Standing ovation for Scarborough Music Theatre's Annie

Standing ovation for Scarborough Music Theatre's Annie. Devin Cecchetto plays the title roll in Scarborough Music Theatre's production of Annie. Photo/RAPH NOGAL

Although Annie, by Thomas Meehan, with music and lyrics by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, is a story many of us already know, it's one of those shows that, if cast and staged right, will always entertain and put smiles on people's faces.

This group got it right and boasted talented performers, an amazing orchestra and great direction. Despite minimal set and props, the visuals created by the costumes and the dance numbers were more than enough.

For those who don't know the story, it centres around Annie (Devin Cecchetto), an 11 year old, red-headed orphan who wants parents of her own. She lives in an orphanage with seven other girls and their mean-spirited caregiver, Miss Hannigan (Zandee Toovey).

Life is hard for these orphans, Duffy (Roslyn Addison-Rudat), July (Emma Helm), Tessie (Justine Tooth) whose days are spent scrubbing floors and eating hot mush, as shown in the signature number, It's a Hard Knock Life.

Annie is the mother-type in the group, putting saucy Pepper (Sydney Addison-Rudat) in her place, comforting the littlest, Molly (Mia VanWyck-Smart) and reassuring the others, Kate (Shyla Davenport) and Becky (Stephanie Gnandt) that one day it will all be better by singing them another signature song, Tomorrow.

In the meantime, Annie's life takes a lucky turn when she is chosen by Grace, (Andrea VanSlyke) the assistant to New York's billionaire Oliver Warbucks (James R. Woods), to stay with them for Christmas. From here, everyone's lives are happily changed forever.

Two key things have to be present in a production of Annie for it to be good: the orphans and the relationship between Warbucks and Annie. It was two for two in this show and the latter provided one of the sweetest moments in the show, the duet between Annie and Daddy Warbucks, I Don't Need Anything But You.

Wood's did a fantastic job as Warbucks and it was lovely to watch his transformation from a hard businessman into a softie all because of a little girl. Cecchetto was perfectly cast as Annie. She has personality, a beautiful voice and a natural presence on stage.

The orphans captured the hearts of this audience and their energy and professionalism was impressive. These kids danced well above their ages and their talent was truly showcased in the number, You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.

This show was full of likeable characters, like Grace and Mrs. Pugh (Lynette Fairweather) and the rest of Warbuck's staff, and those you loved to loathe, like Miss Hannigan, her brother Rooster (John Palmieri) and his girlfriend, Lily (Patty Sullivan).

Up to no good, this trio made bad look good and as they tried to scheme their way into money. They provided much of the comedy and one of the greatest, and funniest, numbers of this show, Easy Street.

Set in the Great Depression, the reality of that time was well-portrayed into the story. We meet a group of street people who showed us the plight of the many poor people of that time and even the president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (Jerry Chadwick), makes an appearance.

This show has something for everyone and is great for kids and adults alike. It's a feel-good story about being optimistic during the most dismal of situations, just desserts and finding happiness in unexpected ways.

Annie runs until Nov. 20, 8 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on Nov. 14 and 20, Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Rd.

Tickets are $25 and $21 for students and seniors on Thursday and matinees only. For tickets call 416-267-9292 or visit www.theatrescarborough.com