by Matt Smith . . .
“Annie, Annie, Annie / look at what you’ve done for us / Annie, Annie, Annie, turned up for the fun for us…”
There’s no question Andrea McArdle had “everything humming now” when she took to the stage the intimate (and freshly Tony-honored) Feinstein’s/54 Below, paying homage to that inimitable redhead in honor of the iconic 1977 musical’s aptly-titled 45th “Annie”-versary.
With Steve Marzullo at the piano, and a sprinkling of special guests at the ready, the OG orphan with the optimistic outlook, proudly marking her 50th year in show business, reminisces, reflects, and regales us with a plethora of stories and songs.
Bathed in a calming crimson light throughout (natch), McArdle bounces around the classic Charnin-Strouse catalogue, twisting and tweaking the selections just enough in their presentation to breathe fresh, new life into each of them, without sacrificing the melodies we all know, love, and, presumably, came for.
Highlights from the inspired set include a moving “Maybe” duet with her Annie successor Shelley Bruce, a deliciously devilish take on Hannigan’s “Little Girls,” a tender, gender-bent “Something Was Missing,” which helps to punctuate the poignant lyrics about finding fulfillment in life, and a “Smile” reunion for the ages, featuring original Duffy, Donna Graham, and complete with original choreo, kickline and all.
Of course, that one song – in which its singer eagerly looks toward a change in the weather – remains as it was originally orchestrated… and McArdle delivers it with aplomb.
But, while the evening features its fair share of Annie material, it’s, markedly, not exclusive to the score. McArdle indulges in showcasing her raw, real, and wonderful witty personality, as she takes on familiar tunes inspired by her time in the show, including a jaunty love letter to New York, a growly ode to the Broadway babies, and a passionate mashup of songs which reference “home,” which she – visibly affected – dubs her time on the Great Bright Way.
Proving the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – and the legacy lives on – Graham’s daughter, Bridgette, even makes an appearance; a musician in her own right, she triumphs with her take on a Celine Dion staple.
But, show specificity aside, the clincher that really makes the evening shine like the top of the Chrysler building is the “coffee klatch” dynamic that these three women have with each other… an unmatched, tight-knit sisterly bond that has not only been maintained for 45 years, but one – as evident by the way they interact with each other, tearing up as they sing, and clasping each other’s hands as they watch the offspring, and commenting on their newfound appreciation for their own mothers – that’s seemingly grown stronger as the years have gone on.
There’s a comfort between them all, as they gab about pranking Dorothy Loudon, palling around with Frank Sinatra (and using secret hand gestures to identify other celebs) and partying with their stage door bouncer at Studio 54. They’re lost in the memories – so much so that they forget they have an audience, literally – but we don’t mind, as we’re just as mesmerized in watching them together as they are in reliving these experiences. Because they’re comfortable, we’re comfortable. And all of us are better for it.
In the solo portion of the evening, McArdle comments on the grimy, gritty fabulousness that was New York City in the ‘70s, making the rounds on the chat show circuit singing “sh*t we didn’t know anything about,” – accompanied by a poignant slideshow of photos emphasizing her innocence throughout the duration of her experience – how her time on TV helped her shape the role of Annie, and, of course, her undying appreciation for the lasting legacy of both the role and the show itself.
Acknowledging that “when you’re a child in show business, the success you experience doesn’t necessarily transfer to when you’re an adult,” she’s personally grateful for those self-dubbed “lifers,” who’ve seen “the acne, the haircuts, and plenty of different roles,” and continue to offer support through the years.
As for the show at large? It’s female empowerment at its best. “Truly, not until Annie came around was there ever a posse of girls – let alone children – that were angry, and in your face,” standing up for what they believe and speaking out against what isn’t right – a theme that rings true, and is all too prevalent, at this very moment. She’s proud to have been part of the first female posse, inspiring and empowering women from the moment she stepped on that stage.
Given her granddaughter’s current obsession with that “T” song, and with the many incarnations of Annie that have emerged in the last 45 years, the most recent being the live presentation that aired on NBC just six months ago, it’s clear the orphan’s message, fueled by that fiery, familiar mantra, has had a lasting impact throughout the decades, and rightfully, still resonates today.
That’s the Annie legacy – and as long as there are little girls who boldly embrace their bright side, we know it’ll continue… strong and steadfast… tomorrow (wink wink) and beyond.
The 45th ANNIEversary, featuring Andrea McArdle & Friends, played Feinstein’s/54 Below (254 W. 54th Street) May 5-7th. For more information, visit www.54below.com.
Lead Photo by Kyle Froman
