Annabella

Even knowing the creator and having high expectations, Annabella is a fantastic show that really blew me away. The passion, intensity and talent was undeniable. Rich with deep, developed characters, this story is unique yet familiar, taking a "fairy tale-like" world and giving it depth beyond anything I've seen before. The haunting music pulls you in, entertains and transports. Like most of the audience I was brought to the verge of tears for the characters but also made to laugh and didn't want it to end. Every performer was outstanding (rare to see such consistent talent) with strong, beautiful voices really connecting with beautiful material. A Must-See I hope goes further.... full review

Annabella is an excellent show that kept your interest through the whole show. Fantastic singing by the lead characters. Ashley Stanbury delivered an outstanding Annabella character. I would not miss this one. Incredible work by the composers.... full review

Even with bare-bones staging and a bit of costuming and paint for the marionettes, this piece had the potential to be something really interesting, but the lack of incident and a ponderous, repetitive score quickly become tiring.... full review

"Annabella" creates a burgundy world in the sparse, comfortable and efficient Lounge Theatre space; it's a seductive world, and what begins as a seemingly lyrical Italian fairy tale quickly becomes deceptively dark and bleak by the show's end. A wayward puppeteer encounters, and falls in love with, a young healing witch in the woods. He also meets the wicked-stepmother-esque woman who keeps the girl Annabella and love, lies and memory loss follow in a tragic story that deals in issues of fidelity, obsession, madness and death. I fear this won't be everyone's cup of tea--there are no cheap laughs or knowing winks and nudges to the audience (in fact there is an almost complete absence of mirth); one unfavorable review implied the music is b... full review

This was a beautiful, beautiful show. Gorgeous music, well-crafted story, lovely execution. Wow - the voices on those folks! Definitely one to see - and I truly hope the show continues its development and we see it again. ... full review

We are not affiliated with anyone in the show. This review is being done by just a theater goer. 1) Excellent voices. 2) Original songs and play. 3) Started and finished on time. Great job! 4) Family friendly--no profanity. Thank you. Would encourage everyone to see this. It is an excellent piece of theater/opera. Would give it 4.5 stars out of 5. ... full review

I was very impressed with the show and look forward to the future work these two writers will produce.... full review

I enjoyed some of the songs but overall I did not enjoy the story. I do appreciate the effort of the creators though.... full review

Annabella - was Amazing!!! The music was so beautiful written and the story was something I could see in a movie ! The lead "Lorenzo" played by Tony Gonzalas was crazy wonderful - his voice is timeless and he will definitely get picked up for some Broadway shows in the future . Sam and Tony ( the writers ) are so talented and will be working on big things in the future without a doubt - don't wait too long to pick up the talent on this project or you will for sure miss out . Five stars . A must see . Don't miss the beginning of two very talented careers!!... full review

A real gem of a piece, a dark romantic folktale that feels huge despite the intimate staging. The story of a puppeteer falling for a tragically captive young witch moves along effortlessly thanks to a gorgeous score that's at once contemporary and neo-romantic. A talented cast makes a historical/mythological libretto feel sincere, and the leads in particular fill the room with their gorgeous voices - which are given real opportunity to shine with soaring vocal lines. The story may bear the weight of a few digressions, and the score may have one or two too many ballads. But these are small quibbles, and on the whole you'll feel the ninety minutes race by. ... full review