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Annie delights both old and young

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If there was ever a play that has endured the test of time and loved by generation after generation, it’s “Annie.” Somehow, the story set in 1933 during the Great Depression and centered on a little orphan girl whose life is changed after a chance meeting with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, continues to endure. 

Maybe it’s Annie’s never-ending positive attitude in the face of adversity, America’s love for the underdog, or our desire to be rich. Whatever the reason, Americans love “Annie,” and that love was evident during a recent performance at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre. Open to ages 3 and up, “Annie” kept everyone in the audience entertained — even the little ones for the duration of the two-act show.

Claire Kauffman, a student at Zionsville Middle School, portrayed a convincing Annie. The 12-year-old sang effortlessly and hit the right notes on iconic numbers “Tomorrow” and “Maybe.” Kauffman isn’t new to the Beef and Boards stage or “Annie.” She played the title role in her middle school production in the spring, and she was a member of one of the children’s choirs in Beef and Board’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” during the 2017 season.

While our hearts want Annie to win, we can’t help but get a kick out of her nemesis, Miss Hannigan, the mean-spirited, lonely woman who runs the orphanage where Annie lives. Kelly Teal Goyette does an outstanding job giving the audience just enough mean and plenty of humor so the we still enjoy the character.

The laughs continue when Hannigan, her brother Rooster (Jeff Stockberger) and Lily St. Regis (Deb Wims) concoct a get-rich-quick-scheme that unravels before it can even begin, ending any hopes of living on “Easy Street.” As Oliver Warbucks, Ty Stover embodies the stuffy, no-nonsense businessman who has a heart of gold. This production is actually Stover’s fourth consecutive time portraying Warbucks at Beef and Boards.

It’s also interesting to note “Annie’s” political undertones given today’s climate. Daddy Warbucks joked about FDR’s political affiliation, both Warbucks and FDR displayed confidence in the FBI’s investigative abilities and the homeless people Annie stumbles upon are potential recipients of FDR’s New Deal programs.

Beef and Boards offers matinees as well as evening performances through the week and on the weekend. A buffet meal is served for an hour and concludes a half hour before the show begins. 

Contact Editor Oseye Boyd at 317-762-7850. Follow her on Twitter @oseye_boyd

 

What: “Annie”

When: Now through July 15

Where: Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 N. Michigan Road

Cost: Tickets range from $44-$69; tickets for children ages 3-15 receive a $10 discount.

Info: For show times, call the box office at 317-872-9664 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, or visit beefandboards.com

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