Gammage Goers - Alumnus
A panel of ASU Gammage theatregoers shares their opinions throughout the season.
Meet Don
Don
Where do you live? Scottsdale
Age: 68
Occupation: International Management Consultant/Trainer
Marital Status? Single
Children and Grandchildren: 4 children ages 22, 26, 40 &45; Eleven grandchildren ages:27, 26, 25, 22, 20, 19, 18, 15, 11, 9, 6 mo.
Where did you grow up? Born in Dallas, grew up in Phoenix, graduated from Arizona State University in 1969.
First Broadway show, and where you saw it: Hello Dolly starring Carol Channing in New York City on Broadway.
At what age did you see your first Broadway show? 28 years old
What is your favorite Broadway show? Little Miss Saigon
What are your hobbies? Reading, hiking, running, camping, traveling.
A song and artist that speaks to you: “The Way I Am”, Ingrid Michaelson. This is a happy song that expresses a sentiment upon which great relationships can be based.
Something Unique about yourself that defines you: I am at an age when a lot of people slowly drift into retirement, however, I work full time, travel the world in conjunction with my work, run 3 miles a day to stay in shape and volunteer every other Sunday at an assisted care living facility in Scottsdale to cheer up “old” people.
Video Profile:
Don's Video Reviews
Don's Written Reviews
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A THEATER FILLED WITH LAUGHTER
One would not think a musical about a poor orphan girl, searching in vain to find her parents, would be funny. One would be wrong. Last evening’s performance of Annie was all about fun. From the hilarious antics of Miss Hannigan to the ridiculous parody of Franklin Roosevelt, it was fun. When I saw Annie on the London stage years ago it seemed to have much more emphasis on the dull and dreary life Annie spent in the orphanage. Of course it had a happy ending, but it seemed to take a long time coming.
Last night’s performance at Gammage was lively and entertaining from start to finish. The cast seemed to really enjoy working together. They had the audience wrapped around their proverbial “little finger”. Even Miss Hannigan (Lynn Andrews), who was somewhat heartless and cruel in her treatment of her wards at the orphanage, played her role with such fervor and zip that part of you wanted to like her, notwithstanding her evil ways. Lets face it—she was funny. She brought the audience to uproarious laughter more than once.
The highlight of the show was of course, the children. The girls in the orphanage were simply delightful. These youngsters were talented beyond their years in their ability to sing, dance and determine just what it takes to make an audience fall in love with them. Madison Kerth, as Annie, was exceptional. She could change her moods as easily as one might change a sweater, while maintaining credibility in the role. She danced like a professional should dance and has a lovely, crisp voice that was pleasing to the ear. Her love affair with “Daddy” Warbucks (David Barton), touched every heart in the theater.
My personal favorite moment in the performance took place in the office of President Roosevelt when Annie’s infectious optimism persuaded the entire staff to get into the rhythm of “Tomorrow.” It was both inspiring and captivating. If there was any room for criticism, perhaps it was the lack of the development of the relationship between Oliver Warbucks and Grace Farrel, played by Traci Bair. As I recall, the performance I saw in London many years ago featured a developing and happy relationship between the two that was missing in this performance. However, this did not affect the overall impact of this fun, playful and thoroughly enjoyable performance at Gammage last night. I give it two thumbs up
Don Jackson, 2009 Gammage Goer
