REVIEW: Theatre Aquarius' POLLYANNA the Musical... a heartfelt delight for the holiday season
Emily Watt as Pollyanna Photography by: Dahlia Katz
Hamilton's Theatre Aquarius takes a bold, optimistic step with introducing a beloved children's book and classic live-action Disney adaptation starring Hayley Mills (who won a special Oscar for her role) to the stage with Pollyanna. There have been other adaptations throughout the years such as Polly, featuring an all-black leading cast and the most recent adaptation from 2003 is now 20 years old. Pollyanna was overdue for a retelling and her story, reimaged for the stage, fills Theatre Aquarius with light, love and infectious joy which couldn't have come at a better time during the holiday season.
The show wastes no time introducing the astounding Emily Watt as Pollyanna. We learn quickly of her situation: she is recently orphaned and sent to live with her aunt Polly whom she is named after. The town is intrigued by this frumpy little child who seems to have an almost unrealistically optimistic outlook given all she has been through. The opening number also wastes no time ensuring that the majority of the townsfolk, and by proxy, the audience, fall instantly in love with her. Watt's vocal and acting talents are, to put it mildly, incredible and she matches the skills of her seasoned castmates with a professionalism and grace well beyond her years. Look out for her. She is a star in the making.
Equally impressive is the breathtaking Jessica Sherman as Aunt Polly who, with extremely short notice, took the opening night lead while Michelle Barsach recovers from illness. Her stern and unwavering belief in duty is the much needed juxtaposition pitted against her gleeful niece and unlike the film, is the show's only true conflict. Watching Sherman's feelings play out through song was a refreshing way of understanding her past relationships and her change of heart is satisfying.
One of the unexpected stand out performances in the show is Adam Brazier as Pendleton, a disgruntled, hermitted man who is charmed by young Pollyanna and her ragamuffin friend Jimmy Bean (a sassy and delightful Athan Giazitzidis). His song Prisms was one of the few songs that actually stuck with me after the show, was sung with soaring emotion and really demonstrates the need to see people, places and things in a different light. He acts as a fatherly figure and there are moments on the stage where you can see he guides not only the characters of Pollyanna and Jimmy but the actors playing them as well which shows a real dedication and care toward his cast mates.
If Pollyanna is the heart of the show, the ensemble is truly its soul. Incredible performances from Linda Kash as cantankerous Mrs. Snow, Keith Savage as a jaw-dropping, unexpectedly tap dancing groundskeeper William, and Kelsey Verzotti as the eager and endearing maid Nancy. I also loved every moment Charlotte Moore had on stage, stealing the scene as the gossipy delight Widow Benton. Collectively, the ensemble are vocally stunning, enthusiastic and high energy. They embody the joy Pollyanna brings to their small town and carry it through even when tragedy strikes. Wonderful work by all.
It cannot be stressed enough how creatively designed this production is. The set design is minimalistic but the designs used pay great attention to the time period and takes the audience back to much simpler times. The lighting complements these designs and enhances the scene transitions beautifully. The only slight issue I had was seeing a large, foreboding looking tree in nearly every scene. As a film fan, I knew what that tree's presence meant and yet, it is never utilized beyond it being a set piece which I was slightly let down by. Clearly, as a staged musical, elements from the film versions needed to be altered for actor safety. The injury our beloved glad girl suffers is taken from the book's source material. This is my way of saying if you expect the musical to play out like the film, you will be surprised but hopefully not disappointed by the changes.
Pollyanna the Musical is a show that will warm the heart of any cynic. It is infectiously joyful, quick paced and leaves you feeling very grateful for what you have in life. Despite the current common use of the term to mean "excessively cheerful," the concept of Pollyanna's "glad game" as a method of coping with the real difficulties and sorrows that, along with luck and joy, will ultimately shape every life. This offers the opportunity for audience members to reflect on the world's current situations and how we can find glimmers of hope to change it for the better. Go and see Pollyanna the Musical this holiday season. You'll be glad you did.
Ensemble Cast of Pollyanna Photography by: Dahlia Katz
