Stage Review - Annie (Renton Civic Theatre)
Stage Review - Annie
Presented By: Renton Civic Theatre - Renton, WA
Show Run: December 05 - December 21, 2025
Date Reviewed: Friday, December 5, 2025 (Opening Night)
Run Time: 2 Hours, 30 Minutes (including a 15-minute intermission)
Reviewed By: Breanne Jensen
On the blustery cold evening of Friday December 5th, 2025, I attended the opening night performance of Renton Civic Theater’s production of, “Annie”. This was my first time seeing a show at this theater and I was excited to see what was in store. I have now seen “Annie” twice in the last month, executed in different ways (modern vs. classic) but, these latest two productions gave me a newfound appreciation for the little classic that could and the charm it carries.
“Annie” is a story based on a comic strip that began printing in 1924 (101 years ago). The comic is about a little red-haired girl who is an orphan and her adventures during a time of political strife. Just like the comic, the musical brings the audience to the picture of what life was like for most Americans post the Hoover administration. People were living in Hooverville’s, fighting for a chance at the American dream that had been stolen from them and in the song “Hooverville”, sarcastically thank the former President for all his help. In Act Two the show brings the audience to the oval office of the Roosevelt administration where Annie helps bridge the gap between two fighting parties, just as she did inside the orphanage, proving herself to be a symbol of resolve and hope. During Annie’s time with Mr. Warbucks, the two become inseparable as a father daughter duo and has everyone from the staff, her friends, the towns people and even the President/ Presidential Cabinet falling in love with her.
A notable part of the show for me personally is in Act Two during “Cabinet Tomorrow” when I noticed that every Presidential cabinet member is being portrayed entirely by females. A strong message for today and frankly tomorrow as well. Big Anderson (Lily St. Regis) doubles in this scene as the first woman in a Presidential Cabinet, Frances Perkins. Frances Perkins is known as the United States of America’s secretary of labor from 1933-1945 and fought for workers’ rights (40-hour work weeks), job safety, and workers compensation programs inspired by her witnessing the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire of 1911. Perkins was also instrumental in creating the social security act of 1935. Thank you to Big Anderson and RCT for including strong, smart, impactful women in history to highlight in your show.
Renton Civic’s production had a bevy of cast members with debut performances in “Annie” leaving the energy feeling fresh and exciting. Kyle Henick (Oliver Warbucks) is amongst the newcomers in the leading role. Henick’s background in improv at Jet City, shines through in his comedic timing. He plays the leading role as both stern and demonstrative, but easily churned into a lovable paternal figure, even singing “you wrapped me around your cute little finger”. Warbucks’s opposite Grace Farrell, played by Rebecca Maiten, is vocally perfect, beautifully performed and is a suitable match for Henick. The leading role of Annie, played by Mariah Shrine, is portrayed as intelligent, bold, witty and loveable just as she should be! Shriner’s voice is strong and sounds as if she is smiling when singing. The trio of characters: Mrs. Hannigan (Erin Carter), Rooster Hannigan (Evan Strasnick) and Lily St. Regis (Big Anderson) are sickeningly delightful in every way leaving one giggling at the mellow dramatics every time any of them happen to be on stage. Other stand out performances are given by Nicole Hamlin (Star-To-Be/Mrs. Pugh/Boylin Sister), Robyn Le (Duffy), Luke Losi Pfleger (Roosevelt/ Ensemble/ Dance Soloist), and David “Dave” Yake (Burt Healy/Ensemble). Congratulations to the entire cast on all your hard work!
RCT’s “Annie” has a few opening night nerves and wrinkles to iron out, but I have no doubt all will come together to be a well-oiled machine! This show will put a smile on your face and leave you singing the catchy tunes for days tor come. From high quality -elegant sets, friendly staff, charming lobby and a classic story, you will not regret spending your time this holiday season attending “Annie” running until December 21st, 2025, get your tickets before the sell out!
Annie runs on stage at Renton Civic Theatre through December 21. For more information, including ticket availability and sales, visit https://rentoncivictheatre.org/.
Photo credit: Colin Madison Photography
