition, with Miss Hannigan, of “Easy Street” was outstanding!
I enjoyed every single minute of this production; the performers in the Company excelled and entertained everyone!
Orlando Peña, Artistic Director and owner of Ovations Dance Academy (www.ovationsdance.com) founded this exceptional non-profit children’s organization in order to provide young, dedicated dancers an opportunity to develop and showcase their talents. Their Mission Statement says it all: We Build Poise, Character, Self-Esteem, Discipline, and Life Long Memories.
A parting note, Ovations Dance Repertory Company is once again performing Broadway on Long Island IV, a Benefit Performance. Orlando's friends, with Broadway credits, will join Ovations Dancers to perform at The Patchogue Theatre ForThe Performing Arts on April 13th at 7 p.m. For ticket information, please contact www.patchoguetheatre.com or the box office at 631/207-1313.
The scene in the lobby of the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts