Annabella

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

The story is interesting, original and engaging. The music is very good to sublime at times. The performances are all top notch - very professional. Kim Hessler has a strong, classically-trained voice equal to the demands of the leading role. Melinda Erlich is a seductively beautiful Valentina. Among the marionettes, baritone John Haukoos is especially strong, both vocally and dramatically. And Tony Gonzalez will tear your heart out. This young man acts with his voice and is the heart and soul of the musical. Pianist/composer Sam Johnides does the heavy lifting of playing the entire musical score on the keyboard. He does so with confidence, musicality and authority. I went to this musical twice and found it even more hauntingly beautif... 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

Totally mesmerizing! The music by Sam Johnides was incredible and moving. The performances were top notch, especially that of Tony Gonzalez (Lorenzo), Kim Hessler (Annabella), Melinda Ehrlich (Valentina), and November Christine (Emilia). I enjoyed each of their performances so much its hard to pick a favorite. If I really had to though I think it would be Kim as Annabella, she was awesome! The story line was complex, intellectually and emotionally engaging and even brought me to tear up a few times. I would love to see it again to get even deeper into the story which has so many levels. Sam and Tony did an amazing job! Hoping they release an Annabella CD soon so I can listen to those amazing songs again!... 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

When writing a review for one of your top 3 shows, it's not easy to choose the right words. But I'll do my best. When I sat down to see this show, I only had an idea of what to expect. However, from the first moment of the show, I knew my idea was not even in the same ballpark as what they were about to give us. From the opening number to some of the most emotional songs I've heard, Johnides and Gonzalez weave a heartfelt story that will have you crying multiple times. The voices on that stage hit me so hard, that I realized I would feel just as much listening to them without watching a show. But I was watching a show. And the production and cast did an incredible job taking us on a journey that moved so smoothly that you almost didn'... full review