Annie, as played by Maddie Brashier, and Sandy the dog, as portrayed by Emma the dog.
Photo by Mike O’NealThe song that opens with the line, “The sun’ll come out, tomorrow!” will ring out in Ringgold this weekend when Closed Door Entertainment brings the musical “Annie” to the stage at The Colonnade.
This Tony award-winning show that ran for nearly six years on Broadway is set for a limited engagement including matinees for school groups at The Colonnade.
“I’m blessed to be able to do shows I’ve always wanted to do and ‘Annie’ is one of my favorites,” producer/director JC Smith said.
“Leapin’ lizards!” as its title character would say, this is no stripped-down, Cliffs Notes version of a play based on the long-running comic strip “Little Orphan Annie.” This local production involves a cast of 30 and plus a live pit orchestra to perform this award-winning musical’s score that includes such songs as “Tomorrow,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” and “It’s the Hard-Knock Life.”
“The main thing to expect is a professional grade production at a community theater price – this is not your typical theater group,” Smith said.
Nor is the performance space something that must do double duty as a conference room, cafeteria or gymnasium – it is purpose built.
IF YOU GOWhat: “Annie” the musical about a Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents. Abandoned on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage run by the cruel and hard-drinking Miss Hannigan, Annie is a perpetual optimist. After a series of adventures, Annie finds a new home and family with billionaire industrialist Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks.When: October 15, 16, 22, and 23 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on October 23 at 1 p.m.Where: The Colonnade, at the Benton Place Campus on Battlefield Parkway between Three Notch and Pine Grove roads.Something extra: Interpretations for the deaf will be provided during the evening performance on the 16th.Costs: Ticket prices for this musical are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 55+ and children. tickets are $11 each for groups of 15 or more.For more information call the box office at (706) 935-9000, ext. 101, or visit here.
The Colonnade’s 537-seat theater is similar to the main stage at Chattanooga Theatre Centre’s complex near Coolidge Park.
The theater was designed by a sound engineer and performers will be using wireless microphones during the performance. There are no obstructed sight lines. A 17-line flyloft allows sets to be raised or lowered as needed and features computerized theatrical lighting.
All in all, the hall at the Benton Place Campus in Ringgold is a wonderful facility for actors and their audience, according to Smith, who formed Closed Door Entertainment in 2006.
“We started at Barking Legs (a theater on Dodds Avenue in Chattanooga), migrated to The Colonnade in 2008 and never left,” he said. “We have repeat patrons, but are always happy to see new faces.”
Three troupes of actors currently call The Colonnade home and there is a steady schedule of performances, Smith said. Shows range from mystery dinner theater shows to Broadway favorites and from full blown musicals – like last year’s “White Christmas” with a cast of 44 – to two-man productions.
“Annie” features Maddie Brashier in the title role, with Susan Clark as Miss Hannigan, and Andrew Boone as “Daddy” Warbucks. The roles of Grace Farrell, Rooster and Lilly will be played by BinnyBeth Gadd, Josh Harrell and Kim Knight.