Annabella

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

Annabella is a mystical Grimm-style fairy-tale operetta, which begins beautifully, journeys to emotional highs and lows, explores darkness true to its stylistic roots and then ends in the only way it could. Glorious vocal performances by the entire cast (I hesitate to single anyone out) supported by truly wonderful orchestrations played by co-creator Sam Johnides are enough reason to see this show. But layered onto this musical foundation are the wonderfully creepy Marionette Trio and the story within a story structure, all of which combine to create a compelling experience that must not be missed. Bring tissues!... 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

Sam and Tony have written an amazing show. The music is beyond beautiful and powerful performances bring it to life. Some of the best singing I've heard in Los Angeles. If you are going to see one show at the fringe it should be ANNABELLA!... full review

Talent is a lovely thing. Not the end all be all, but a lovely thing. Talent tempered with ambition is something all together different. Something spectacular. Sam Johnides and Tony Gonzalez have the promise of spectacular about them. “Annabella” harkens back to the golden era of operas. A travelling puppeteer, (Gonzalez) haunted by an unnamed guilt and tormented by the accusing voices of his puppets is driven over the edge of sanity where he is lost within the darkness of his own soul. He is brought before Annabella (Kimberly Hessler) some claim she is “a healer”, others whisper of witchcraft. She is able to revive him, and in doing so senses his troubled soul. She undertakes to free him of his unspoken demons, unaware of... full review

You MUST see this show! I've not been moved like this by a piece of musical theater since I saw 'Wicked'. This is not an exaggeration. The Sam & Tony Show have created something truly magical here. The music is breathtaking and the story will captivate your heart. Don't miss this one!... full review