'Annie' offers delightful twist to holiday entertainment

"ANNIE," Pioneer Theatre Company, through Dec. 23, Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre (801-581-6961); running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (one intermission)

As the opening notes of the "Annie" overture are played — one lone horn playing "the sun'll come out, tomorrow" — you may find yourself transported back 20 or 30 years to the first time you became acquainted with the little orphan.

A precocious 11 year old, with unending optimism on a quest to find her real parents became a cornerstone for most — even those who never read the comic strip.

Pioneer Theatre Company just opened the frothy holiday offering, perfect for families.

One important note for those who are not familiar with the musical: it is different from the movie version. There are a few different tunes, a bit more politics and no Punjab.

But Miss Hannigan still sings about little girls, Rooster wants on Easy Street and the orphans still have a hard-knock life.

It is PTC's orphans that really sell this production — they're absolutely darling and have a tendency to steal any scene they're in. Sami Staitman, an actress from L.A. whose family has enjoyed vacationing in Utah for years, plays their fearless leader, Annie. Staitman sells the songs and makes nice connections with her fellow actors.

Larry Cahn who plays Daddy Warbucks, puts a warm, jovial spin on the bald, shrewd businessman, making him instantly likable.

Other standouts in the solid cast are Emily Shoolin as Grace Farrell, Gina Milo as Lily St. Regis, and Dirk Lumbard's Rooster. Suzanne Grodner's Hannigan is mean enough, but it often seemed she just went from loud to louder without a lot of nuance in between.

This PTC production is the perfect example of why the old theater adage — never share a stage with kids or animals — exists. If it's not the orphans stealing the show, it is undoubtedly Sandy, played to perfection by rescue dog Mikey.

And a big kudos to PTC for showcasing an extra homeless pet, available for adoption, in each performance. These walk-on roles have been successful in finding new homes for several homeless dogs.