PENN TWP — Sing Hosanna!'s production of "Annie" opened to a packed house Friday night. Fantastic sets and sweet little orphans combined to make this show most enjoyable.

The luxurious sets complete with a fireplace and staircase, moving streetlights and moveable stage walls were truly amazing.

The show itself rose above some minor technical difficulties and the limitations of the venue to entertain and delight most of the audience. The Sing Hosanna!'s cast and crew did justice to the classic musical comedy.

Julia McGuire, who played Annie, did a commendable job but really didn't seem to hit her stride until the second half. If those were opening night jitters, she will be unstoppable the rest of the run.

She did a capable job with her vocals hitting the high notes. By the last scene her chemistry with Warbucks was on target.

Warbucks was played by Scott Shearer, who took on the role of the icon with great ease. Shearer's vocal range was tested with some of the higher notes, but he rose to the occasion and offered up a believable performance.

Miss Hannigan was quite the scene stealer with her slapstick comedy and over-the-top performance offered by Dale Reimer. She had the audience in stitches several times with her shenanigans.

The comical "Little Girls" was Hannigan's lament to her role of orphan caretaker and it was done much like actress Carol Burnett's take on the song in the movie production of Annie.

An outstanding performance was done by newcomer to the Sing Hosanna! stage, Rachel Creaturo, for her role as Grace Farrell. She had a dynamic stage presence and a huge but lovely voice. Patrons should hope to see her again on stage soon.

Half-pint actress Addison Albert was equally as impressive in her role of Molly. She seemed at ease from the first note to the last. Cute as a button and with naturally red hair, she could be the next Annie!

Wearing several hats was the versatile and comical Dave Fox, who added a Kermit-esque touch to the role of Drake the butler. Fox was also seen warming his hands in Hooverville, caroling in NYC and in the White House Cabinet Room.

Other supporting roles were done by Stephanie Kobil and Darrell Paul as Lily and Rooster Hannigan and Dan Miller as FDR, as well as dozens of other performers.

The show closed with a standing ovation as the cast took their bows.

Ralph Christy Jr. deserves a nod for his ability to manage and organize the huge cast and vast production staff.

As a fundraiser, a hand-painted school desk in an "Annie" theme was auctioned off at intermission. A bench and chair will be auctioned off at the remaining two performances.