A hard-knock life
Cresson Lake Playhouse gears up for ‘Annie’ sequelBy Jimmy Mincin, jmincin@altoonamirror.com
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Fact Box
If you go
What: "Annie Warbucks"
Where: Cresson Lake Playhouse, 279 Shapiro Road, Loretto
When: 8 p.m. July 30-Aug. 1, 2 p.m. Aug. 2, 8 p.m. Aug. 4-8, 2 p.m. Aug. 9, 8 p.m. Aug. 11-15
Admission: Tickets are $17 for adults and $10 for children younger than 12
More information: Call 472-4333, send e-mail to CressonLakePlayhouse@verizon.net or visit www.CressonLake.com
The world's favorite orphan is back.
Cresson Lake Playhouse is set to present "Annie Warbucks," the long-awaited sequel to the theater's 2004 production of "Annie."
"Sometimes sequels wind up being not as good as the originals," said Elaine Mastalski, executive director at the playhouse. "But this one is every bit as well done as ('Annie'). I was at a rehearsal last night, and I can tell you, it's very heartening to see a cast so united. ... It promises to be an outstanding show."
The storyline continues right where "Annie" left off, Mastalski said, when Child Welfare Commissioner Harriet Doyle arrives on the scene to inform the wealthy Daddy Warbucks he must marry in 60 days so that the newly adopted Annie can have a proper mother. In the end, Daddy Warbucks' whirlwind search for a fitting bride uncovers not only a plot by Doyle and her daughter to strip him of his fortune, but he also realizes his true feelings for his loyal secretary, Grace Ferrell.
"A lot of people adore 'Annie Warbucks'," Mastalski said. "It's definitely a great opportunity for parents of young children to expose their kids to the theater."
Cory Jones, 23, of Altoona helms the show, marking his directorial debut at CLP.
"It's the first show I've directed that my dad (P&J Productions' co-founder Will Jones) hasn't written," Jones said. "It's been very cool. The things my dad has written, I've pretty much known right from the (play's) conception. So, to read a script for the first time and have to come up with a vision for it was definitely a challenge - and a whole lot of fun."
In 2008, Cory Jones co-directed P&J's 2008 production of "Jack" with his dad and helmed "Sherwood" himself.
O'Harrow, 31, of Altoona, whose past music directing credits include CLP's 2004 production of "Annie," 2005 production of "My Favorite Year" and 2007 production of "The Secret Garden," is enjoying his dual role as Daddy Warbucks and music director.
"As music director, it's easy for me to switch back and forth ... to focus on notes and volume," he said. "We just kind of hit the ground running, and it made for a comfortable situation. Most of the people in the show I've worked with before, and I'm finding them an absolute joy to work with."
He said the music is nostalgic and upbeat.
"It's very similar to the original 'Annie'," he said. "It's kind of your standard Broadway flair. It's set in the 1930s, so we've tried to keep the style of the music old-fashioned - like classic Broadway."
Twelve-year-old Carley Ingold from Cresson plays the title role. Her past acting credits include parts in Altoona Community Theatre's 2009 production of "The Sound of Music," CLP's "Annie" (as the orphan Molly) and "The Secret Garden."
"This is so exciting," Ingold said. "I've never been in a lead role before, so this is very cool."
She described her character as "spunky and outgoing," adding "she's not afraid to say what she thinks - she's very outspoken.
"I can relate to her a little bit," she said. "In the show, her daddy's getting married, and she's afraid of what might happen if the woman doesn't love him. I think I'd feel the same way if I was in that position."
She admitted her excitement is tempered by a slight case of nerves.
Jones and O'Harrow just hope to bring a smile to people's faces.
"We're not really trying to change the world with this great moral message. I just want people to have 2 1/2 hours of laughing and enjoying," Jones said.
"This is just as exciting as the original 'Annie'," O'Harrow said. "The story is silly but intelligent - and very well-written. ... I'd just tell people to expect a full night of great entertainment."
Mirror Staff Writer Jimmy Mincin is at 946-7460.
