Annabella

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

Annabella is an ambitious musical inspired by Italian folk tales of the Strega (Witch). Dark, mysterious and featuring malevolent marionettes, the story is part nightmare and part romance. And, even in a bare bones Fringe production, there is much to admire. Full review at "original article."... full review

This piece is a must see! Tony Gonzalez and Sam Johnides are a masterful team who's music and lyrics are beyond beautiful. Their enchanting songs are unforgettable. The beautiful love story at the center of it all is sad and sweet and leaves you wanting more. The expression of this show is realized by a captivating cast who can tell a story with conviction and honesty through song as well as speech. I was very impressed with this piece and I can't wait to see what's next from The Sam and Tony Show! Congrats gentleman! ... full review

Annabella was just OK for me. The songs are nothing special and some could be cut. Performances from ensemble were adequate, sort of high schoolish. I was only really impressed with the leading man, an unlikely physical presence but he can weave a spell. This is an ambitious work but needs a bit more inventive music.... full review

TEN SECONDS is all it took for my jaw to drop. I was in awe & completely captivated by Gonzalez' voice & how he moved these "Human Puppets." And it just got better! WOW! Funny. Having met Gonzalez & Johnides, they both came across very soft spoken, but Annabella is nothing of the sort. THIS is a Powerhouse! Epic & haunting. The story -- the elocution -- the choreography -- the performances -- the voices -- I can't say enough about how AMAZING this show is. Fringe is only the beginning for this show. There is no way it ends here -- GO SEE IT!!! ... full review

I really enjoyed Annabella! I enjoyed the music, choreography and performances! WELL DONE, BRAVA!... full review

There are many good musicals this year, and Annabella is the best original book musical and score. This mystical Italian fable is a chamber musical that is mostly through-composed and operatic. The musical score enchants while the songs passionately soar with beautiful melodies sang by talented powerful voices. Sometimes tender and often dramatic, the music is central to the story. The direction is impeccable and marionettes provide mirth and depth as a spoken and mimed Greek chorus. All Excellent! The Fringe is about the development of new work, and Annabella is so good that I want more as it goes to the next level. The spoken bridge scenes in the middle are dead and could be enlivened with more songs and support music, plus an i... full review

Incredible play from the musical masterminds at The Sam and Tony Show. There were dynamic performances from the entire cast, but especially fantastic were Melinda Ehrlich as the evil Valentina and Tony Gonzalez as Lorenzo. Keep an eye too on Sam Johnides at the piano -- no music sheets (the entire score is all in his head). Amazing. The songs were epic, haunting, and still catchy. This entire production truly feels as if it's on its way to Broadway and beyond. They need a bigger venue! Full-disclosure: I happen to be one of the producers, but, hey, I wouldn't have become involved to begin with if I wasn't this passionate about the product. Tremendous work all around.... full review