Review of Annie at the Indiana University Auditorium

Everyone loves Little Orphan Annie because of her colorful personality and appearance, her perseverance, and her kindness. And to think, her character is portrayed as a mere 11-year-old girl making it in a tough world. The popular Broadway musical-comedy smash known as "Annie" hit the stage at Indiana University Auditorium on October 9-10 and proved to be a hit!

The story of Annie follows a little girl in her struggle to find her parents. Growing up in a shabby orphanage in the middle of New York City, 11-year-old Annie showed a mental toughness that some adults don't even have. Annie's free-spirited attitude is one that I'm sure stole peoples' hearts amongst the Auditorium audience. Annie, on the whole, was contagious and by that I mean everyone caught a little of Annie that night whether they liked it or not.

The stand-out performance of the night was none other than the part of Annie played by Amanda Balon. Hard to believe this fine actress is only 10 years old and it is worth noting she has been performing since the age of two. Balon has been acting for eight years already including such shows as: "Annie", "Christmas Carol", "Grinch", "Sound of Music", "Gypsy", "Mary Poppins", and "Cats Jr.". Impressive resume for someone who is just a kid, way to go! Balon has also won the Broadway Trophy for "Best Child Star in a Musical" and also was crowned "Champion Performer of the World" in Hollywood. Hat's off to this child actress who gave a BIG performance and in the end looks like a bright future for Little Orphan Annie aka Amanda Balon.

The next two performers of the night would have to be the roles of Oliver Warbucks played by David Barton and Miss Hannigan played by Lynn Andrews. Oliver Warbucks showed his crude, business-man side in the beginning, but in the end it wasn't his river of money that stole his heart, it was little Annie. Money-hungry and gritty Oliver Warbucks with the deep voice literally becomes Daddy Warbucks the big softy, thanks to Annie. Job well-done by David Barton and it is worth noting that Barton was a Theatre Arts Teacher for 25 years. He was finally able to pursue his dream of acting professionally on stage, so I would say a congratulations is in order. Next, we saw Miss Hannigan's character as a drunken, down on her luck woman. She runs the orphanage and is portrayed as someone who didn't like the cards that she was dealt in life and takes it out on the orphans. Andrews put in a great performance on October 9, showing her comical side as well to the IU Auditorium audience. Andrews has also been a part of the following shows: "Chicago", "Romeo and Juliet" and "Happy Sunshine Kung Fu Flower".

Other note-worthy performances of the night would be the Orphans, Grace Farrell played by Abby Stevens and Rooster Hannigan played by J. Michael Zygo. There were a lot of great performances on this night and some to not be forgotten. Speaking of that, can't forget Annie's true sidekick throughout the musical, the dog known as Sandy. This very-well behaved canine acted correctly and on cue with each scene and may I add got a lot of "Awwwwwws" from the audience. Not a bad night for an actor that is happy with just a doggie treat for a show well done. Way to go Sandy!

Can't end this without mentioning the unforgettable songs "Tomorrow" and "It's the Hard-Knock Life", which not only hit a chord to the audience that night but has hit a chord with American culture. These songs are as American as you can get and that's why it has been a staple for years throughout the U S of A. The actors and actresses, young and old, really brought this feeling to life at IU Auditorium.

The show ended and received a tremendous and well-deserved applause. That wasn't enough, so people felt the need to stand and give these fine actors/actresses and dog a standing applause. "Annie" was nothing short of a smash hit in Bloomington, Indiana and you can bet your bottom dollar on that. For more information on the show or Indiana University Auditorium, go to www.IUauditorium.