Acting Up Performs Annie Jr

Acting Up, a local non-profit young performer's theater group has just finished an outstanding live show of Annie Jr.©® at the Mason High School Theater. I took my five year old to the 2pm show today (3/15) and it was fantastic. You know it is good when it can keep a 5 year old entertained for the entire show. The singing, acting, choreography and costumes were terrific. The sets were fantastic. Leah Hall played Annie and she really deserves a big round of applause - she had charisma and warmth that shined throughout her performance plus she had a great voice and she's only 11 years old. Wow! The orphans that opened the show were a delight to see especially Illana Frankel who played Molly. Miss Hanigan (Kirsten Johnson) was fun to watch especially in the scenes with her scoundrel brother, Rooster, (Case Korstanje) and the bubbly yet dastardly, Lily (Brittany Glancy).

This show was so much fun and it kept the audience entertained throughout. Of course, I have to mention the great performances by Oliver Warbucks (Tom Schickel) and his loyal assistant, Grace Farrell (Alyssa Newman). They really added some depth and pizzazz to this terrific cast. The entire cast was able to interject humor, grace and charisma into a well-known show so even if you've seen Annie before, it was as if you were seeing it for the very first time.

I was also very impressed with the performers. After the show, they patiently signed the playbills (which were beautifully designed by Bonnie Collins) for any of the kids waiting in the lobby. They were all so gracious and it made my daughter feel very special to have her playbill signed. Acting Up should be very proud after this weekend. I highly recommend seeing their future shows - look for Disney's High School Musical next.

For more information on Acting up and other local arts, go to www.masonmetu.com - Greater Cincinnati's one-stop site for family fun!http://www.masonmetu.comLocal youth performances were outstanding

Annie Jr.©® is based on "Little Orphan Annie" by Permission of The Tribune Media Services, Inc.
http://www.masonmetu.com