Brief Summary
This episode of The Ampliverse podcast reviews the 1999 made-for-TV movie musical "Annie," focusing on performances, directorial choices, and its place within the broader context of movie musicals. The hosts discuss the performances of Kathy Bates, Alan Cumming, Kristen Chenoweth, Victor Garber, Audra McDonald, and the young Alicia Morton as Annie. They analyze the movie's direction by Rob Marshall, its faithfulness to the source material, and its cultural impact.
- Kathy Bates' portrayal of Miss Hannigan is considered a less comedic and more grounded take compared to Carol Burnett's iconic performance.
- Kristen Chenoweth's performance as Lily St. Regis is a standout, bringing a unique energy and comedic timing to the role.
- Audra McDonald's portrayal of Grace Farrell is highly praised for its depth and authenticity, making Grace a more fully realized character.
- The movie's made-for-TV aesthetic, including its brighter lighting and tighter shots, is noted as a defining characteristic.
- The hosts discuss the historical context of the film, including the controversy surrounding the interracial relationship between Daddy Warbucks and Grace Farrell.
Intro
The episode begins with a musical intro, setting the stage for a discussion about the 1999 version of "Annie." The hosts express their excitement and anticipation for the episode, highlighting the film's unique qualities and its place in the history of movie musicals.
General Impressions and Background
The hosts share their personal history with the 1999 "Annie," noting that it was a significant cultural event for many who grew up watching it on ABC's Wonderful World of Disney. They discuss the film's writer, Irene Mecchi, who also contributed to "The Lion King" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," and its director, Rob Marshall, known for his work on other movie musicals like "Chicago" and "Into the Woods." The cast is highlighted, including Kathy Bates as Miss Hannigan, Alan Cumming as Rooster, Audra McDonald as Grace Farrell, and Alicia Morton as Annie.
Production Details and Historical Context
The hosts provide details about the production of the movie, noting that it was produced by Walt Disney Television and Columbia TriStar Television and distributed by ABC. They mention that "Annie" was the second most-watched movie musical on ABC, following "Cinderella" (1997). A historical anecdote is shared about a reshoot that occurred due to concerns about a white man (Daddy Warbucks) and a black woman (Grace Farrell) getting engaged, highlighting the social issues of the time. The movie received numerous Emmy nominations, winning for music direction and choreography.
Miss Hannigan: Kathy Bates' Performance
The hosts discuss Kathy Bates' portrayal of Miss Hannigan, with mixed reactions. While acknowledging Bates' talent and previous accolades, they find her performance to be a more sanitized and less comedic take on the character compared to Carol Burnett's iconic version. They note that Bates' Hannigan lacks the comedic timing and firm character decisions that made Burnett's performance memorable. The hosts suggest that the Disney version may have neutered the character, removing the sexuality and comedic elements that were present in previous iterations.
Rooster and Lily: Alan Cumming and Kristen Chenoweth
The hosts discuss Alan Cumming's portrayal of Rooster and Kristen Chenoweth's performance as Lily St. Regis. While they find Cumming's Rooster to be adequate, they are particularly impressed with Chenoweth's Lily, praising her comedic timing, physical acting, and ability to dominate scenes even without dialogue. They highlight her performance in "Easy Street," noting her exaggerated expressions and gestures that add to the comedic effect.
Changes from Stage Show and Institutionalization
The hosts discuss the changes made to the ending of the movie compared to the stage show, including the decision to have Miss Hannigan disguise herself as Mrs. Mudge instead of Lily St. Regis. They question the logic behind this change and its impact on the plot. The hosts also discuss the theme of institutionalization in the movie, noting that Annie's escape from the orphanage and Sandy's threat of being sent to the dog pound highlight the negative aspects of institutional care.
Annie and the Orphans
The hosts discuss Alicia Morton's performance as Annie, noting that she is fine but lacks the spark and authenticity of the 1982 Annie. They praise the orphans in the movie, particularly their performance in "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile," highlighting the choreography and the cute moments. The hosts also note the smaller scale of the movie compared to the 1982 version, with only eight orphans and a lack of a helicopter chase.
Daddy Warbucks and Grace Farrell
The hosts discuss Victor Garber's portrayal of Daddy Warbucks, with one host expressing discomfort with his bald head. They debate the necessity of keeping Daddy Warbucks bald, questioning whether it is an iconic look that needs to be standardized. The hosts also discuss Audra McDonald's portrayal of Grace Farrell, praising her depth and authenticity. They appreciate the chemistry between Garber and McDonald and find their relationship to be more believable and respectful than the relationship between Daddy Warbucks and Grace in the 1982 version.
NYC and Rob Marshall's Directorial Style
The hosts discuss the "NYC" number in the movie, with one host theorizing that it may have influenced Rob Marshall's directorial style in "Chicago." They note that the number is staged as a scene within a scene, with the star-to-be performing in a show that Annie and Daddy Warbucks are watching. One host expresses dislike for the song, criticizing its portrayal of New York City as a unique and exceptional place.
Audra McDonald and Tomorrow
The hosts express their admiration for Audra McDonald, praising her talent and ability to make Grace a real person. They appreciate the fact that Grace and Daddy Warbucks get together in this version, finding their relationship to be more believable and respectful. The hosts discuss the use of "Tomorrow" in the movie, noting that it is reprised multiple times and serves as a source of comfort and connection between Annie and Grace.
Sandy and Critical Reception
The hosts discuss Sandy, noting that the dog looked perfect. They share a review of the movie from New York Magazine, which is critical of the film and its portrayal of children. They also share some reviews from Letterboxd, with mixed reactions to the movie.
Comic Strip Musicals and Next Episode
The hosts discuss which comic strips they would like to see turned into musicals, with suggestions including "Calvin and Hobbes," "Dagwood," "Family Circus," and "Hi and Lois." They announce that next week's episode will be about the 2014 "Annie" starring Quvenzhané Wallis.
