Annie - SMITHTOWN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | 11.23.25

Smithtown Performing Arts Center is currently producing the hit musical "Annie" from November 22nd to December 28th. I went into this production not completely sure I needed to see another Annie – I've seen it countless times over the years and just saw it recently in another Long Island production – but I am so happy to say that SPAC's production made me smile for completely different reasons and I thoroughly enjoyed myself! Before getting into the cast and how wonderful they are (I saw the IVY cast) I must acknowledge Director/Choreographer Kevin Burns for his vision on this one. It is an extremely welcome and bold move to cast a POC as Annie and I was absolutely thrilled to see it. Being quite obviously black myself, even at my age I never thought I would see this and to have the experience on Long Island warmed my heart…and the applause from the audience told me that they didn't mind it or that her talent overrode their objections and quite frankly, either way I find that *very* pleasing and I had to bring attention to it. I have always been impressed with Burns' creativity and overall ability to execute, but his vision for each production he works on is shining brighter than ever. You've got enormous praise and gratitude from this corner, my friend!

Now, into the show.

This is one of the most talented group of kids I've seen! Let's start with Annie, our title character fantastically played by Briahna Gribben. Wow! This girl steps on stage and you can't take your eyes off her – her energy could be felt all the way up in the balcony and her stage presence was superb. She moved around the stage with such confidence and was delightful to watch! Her vocals were put to the test early in the show with "Maybe" and the wildly popular "Tomorrow" and she knocked it out of the park! The rest of the girls were wonderfully cast as well. As a group, their vocals were bright and loud – absolutely no half stepping here – and you can tell there is genuine camaraderie among them. I have to include a very special shout-out to Molly (Reese Rotella) who was cute as a button! I dare you not to smile when she steps forward. The rest of the orphans were played by Jillian Wagner (Pepper), Zoe Jordan (Duffy), Madeline Deaner (July), Willow Newman (Tessie), and Reagan Furnell (Kate).

Annie & The Orphans.

Thankfully, the talent didn't end with the kiddos! Andrew Lenahan returns to the Smithtown stage as Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks and was a real treat. This was easily one of my favorite roles from him! He was funny when he needed to be and endearing during his scenes with Annie. I always find myself on the fence in terms of how likable Warbucks is (unpopular opinion, I know…but he's generally a snooze and its really Annie I root for) but Lenahan drew me in. I'd say that's quite a feat in a show like Annie where you’ve got opinions formed on arrival. Kudos to him for changing my mind! Playing opposite him was Marilyn Parada in the role of Grace Farrell. Simply beautiful. Her gorgeous vocals soared over "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here" and her portrayal of the character was done with pure grace.

Yes. Pun fully intended…and enjoyed, I might add.

Andrew Lenahan, Briahna Gribben, Marilyn Parada.

Playing musical theater's favorite antagonist was Katy Trunz, in the role of Miss Hannigan. This deserves another WOW! Trunz presented a more polished Hannigan than I am used to, which was a nice change while also delivering some of the most perfect vocals for the character as well. I promise you have not heard "Little Girls" sung the way she did it and I loved.every.minute. I wish there was a recording so I could revisit it! Truly outstanding. Michael Shapiro and Julie Stewart play Rooster and Lily and were great fun too. Shapiro has always been highly regarded as a strong dancer and his attention to detail with the choreography in "Easy Street" did not go unnoticed; you don't often see that with Rooster, and it was nice to see. Matthew Surico returns to the Smithtown stage as well in the role of Bert Healy while also doubling in the ensemble and I cannot say enough good things about him. Yes, of course his rendition of "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile" will having you smiling and humming the tune on your way out, but his ensemble work is something *else* to pay attention to. His facial expressions and energy with group choreography is F-U-N to watch and makes what should be background moments wildly enjoyable. Keep an eye on him! Rounding out the adults is Michael Sherwood as Roosevelt (who has a memorable part in Act 2's "Tomorrow Reprise") and Dan Schindlar as Drake, but I have to give another special shout out to Will Brennan as Bundles, whose presence brightens every stage!

Katy Trunz, Michael Shapiro, Julie Stewart.

I mentioned Kevin Burns casting at the beginning here, but his direction and choreography is noteworthy as well. I loved the attention given to developing each character and producing a version of this show that was unique and intentional. I continue to be increasingly impressed with his work and am excited to see what's coming next! His usual creative partner-in-crime Samantha Free is on the team as Musical Director and executes to precision, doing what she does best – the ensemble sounded amazing, and I certainly give her some of the credit for the perfect sounding orphans.

This was a solid production of Annie and I would encourage everyone to check it out! It is running until December 28th and tickets can easily be purchased via their website at smithtownpac.org.

Cast:

Annie - Briahna Gribben

Molly - Reese Rotella

Pepper - Jillian Wagner

Duffy - Zoe Jordan

July - Madeline Deaner

Tessie - Willow Newman

Grace Farrell - Marilyn Parada

Kate - Reagan Furnell

Miss Hannigan - KAty Trunz

Rooster - Michael Shapiro

Lily - Julie Stewart

Bert Healy/Ensemble - Matthew Surico

Roosevelt/Ensemble - Michael Sherwood

Warbucks - Andrew Lenahan

Bundles/Ensemble - Will Brennan

Drake/Ensemble - Dan Schindlar

Swing/Orphan Captain - Lily McCullough

Sandy - Toby Trunz

Ensemble - Alison Crosley, Yolanda Penfield, Carliana Biasi, Molly Sanges, Jacob Lesko, Paul Schiller, Julia Durfee, Kayla Stallone

Creative Team:

Director/Choreographer - Kevin Burns

Music Director - Samantha Free

Production Stage Manager - Dorothy Haszinger

Stage Manager - Abigail Jackowski