Brisbane Junior Theatre knocked it out of the park once again with their January production of 'Annie Jr.' I had the privilege of attending the final performance of the 'Tomorrow' Cast, and what a treat it was! As always, BJT’s casting structure ensures that each young performer has their moment to shine, with two alternating casts giving multiple kids the opportunity to take on leading roles while also supporting each other in the ensemble.
One standout performer who remained in his role across all performances was Oscar Fisher as Oliver Warbucks, and it’s easy to see why. He was a natural in the role, commanding the stage with confidence, boasting an accent that could convince a New Yorker, and delivering strong vocals, particularly in 'NYC'. His portrayal evolved wonderfully from the stern billionaire to a warm and caring father figure. His duet with Annie, 'I Don’t Need Anything But You', was absolutely heartwarming.
Speaking of Annie, Esther Valance was nothing short of phenomenal in the title role. Her vocal ability at such a young age was jaw-dropping, with incredible strength, control, and range. She carried many songs, but 'Tomorrow'—sung entirely solo—was a real showstopper. Beyond her voice, Esther truly embodied Annie’s optimism, warmth, and resilience. She even brought real tears to her emotional scenes, which had me misty-eyed right along with her.
Carla Barton was a force to be reckoned with as Miss Hannigan, a true master of comedic mayhem. She nailed the trifecta of hilarity: impeccable comedic timing, exaggerated exasperation, and a sleazy charm, making the character both hilarious and villainous. Her accent, movements, and delivery made even the lines I know by heart feel fresh. She commanded the stage with ease and showed absolutely no fear in her performance.
Alex Townsley was wonderfully sly as the scheming Rooster, while Neve Isles captured Lily's ditsy charm with flair. Together, they brought electric energy to Act 2, turning 'Easy Street' into a fun showstopper. Their dynamic with Carla Barton as Miss Hannigan was packed with witty banter that kept my eyes darting between them to catch all the hilarity. James Tweddell was a standout as Bert Healy, bursting onto the stage in Act 2 with incredible charisma, great vocals, and some seriously impressive tap-dancing skills. He was a ball of talent, energy, and attitude, proving himself to be a young star in the making.
Charlotte Westaway brought elegance and poise to Grace Farrell, balancing warmth with an authoritative presence. She carried herself with a refined grace that perfectly suited the role. Meanwhile, Henry Gow-Gates was an absolute delight as Drake, looking every bit the part in his dapper mini tuxedo. I particularly loved his comedic timing and playful character choices.
The orphan ensemble was a powerhouse of personality, attitude, and boundless energy, with over 20 little girls bringing the stage to life. The lead orphans were exceptionally well-cast for their roles. 'Hard Knock Life' was a high-impact opening number, featuring Jada Parsons' dynamic choreography, which made brilliant use of the space and levels. Other standout dance moments included the polished and playful staging of 'I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here' and the infectious joy of 'Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.' The orphans' harmonies in 'Maybe' were particularly touching, showcasing their impressive vocal ability and heartfelt delivery.
The set design was cleverly crafted, with large pieces that moved around unnoticed between scenes, never disrupting the momentum of the show. The costumes were equally well thought out, particularly the orphans’ layered, patched-up denim, which captured the scrappy, Depression-era aesthetic. Naturally, Annie’s iconic red dress and wig made their appearance, while the Warbucks Mansion staff looked impeccably polished. And, of course, no 'Annie' review would be complete without mentioning Saffie, the golden retriever playing Sandy, who earned rapturous applause simply for gracing the stage with her presence. Some things in theatre are just universal truths—dogs will always steal the show!
The audience was packed and incredibly supportive, with cheers and applause ringing out for every big moment. I was particularly loud from my spot in the second row—how could I not be when these kids were delivering such a fantastic performance? The professionalism, energy, and sheer talent on display made it hard to believe that this entire production was put together in just five days.
And the magic isn’t over yet! Many of the parents of these talented young performers are now taking the stage in the full adult production of 'Annie' by Brisbane Musical Theatre, running from Thursday, January 9th to Saturday, January 11th. If this junior version was anything to go by, the full-length production is bound to be incredible. Don’t miss out—tickets are available here
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