The Kelly Critics is a joint program of the Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh CLO in which students of high schools entered in this year's Gene Kelly Awards review other school's musicals, supervised by Post-Gazette senior theater critic, Christopher Rawson.

Music and Moxie: Managing the Malaise of Modern Times

These days everyone lives the hard knock life. Depression's got us down, worry keeps us up, society casts us to the side. With all this commotion, it's a wonder we're all so immobile. As each day becomes more grey and lonely, we put down our heads and fret and say: "Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I wish you would go away!"

Maybe it's the times, maybe it's the schools, but somewhere we forget. We forget ambition. We forget to dream. We forget optimism. We forget ... Annie. A plucky little foundling with a can-do attitude that taught us to live. No. Taught us to thrive. As we watch our American Nightmare unfold, we forget the essence of the dream -- to enjoy the life we have, knowing it is getting better all the time.

Saturday, instead of gallivanting around town or seeing one of the masterpieces of special effects on the silver screen, I spent the evening with a friend at West Mifflin High School's "Annie" (March 6-7), in an auditorium full of strangers, all intently focused on the dismal sets of an orphanage, an impoverished New York City, and a mansion on Easy Street. For two hours, we were immersed in the era of the Great Depression, removed from the petty hassles of our lives and encouraged to reevaluate our positions and attitudes.

The time and place were skillfully portrayed through the carefully chosen piecemeal sets, which smoothly swooped together and disassembled like coalescing and swirling cream on the top of a latte. The student-designed costumes and make-up not only were true to the period, but also added comical nuance to the characters. The villain Rooster wore a sanguine zoot suit, and the orphans donned their Sunday best of pastel maids' uniforms.

Each number and transition was flawlessly accompanied by the lavish student orchestra, whose playing strongly supported and moved the scenes, without over powering the voices. The choreography added to the subtle interpretation of each character as well as incorporating the set pieces and props. An ensemble cast adeptly performed in the background of nearly every number, providing smooth harmonies and adding to the ambience of the show by producing a greater feeling of the number and anonymity of all those affected by hardship, thereby enhancing the importance of Annie's attitude towards life.

The entire production was skillfully acted by a charismatic and engaging cast. The palpable chemistry between Annie (Nina Danchenko) and Daddy Warbucks (Nick Ruffing) added a believable charm to their relationship. Warbucks easily transitioned from business tycoon to warm-hearted family man through subtle changes in levels of participation in song and dance numbers and pliancy in dealing with his young charge. Annie demonstrated her unconquerable optimism through her exuberance in song as well as by utilizing positive body language and varied vocal tones.

The most enthralling performance was by Suzanne Amoroso as Miss Hannigan, always keeping in mind her motivation and displaying her desperation, making this villain almost worthy of our sympathy. She masterfully performed the song "Little Girls," demonstrating extreme vocal ability as she transitioned between agitation, sultry lust, and mocking sweetness. Her nuanced body language and affected attitude gave the performance all the elements necessary for an unforgettable interpretation.

The supporting cast of Rooster (Ryan Baker), Grace (Ashley Darr), Franklin Roosevelt (Joe Cenname), and the use of a live dog as Sandy provided the production with unique characters.

For some of us, the Great White Way is as far as Easy Street. A high school show may not have budget or acclaim, but it definitely can have heart. In these times, the simple escape of live theatre invites us to see life from a different perspective. Here, it's that of someone on the lowest platform of society, in the most difficult period in history, who ascends far above us all through an optimistic outlook. If you are not familiar with the story or need a friendly reminder, this performance was worth your bottom dollar.

Shannon Hussey is a student at Baldwin High School.

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