Annie’s other famous song Tomorrow, which she launches into on top of Roosevelt’s desk in the Oval Office – as they’re being gloomy about the stock market downturn and the prospect of war – strained the fantasy somewhat, although Annie, played by little Lydia Tunstall, had a fine voice which found every single note.
David McAlistair’s imposing presence and strong voice as Warbucks saw him steal every scene he was in.
The production set a whip-cracking pace. But the denouement, where Annie’s birth certificate, produced by Rooster Hannigan, is discovered to be a forgery, fell rather flat.
It was a long production – some 2½ hours – and it was a shame there wasn’t a stronger sense of drama, despite the breathtaking sets and lively dancing.
But the feel-good formula still proved irresistible to the Empire audience.
The sugary plot could easily have proved too sickly but was helped by some sharp performances – and, weirdly, political aptness.
