Sun and Stars Come Out in Theatre Bristol’s ‘Annie’

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Yes, the sun will come out tomorrow.
But on Tuesday night at Theatre Bristol, the sun shined in the voice and talents of Alexandra Eleas.
The 12-year-old from Bluff City, Tenn., won the title role for Theatre Bristol’s “Annie” from among about 100 actors who auditioned for the coveted part.
“Alexandra is a pro,” said David Alford, director of “Annie.” “She has a natural instinct.”
“Annie” opens Theatre Bristol’s 44th season on Aug. 7 and runs through Aug. 15 at the Paramount Center for the Arts in Bristol, Tenn.
The cast of 35 includes Annie Robinette as the harsh Miss Hannigan and Mike Musick as billionaire with a heart Daddy Warbucks.
Set in New York City during the Christmas season of 1933 and amid the Great Depression, the play could just as easily have been written for today.
“What appeals to me about this play is that it kind of parallels the times we’re in now,” Musick said.
Such times beg for rays of optimism. No brighter example within “Annie” exists than in 11-year-old Annie.
“I think the message of ‘Annie’ is hope and optimism,” Musick said, “and Annie is the focal point.”
Given up for adoption as a baby by her parents, Annie lives as an orphan under the distinctly heavy thumb of Miss Hannigan.
“She’s an unhappy, child-loathing lush,” Robinette said of the character that she so convincingly plays. “She’s a villain. She humiliates the kids. She’s bad.”
Yet despite such dire circumstances, Annie maintains a hopeful outlook.
“She has this great optimistic attitude,” Eleas said of the character she so adorably portrays. “She is a great influence on people.”
Indeed.
So on Tuesday night the cast and crew of “Annie” gathered on stage at the Paramount for a full rehearsal. Tight. The singing, the acting – the actors performed with vigor and precision as if before a packed house audience.
“Annie is one of those rolls that if I can play it, then I can play lots of other roles,” Eleas said. “There are a lot of lines, but it’s challenging and so rewarding.”
Challenging though it may have proven, Eleas, who first appeared in “Annie” five years ago in another role, performed the part of Annie as if it was written just for her.
“She’s good,” Robinette said of her young counterpart. “Excellent voice. She is a 12-year-old pro.”
One listen to the exuberant Eleas, particularly when singing the play’s theme song, “Tomorrow,” and her singing talent emerged like a rainbow in the dark. She sings with the voice of an angel.
“I told her five years ago that the next time she would play Annie,” Musick said. “You could see it in her. Great singer. Great actor.”
Eleas has company in those regards among her fellow actors in “Annie.” From boom-voiced Chris McVey as a police officer to Michael Thomas Griffith as Miss Hannigan’s equally evil brother, the cast qualifies as outstanding.
Then there’s the play itself.
“It’s an emotional, melodramatic and passionate play. It’s palpable,” Alford said. “You haven’t seen ‘Annie’ unless you’ve seen it live.”

TOM NETHERLAND is a freelance writer. He can be reached at .

IF YOU GO
What: “Annie”
When: Aug. 7-8, 14-15 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 9 at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Paramount Center for the Arts, 518 State St., Bristol, Tenn.
Admission: $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, $8 for children under age 12
Info: (423) 968-4977 or (423) 274-8920
Web: http://www.theatrebristol.org

CAST
Annie – Alexandra Eleas
Daddy Warbucks – Mike Musick
Miss Hannigan – Annie Robinette
Rooster – Michael Thomas Griffith
Lily St. Regis – Kaitlin Dodi
Grace Ferrell – Randa Blackley

CREW
Director – David Alford
Music Director – Brian Hodge
Choreographer – Brandon Bentley
Stage Manager – Sarah McCall
n Costumer – Candy Wheat

TOM NETHERLAND is a freelance writer. He can be reached at .