By SAM BRIMACOMBE
A local production of award-winning musical Annie concludes its six-show season in Geelong this weekend.
Director Bryce Baumgarten is presenting a fresh take on the 1977 production in his second show for Geelong Lyric Theatre Society.
Set in the 1930s, the story follows young orphan Annie as she sets out to discover the identity of her parents with the aid of Daddy Warbucks, despite oppressive orphanage matron Miss Hannigan and her devilish partner, Rooster.
“I’ve musically directed and choreographed productions before but it’s the first time I’m directing in Geelong,” Baumgarten said.
His passion for theatre includes a history of touring shows in Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia.
“I spent a bit of time travelling around with Nickelodeon, doing kids productions, mostly. After that I got my teaching degree – I wanted to stop living out of a suitcase and settle down,” he laughed.
Baumgarten said his work as a school teacher helped him immensely when working with children during Annie rehearsals.
“It definitely helps with communicating what you want from the kids,” he explained.
“Anyway, I’m a big kid myself, so we get along really well. With kids it’s about managing their emotions and work ethic.
“It’s about making sure that they learn their stuff but they’re having fun at the same time.”
The young cast, including seven-to-eight-year-olds, features Tayla Gartner and Delia McBurney splitting the lead role.
Baumgarten said Annie was a passion project for him because he believed promoting local talent was important.
Geelong was renowned for producing plenty of talent for its size, he said.
“To be involved and to promote an active and healthy theatre scene in Geelong, as long as I get that opportunity I’ll be happy.
“It’s really important that we try to have good shows that people want to come and see. It’s important that local talent helps to enrich local communities rather than being shipped out.”
The show also featured two young actors of a different species, Baumgrten said.
“We’ve got two dogs in the show and my heart is going to be in my throat every time the dogs run across the stage,” he laughed.
“They say not to work with kids or animals and I’m doing both!”
Geelong Performing Arts Centre hosts Annie this Friday night along with a matinee and evening show Saturday.
