DANBURY - Under the direction of Brad Blake, Musicals at Richter is presenting a sweet, charming, and entertaining rendition of Thomas Meehan, Martin Charnin, and Charles Strouse's Annie for its second summer offering.

The production features a cast of orphaned girls played by Lilly Calipa, Lara Cruzado, Abigail Rivas, Amelie Simard, Cadence Siriani, Sophie O'Hara, Emma Lubbers, Ciara Cuneo, Ainsley Dahlstrom, Ella Zamek, and Samantha Treppeda, who portrays the namesake of the show.

These young actors are, to a one, fabulous. They dance, sing, whine, complain, and make mischief together as though they have all been friends forever. Amelie Simard made the audience laugh with each "oh my goodness" she cried. They all romp and play as they work and toil. They are simply all adorable.

The energetic orphans are under the not-so-watchful eye of the still single Miss Hannigan (played by Priscilla Squires). Ms Squires takes this role and runs with it. She is very funny in her character's desperation and disappointment while she sings at full throttle.

Taken in by billionaire bachelor Oliver Warbucks (played by Walter Cramer), Annie becomes a target for deception while she steals the heart of her benefactor.

Miss Treppeda is a spunky, sassy Annie with a heart of gold. Mr Cramer's vocal skills are rich and abundant. He is gentle and effective as his character learns about love. Playing his trusty and efficient assistant Grace, Claire Simard is lovely.

Miss Hannigan's brother with a criminal past and present, Rooster, is played with a huge helping of schtick by Robert Bria. He and his "lady," Lily St Regis (Lisa Dahlstrom) are solid entertainment.

FDR makes an appearance by way of Michael Wright, who has captured the sound and image of the New Deal President to a tee, and quite a bit of laughter.

Costume Designer Lauren Nicole Sherwood is to be congratulated. The costumes are spectacular, colorful, festive, era appropriate, and well-constructed. They make an impression as they elevate the production value, in particular the black and white attire in the NYC number. There is a not-to-be-missed performance by Emily Walsh in this same song. She is listed as "Star to Be" in the program, and it is fitting.

Brad Blake works miracles and Annie under the stars is evidence. His constant dedication and contribution to theater is impressive and inspiring.

If "You Are Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile," spend an evening with the orphans and cast of Annie under the stars at Richter. They will put a smile on your face that will complete any and all attire!

Staged on the grounds of Richter Art Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road in Danbury, performances continue outdoors and under the stars Friday through Sunday evenings at 8 pm through August 11. There is also a specially discounted performance scheduled for Thursday, August 9.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students (with ID), and $15 for children 10 and under. For the Thursday performance, tickets are $20, $15, and $10, respectively. Group rates for all shows are available with advance reservation.

Tickets may be purchased by calling 203-748-6873, by visiting musicalsatrichter.org, or at the door.Grounds open at 7 for picnicking, with curtain at 8 pm. Guests are invited to bring chairs and blankets for lawn seating; a limited number of chairs are available free of charge by the concessions at the park. A soft drink/snack concession is also on site.

[naviga:img class="aligncenter wp-image-332814" src="https://newtownbee.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Annie-at-Richter-finale.jpg" alt="Annie at Richter -- finale" width="800" height="366" /]

Under the direction of Brad Blake, Musicals at Richter is presenting a sweet, charming, and entertaining rendition of  Annie for its second summer offering.

-David Henningsen photos

[naviga:img class="aligncenter wp-image-332813" src="https://newtownbee.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Annie-at-Richter-Treppeda-Rivas.jpg" alt="Annie at Richter -- Treppeda & Rivas" width="600" height="844" /]

Annie (Samantha Noel Treppeda of Poughquag, N.Y.) consoles a fellow orphan (Abigail Rivas of Newtown) in a moment from Annie, currently being staged at Musicals at Richter in Danbury. Newtown Bee Theater Reviewer Elizabeth Young says the entire cast is outstanding in the musical.

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