St. Mother Teresa High School's emotional and lively production of Annie was truly one to remember | Cappies 

Annika Oosterman performs as an orphan (FL), Maya Dahmani performs as Molly (L), Maya Gervais performs as Annie, Tofunmi Yusuf performs as an orphan (R), Kaitlyn Hennessey performs as Duffy (FR), in St. Mother Teresa's production of Annie. Photo by Eden Mosley /Student

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Show #19

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St. Mother Teresa High School

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Annie

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Director: Lindsay Laviolette

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Ariana Guerra Nguyen, Lead Critic
St. Patrick’s High School

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Leaping lizards! The narrative of the 1924 comic strip has fled the animated panels of the New York Daily News! The scene has now shifted to the stage of St. Mother Theresa High School where a talented cast and crew take to the limelight with their rendition of Annie.

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Composed by Charles Strouse and written by Thomas Meehan, the musical unfolds the journey of a little orphan named Annie. Steadfast in wit and tenacity, not even her hard-knock start is enough to embitter her. Fuelled with optimism, Annie attempts to reunite with the long-lost parents who abandoned her as a baby at the orphanage of the notorious Miss Hannigan. As Annie embarks on her endeavour, braving both the daunting quest and the bustling streets of the Big Apple, she finds herself in a drastically different world than the one of her bleak orphanage. Through her determination and a miraculous encounter with the billionaire Oliver Warbucks, Annie learns that family is not limited to a locket’s frame or the losses of yesterday. Rather, it radiates in those who carry hope’s light into tomorrow.

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Beyond doubt, Maya Gervais shone in the titular role of Annie. Playing an iconic character is undeniably a huge undertaking and yet Gervais skillfully incorporated tasteful originality into the beloved Annie. Particularly during the songs “Maybe” and “Tomorrow”, Gervais’ delicate finesse and soaring vocals were on full display. Alongside Gervais, Ryan Sipes’s compelling interpretation of Oliver Warbucks not only added depth to the character, but established a heart-warming connection between himself and Annie with palpable authenticity. Sipes particularly shone during the songs “Something Was Missing” and “I Don’t Need Anything But You” which emphasized this performer’s apt capability to embody Warbucks’ subtle, emotional nuances hidden beneath a rigid exterior.

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Alistair Harris performs as Drake (L), Ryan Sipes performs as Oliver Warbucks, Nubia Ouedraogo performs as Grace Farrell (R), in St. Mother Teresa’s production of Annie Photo by Eden Mosley /Student

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With such zeal did the triad of glamourous guile, Miss Hannigan (Emily Poitras), Rooster Hannigan (Alexander Peddle), and Rooster’s devious partner in crime and life Lily St. Regis (Sophie Carriere), performed their unforgettable rendition of “Easy Street”. While Poitras’ feminine ferocity, Peddle’s electrifying stage presence, and Carriere’s ditzy demeanour never failed to shine individually, it was their combined talent that manifested into a singular, powerhouse performance.

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Commendably, each ensemble member took full ownership of their roles. With hasty costume changes to sonorous vocal harmonies, their stamina kept the production running at full speed. Among the ensemble’s memorable moments was Colin Wong’s unforgettably comedic portrayal of President Roosevelt during “Cabinet Tomorrow” and the infectious enthusiasm of the “N.Y.C” performers.

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While the cast’s drive was undoubtedly the heart of the show, it was not without the gusto of the crew pumping through its veins. The Hard-Knock Crew supported the show’s momentum significantly with efficient execution of scene transitions. With 15 set changes, each having to be completed within a limited timeframe, the crew moved swiftly and quietly to sustain the show’s visual storytelling and pacing. Despite the total of 15 set pieces, transitions remained unobtrusive as the crew cleverly incorporated some into the musical numbers such as during the end of “It’s the Hard-Knock Life”. Equally, the Gussing ’em Up Hair and Makeup Team mastered the 1930s aesthetic through posh curls and vibrant eye makeup. The intentionality of each look fully enhanced characterization and highlighted the status of each role without ever feeling overstated.

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At St. Mother Theresa High School, no sunlight was needed for this cast and crew of stars to shine. With their staging of Annie, the inspirational story of discovering what family truly means was brought to life with abundant hope, tons of heart, and a little bit of mischief.

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Rasha Alli, Lead Critic
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School

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Going from the rags of a Depression-era orphanage to the riches of the grand 987 Fifth Avenue, New York, little orphan Annie carried forward with unwavering optimism and an ever-present smile. St Mother Teresa High School presented a charming rendition of the beloved classic Annie, brought to life through an energetic cast and swift crew that was bursting with talent.The production offered a heartwarming story of the importance of perseverance and hope throughout gray and lonely days.

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Set in 1933 New York, at the height of the Great Depression, the story follows the self-assured Annie, a young orphan desperately holding onto the hope of her parents’ promised return. Trapped in the care of the neglectful Miss Hannigan, Annie’s luck turns when she is chosen to spend Christmas with the wealthy Oliver Warbucks. Annie’s charm begins to thaw the billionaire’s hardened exterior, leading the temporary arrangement to evolve into something more. With a hunt to find her parents, the prospects of adoption, and meetings with the President, Annie makes waves that ripple through the lives of New Yorkers, imparting the message that if it’s not shining today, the sun will come out tomorrow.

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Maya Gervais in the role of the darling Annie was brimming with effervescence and vocal clarity. Determination and spirit shone through the actor’s innocence and childlike wonder. Gervais’ Annie balanced a characteristic coyness with ingenuity through an expressive visage and vocal dynamism. Alongside Gervais, Ryan Sipes was an imperious presence, commanding the stage with self-assured mannerisms and a bold disposition as Oliver Warbucks. Notable was Sipes’s emotional arc, smoothly portraying the transition from the cold, rigid billionaire into a paternalistic role model. The actor’s booming vocals resonated throughout, while the use of a 1930’s New York accent added immense depth to the character.

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Sophie Carriere performs as Lily St Regis (L), Alexander Peddle performs as Rooster Hannigan, Emily Poitras performs as Miss Hannigan (R), in St. Mother Teresa’s production of Annie. Photo by Eden Mosley /Student

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Olivia Harding as Sandy offered a pleasant twist, achieved through skillful puppetry that emulated the dog with distinct personality and charisma. Precise movements combined with impressively authentic canine sounds creating a delightfully endearing performance. Nubia Ouedraogo was the epitome of poise and elegance in the role of Grace Farrell. The actor’s rich operatic voice shone through various musical numbers, adding to the soaring harmonies within the cast. In sharp contrast to the sweetness of Ouedraogo, Emily Poitras crafted a spiteful Miss Hannigan with an intense portrayal of pure hatred. The actor’s physicality was steeped in bitterness and flair, with every line dripping with threatening confidence. Memorably, Poitras’ rendition of ‘Little Girls’ was laced with malevolent humour and palpable exasperation.

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Bringing the streets of New York to life, Alesia Ianoul’s set decoration team produced a remarkably vivid set, mimicking the various different locations within the musical with meticulous attention to detail. The mansion was a particular stand out, with ornate decor, including individualised elaborate paintings, and a cohesive visual palette. Complementing the set, the Never Fully Dressed Costume Team curated a collection of 112 individual costumes, each of which entirely emulated individual characters. The dance ensemble was always costumed to perfection, whether that be in glittering sparkled dresses or in flowing maid ensembles. Further enriching the stunning visuals of the show, Ella An’s lighting designs emboldened pivotal moments within the show, progressing through various times of the day as well as accentuating emotions.

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St Mother Teresa High School’s Annie was a poignant production that radiated the joyous essence of the titular character. The beautiful work of the cast and crew served as a reminder that even throughout a ‘hard-knock life’, all it takes is a little faith and a smile upon one’s face to believe that brighter days are ahead.

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Auvissa Mohammadi-Kamel, Lead Critic
Philemon Wright High School

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St. Mother Teresa High School presented a heartfelt rendition of Annie.

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Annie follows the tale of a sanguine 11-year-old girl who lives in a gloomy orphanage. With a broken locket and a letter left to her from her parents, she embarks on a journey to find them. Despite a failed attempt at escaping, she is met with the opportunity to spend two weeks with Oliver Warbucks, an incredibly opulent man who seeks to better his image. Throughout her stay, she begins to build quite a connection with Warbucks, leading him to wish to make his mansion her forever home. Yet Annie, ever so determined to find her parents, convinces him to go on a search to find out where they may be.

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The enthusiastic spunkiness emanating from the ensemble immediately established a captivating performance. Playing the optimistic Annie, Maya Gervais provided excellence through childlike mannerisms and precise line delivery, alongside displays of remarkable vocal strength. Gervais expertly tugged at heartstrings, making each moment seep with emotion. The snazzy and self-assured Oliver Warbucks, depicted by Ryan Sipes, further elevated the performance. Sipes’s understanding of the character presented a masterful range between the stiff and distant aspects that the role possesses, while shining light on the warm and affectionate traits with ease. This was particularly showcased in ” Something Was Missing “, as unlike the rest of the performance, Sipes’s commanding presence was put aside, as Warbucks and Annie share a heartfelt dance.

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Morgan Scala (L), Amelia Kinahan, and Grace MacQueen (R) perform as apart of the Hooverville ensemble, in St. Mother Teresa’s production of Annie Photo by Eden Mosley /Student

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Emily Poitras’ performance as Miss Hannigan, the tyrannical matron of The New York City Municipal Orphanage, was nothing short of excellent. With prominent vocals and impressive demeanour, Poitras was successfully able to capture Hannigan’s selfish yet charming manner. Alexander Peddle, playing as Rooster, Miss Hanigan’s sleazy and conniving younger brother, masterfully implemented the playfulness that the role presents, while demonstrating a much more earnest persona while disguised as Mr.Mudge.

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New York City was truly brought to life by many unique characters, from protestors to inquiring cops; one in particular was Sandy. The beloved runaway dog, Sandy, was brought to life by Olivia Harding. Harding’s skillful puppeteering made Sandy the dog authentic through fluid motion and subtle movements such as tail wagging and nodding. Yet another remarkable character was Bundles, played by Colin Wong. Wong’s memorable performance as the lovable laundry man of the orphanage immediately shifted the heavy atmosphere to a much more lighthearted tone.

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From a technical standpoint, the show was outstanding. From the hand-painted brick walls of the orphanage to the luxurious Warbucks estate, Alesia Ianoul’s flawless execution of set decoration made the captivating story a reality. Lighting done by Ella An further solidified this through timely shifts in colour, allowing for a separation between musical numbers and scenes, invoking much depth and emotion. This was tied together with the costume and props department’s attention to detail. With pieces that perfectly correlated with the time at which the musical is set in, and each character’s position in society planned, the world in which each figure embarked upon was established skillfully, and in an evidently meticulous manner.

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A tale of hopefulness and cheer presented by the cast and crew of St. Mother Teresa High School reminded all that “you’re never fully dressed without a smile”!

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Naomi Baird, Critic
Elmwood School

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To find true family, people must look in unexpected places, as the unpredictability of life animates its warmth. This truth took centre stage as St. Mother Teresa High School put on a classic and heartwarming production of Annie, where love and loyalty eclipsed all.

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The musical Annie first opened on Broadway in 1977 and since then has gathered numerous awards as well as three movie adaptations. The story is a classic tale of found-family that follows young orphan Annie as she looks for a place to belong. She’s taken in by hermitical billionaire Oliver Warbucks, who is searching for a purpose. Together they broaden each other’s horizons creating a beautiful sense of kinship.

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St. Mother Teresa High School’s warm and atmospheric production of Annie was built upon excellent teamwork and the high energy of the cast. Every character built a unique personality, creating a lively and soulful rendition of the classic family tale.

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Maya Gervais’s earnest performance as Annie, was characterized by expressively heartfelt vocals and lively optimism. Gervais’s vocal ability was evident throughout the show as each word rang out clearly and confidently. Gervais embodied Annie’s hopeful personality, even adding touches of playfulness and mischief in Annie’s movements and reactions.

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Ryan Sipes performs as Oliver Warbucks (L), Alistair Harris performs as Drake (R), in St. Mother Teresa’s production of Annie. Photo by Eden Mosley /Student

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Ryan Sipes animated the 1930s setting of the show as Oliver Warbucks through stiff posture and subtle nods to the Transatlantic accent, a characteristic of wealthy Americans at the time. Sipes presented the confident and businesslike exterior of Oliver Warbucks with conviction, making emotional scenes with Annie all the more powerful.

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The self-involved Miss Hannigan was fully displayed through Emily Poitras’ rendition of “Little Girls” which emanated spite and dissatisfaction. Poitras showed impressive ability to sing with rage and sarcasm, livening every scene with captivating emotion. In stark contrast, Mr. Warbucks’ secretary, Grace Farrell, was kind and warm, which was evident in the controlled and sweet voice of Nubia Ouedraogo. Poised and classy, Ouedraogo’s performance created the welcoming atmosphere of Mr. Warbucks’ home that Annie was eager to inhabit. This warmth was matched by the dance ensemble, particularly Calista E, who executed choreography with impressive precision and liveliness.

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The immersive environment of the show can be largely credited to the Hard-Knock Crew, who completed each transition with precision and efficiency. Despite the many set pieces to be managed, new environments seemed to appear automatically, maintaining the show’s high energy. Similarly, the Nothing Was Missing Props Team created and curated a beautiful assortment of historically accurate props with impressive attention to detail.

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As people were brought together by a sense of home, St. Mother Teresa High School’s emotional and lively production of Annie was truly one to remember.

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Théo Djory Dupuy, Critic
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School

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“I don’t need sunshine now to turn my skies to blue, I don’t need anything but you!”

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St. Mother Teresa High School’s thoughtful interpretation of Annie radiated a joyful energy that was both timeless and fresh. With book by Thomas Meehan and featuring a cheerful score by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, the production chronicles a resilient eleven-year-old navigating 1930s New York. The story follows a determined child whisked from the dreariness of Miss Hannigan’s orphanage into Oliver Warbucks’ opulent estate. While a treacherous scheme by the embittered matron and her greedy cronies threatens this newfound sanctuary, the spirited heroine remains true in her mission to find the light in everyone, proving that family can be found in even the most unsuspecting hearts.

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As the titular protagonist, Maya Gervais championed the story with a crystal-clear tone and indomitable optimism. Capturing Annie’s soulful sincerity, Gervais delivered a dynamic heart-tugging performance that echoed throughout the production. The story’s rags-to-riches evolution found its catalyst in Ryan Sipes’s portrayal of billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Embodying the rigidity of a swing era business tycoon, Sipes utilized a stoic formality that beautifully dissolved as the character softened, highlighted by a crooner-style resonance in “Something Was Missing”.

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Emily Poitras was sensational as the embittered Miss Hannigan, merging exceptional comedic chops with a signature screech. Utilizing dragged body movements and weary cynicism, Poitras delivered a standout rendition of “Little Girls,” channelling the character’s conniving disdain with impressive vocal spunkiness. Joining the disgruntled caregiver, Alexander Peddle and Sophie Carriere were convincing as the treacherous duo Rooster Hannigan and Lily St. Regis, steering the way to “Easy Street” with scandalous delight.

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Maya Gervais performs as Annie (L), Olivia Harding puppeteers Sandy (R), in St. Mother Teresa’s production of Annie. Photo by Eden Mosley /Student

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Portraying the poised Grace Farrell, Nubia Ouedraogo added a layer of sophisticated warmth with prim body language and operatic dulcet notes. This elegance was matched by Colin Wong’s surprisingly funny rendition of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, utilizing incredible projection and a strong tone.

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Full of expression, Ella An’s lighting design featured a vibrant 98-cue spectacle, dictating the production’s shifting moods, from sombre navy tones that transformed the orphanage into a visual prison to a patriotic palette of red, white, and blue that brought diplomacy to “Cabinet Tomorrow”.

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The set decor, led by Alesia Ianoul, ranged from a gritty, brick-walled orphanage to the ivory decadence of the Warbucks manor, bringing life to New York City. This visual landscape was expertly navigated by the “Hard Knock Crew,” whose stage management ensured seamless precision across fifteen versatile set pieces. The “Never Fully Dressed Costume Team” provided polished alterations for a 264-piece wardrobe, ranging from rich pearl and emerald waitstaff uniforms to the Boylan sisters’ dresses, and Grace Farrell’s pastel skirt suits.

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Earnest and uplifting, St. Mother Teresa High School’s Annie triumphed through its infectious energy and dedicated execution. As a glowing anthem of perseverance, the production offered a heartwarming reminder that in the face of darkness, an unwavering spirit remains the brightest light of all.

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Grace MacQueen (FL), Morgan Scala (L), Michael Mortimer (R), and Jasper Siboo (FR) perform as presidential advisors, in St. Mother Teresa’s production of Annie. Photo by Eden Mosley /Student

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About the reviews:

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The  St. Mother Teresa High School production was reviewed by 33 critics representing 8 schools. The critic discussions were mentored by teacher Katie Bellefeuille of St. Patrick’s High School and student reviews were edited and selected for publication by teacher Pamela Williams, also of St. Patrick’s High School, who could see only the reviews, not the names or schools of the reviewers.

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Next review: Redeemer Christian High School’s production of Play On!.

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About the Cappies:

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The Citizen and 21 local high schools are participating in Cappies, a Washington, D.C. based program that uses high school critics to review high school theatre. The program is a unique partnership between the Ottawa Citizen, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Two schools from other boards in the region and three private schools have also joined. The Canada’s Capital Cappies season culminates with an awards Gala in June graciously hosted by the National Arts Centre. Follow Canada’s Capital Cappies on Instagram @OttawaCappies.

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