Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE -The original Broadway production of "Annie" was not afraid to show the harsh realities of the time period it is set in, the 1930s, nor the attitudes of the decade in which it was produced, the 1970s. Later Hollywood versions of "Annie" shied away from the mean streets of depression-era New York City in favor of clowns, balloons and orphans with bright, smiling faces.

As John McCaslin-Doyle brings "Annie" to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Heartland Festival, the director strives to remain faithful to the original, more-powerful 1970s musical.

"When I saw the original production, it spoke to that time," McCaslin-Doyle said.

The director remembers gasoline shortages, a presidential resignation, Cold War threats and a decade-long war that led to the cynicism that plagued the 1970s. With high summer gas prices, mounting terrorist threats, controversies surrounding the current president and an ongoing war in Iraq, the timing of "Annie" seemed appropriate.

"After 9/11, I felt it was time to look again at 'Annie.' We've evolved into a time period that seems closer to the '70s," McCaslin-Doyle said.

Though things may seem bleak, tomorrow is another day. That is the theme of "Annie," and it's one even more pronounced given the dire circumstances the orphans find themselves in. Annie shows that even one person can make a difference.

"It is hopeful, and hope is symbolized by someone of the next generation," McCaslin-Doyle said. "There's not a whole lot of discussion going on about that right now. This play talks a whole lot about the future."

A mix of professional and local actors and actresses of all ages have come to the Heartland Festival to act in "Annie." In the titular role is a young local actress from Lancaster, Bethany White. Sixty area girls auditioned to play the lead role of Orphan Annie.

"Bethany has got a wonderful voice," McCaslin-Doyle said. "She's got a confidence with her voice that is beyond her years, and she takes to dance like a fish in water."

In the role of the millionaire Daddy Warbucks, the scrooge-like millionaire who Annie helps to change, is actor Mark Brouwer. Coming to the Heartland Festival from Indiana, Brouwer has performed with the Columbian Players at Saint Joseph's College, the Memorial Opera House at Valparaiso, Ind., and the Shawnee Summer Theatre at Bloomfield, Ind.

"I wanted Mark for the role the moment I saw him. He's a big man with a big heart in real life, and he brings that to the stage," McCaslin-Doyle said. "When you see him, such a big man, holding the hand of a little girl, it's a different Daddy Warbucks than I've ever seen."

Actress Marcella Rose Sciotto has performed all around the country, and, in addition to playing Rhetta Cup in the other Heartland Festival musical, "Pump Boys and Dinettes," she portrays Grace Farrell in "Annie." McCaslin-Doyle called her a "triple threat" that can sing, act and dance phenomenally.

Audience members may recognize the actress who plays Miss Hannigan. In her third summer of performing in the Heartland Festival, Marcy Russell teaches vocal music and drama in the Platteville School District. McCaslin-Doyle said the festival offers local actors a chance to perform alongside professional actors and learn from them, and the benefits are reciprocal.

"It's also a great opportunity for the professional actors to act with some real people," McCaslin-Doyle said, noting the local actors include farmers and schoolteachers, and everything in between. "A lot of theater is about community, and we have that here."

And a top-notch choreographer is on board to teach the actors their dance steps. Joey Stone comes to the Heartland Festival from Louisville, Ky., and has worked with such notable artists as Frank Wildhorn, Jeff Calhoun and Ben Vereen.

While Hollywood versions of "Annie" have in some cases removed several of the best songs, those tunes have been restored for the Heartland Festival performance. The number "N.Y.C." remains a fitting tribute to New York City in the post Sept. 11 age. Other songs include "It's a Hard Knock Life," "You Won't Be an Orphan for Long" and, of course, the signature tune "Tomorrow."

"Annie" is set to debut at the CFA's Brodbeck Concert Hall July 1, and will continue with evening performances at 8 p.m. and matinee performances at 2 p.m. on selected dates through July 25. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for UWP students and for those under the age of 18.