By Kimberly Harper
The character of Annie Warbucks is iconic. Older generations may remember the plucky yellow-eyed girl from the comic strip, those born closer to the Millennium probably recall the 80s film version starring Carol Burnett, and then there’s the modern movie adaptation which pulls Annie from the Depression and plunks her into the foster care system of modern NYC. There are many other adaptations as well, and, of course, there’s the musical. Just about anyone can probably give you some passing familiarity with Annie. Red hair. “Tomorrow.” Orphans and little girls and the hard-knock life.
But Brian Mulvey of Warwick, who is taking the helm as director of The Community Players’ fall musical this year, says there’s a lot from the musical that people forget, things that take the narrative well past a child’s story.
“I like Annie a lot,” Mulvey, whose recent directing credits with The Community Players include “Deathtrap” and “Sweeney Todd.” “If you’ve never seen the stage show you’re in for some surprises.”
For instance, Mulvey said, there are lots of political through-lines in the story, including the collapsing pre-War economy of 1933. Oliver Warbucks, a self-made billionaire Republican, takes in an orphan for two weeks at Christmas as a PR move while people riot in tent cities on the streets outside. He often goes toe-to-toe with President Roosevelt, his commentary rife with disparaging remarks about Democrats.
“FDR is a major character in Act 2,” Mulvey noted. “A lot of people forget that.” While the poor of the nation are struggling to find their next meal, orphan Annie is looking to find her real parents, who left her in the care of the (drunken) orphanage manager Miss Hannigan many years ago. The two stories collide when she winds up in Warbucks’ home and – in a bit of theatrical magic – inspires FDR to create his now-famous New Deal.
“There are numbers like Hooverville, in particular, that talk about politics. And the Cabinet scene. They aren’t all in the movie but it says a lot about the times that this story takes place in. And really what it’s about is optimism in hard times. And I like that theme too. Pessimism doesn’t get you much of anywhere.”
If Mulvey is fond of the show and optimistic about its run – and a smooth tech rehearsal on Sunday suggests he has every reason to be – he was less sure about auditions, he said. Casting kids can be tough. Putting together an ensemble that has to work as hard as the one in “Annie” must is also difficult. But he needn’t have worried.
“Kids came from all over, with resumes, and head shots, and experience,” he said. “The auditions blew me away. It’s seven kids…and I got seven great kids.” Most of the orphans are 11 years old, including East Providence’s Olivia Dufresne, who was cast in the title role.
“She’s great. She’s a good actress, she’s got a great voice and absolutely the right attitude,” Mulvey continued. “She has absolutely no ego, you give her a direction, you see it the next day.”
Several familiar faces grace the stage as the adult leads in the show. Eve Marie Webster, with amazing comic timing, takes on the role of Hannigan. Michael Thurber returns to fill the role of Oliver Warbucks and Lia McAlpine plays Grace Farrell. It’s a talented group to be sure, but Mulvey was quick to point out this show is definitely not all about title roles.
“It’s an ensemble show,” he enthused. “They shine. It’s going to be a great looking show. Well worth the price of admission to be sure. If you think it’s just for kids, it’s not. Absolutely not.”
“Annie” opens this Friday at Jenks Auditorium, across from McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket. Tickets are $23 for adults and $18 for students and may be obtained online at www.thecommunityplayers.net or by calling 401.726.6860.
