strip of that name, takes on a new lease of life in the Gilbert & Sullivan Society's production of Annie, slated to open at City Hall on October 8.

The musical play, which was a box office smash on Broadway and in London, is being faithfully reproduced, down to the lavish sets and an adorable dog called Sophie who has been groomed for a starring stage debut as Annie's faithful canine companion, Sandy.

As director Gavin Wilson says, "The format of children and animals is a winning combination. If you don't like kids, there's a good chance you like dogs! And this is also a musical that pulls at the odd heart string.'' Mr. Wilson, who is one of Bermuda's outstanding actors and directors, says he was won over by Annie and her dog years ago, when he first saw the show in New York.

"I had absolutely no desire to see it. I was taking my niece, and we drove through the worst thunderstorm and most unbelievable traffic jam you've ever seen -- it looked like the Ford assembly plant all around me. So we dashed through the rain, finally got to our seats in the theatre, with water pouring off everywhere. Anyway, the curtain went up and ten minutes into the show, I thought, `Please don't stop!' So I'm very excited to be directing it.'' Stepping into the pivotal role of Annie, is 11-year old Paget Troake, daughter of well-known dancer Jocelyn Troake (who is in charge of the choreography).

She apparently shows every sign of following in her gifted mother's shoes.

"She is really superb,'' says Mr. Wilson, "I hope she continues with theatre as she has a natural ability and intuitive stage presence.'' He is also enthusiastic about the supporting "orphans'' who, he says, are also guaranteed to melt some hearts. These include Chiona Turina, Amanda Hoffman, Mia Chambray, Brittany Legere, Rebecca Hanson, Nicola Francis and Rebecca Falkenberry.

Appearing as the Gestapo-type matron of the New York Municipal Orphanage (Girls' Annexe) is Barbara Frith, better known perhaps as one of the Island's leading dancers and choreographers. She did, however, surprise audiences with a memorable acting performance in The Boy Friend and Mr. Wilson is sure that she will do the same as Miss Hannigan in Annie.

"She is so talented. She has this perfect combination of the very fluid and graceful movement of a dancer and this real wacky sense of humour. The audience will love her,'' he says.

The star-spangled cast also boasts Richard Fell as Rooster, Miss Hannigan's brother, Ken Morgan as `F.D.R.', Jim Stroeder as big-hearted Daddy Warbucks, Karen Musson as his secretary and Steve Hankey as Bert Healey, the radio announcer.

Altogether, says Mr. Wilson, there will be 27 cast members playing 44 characters, which range from the Hooverville-ites in the shanty towns, servants, members of F.D.R's cabinet and the personnel in the NBC studio scene. For this reason, he says, it would be "inappropriate'' to refer to this versatile bunch as a chorus.

Music teacher Bruce Fox, who made a successful debut last year as musical director of The Boy Friend, takes up the baton again to direct cast and orchestra in Annie.

"The set was originally designed by Jon Mills and Diana Tetlow and Peter Woodhouse have has taken his basic concept and jazzed it up. Peter is also doing the lighting, so they have been working very closely together. The set is very transient, more suggestive than realistic, and I think that will work out very much to the show's benefit and also with Margaret Dill's concept -- she is doing all the fine art work,'' explains Mr. Wilson.

"Mike Martin has built the sets and all I can say to all those directors out there is: `If you can get Mike Martin, go get him!'' Mrs. Vaughn Baptiste Sullivan is in charge of costumes and has been digging through Little Orphan Annie comic strips to ensure that vital touch of authenticity. And Ms Doehee Burgess has volunteered for the all-important task of providing some tender loving care for the dog.

Says Gavin Wilson, "I have a superb group of people. There is an enormous amount of production talent out there and this show has been lucky enough to attract it. So from a director's view, it's been great just to be able to walk away and not worry too much about the production side of things as I know I can rely on them completely.'' Producer (once again) for the Gilbert & Sullivan's major annual production is Mrs. Marjorie Stanton.

Annie runs at City Hall from Friday, October 9 through Saturday October 17 at 8 p.m. nightly. On Sunday, October 11 there will be a matinee at 3 p.m.

Tickets are obtainable from the Visitors Service Bureau at $18, and children will be admitted to the matinee for $12 if accompanied by an adult.

ANNIE'S BEST FRIEND -- Eleven-year old Paget Troake takes on the title role of Annie, assisted by Sophie, who makes her stage debut as Sandy, Annie's faithful dog, when the Gilbert & Sullivan production opens next week. (Graham Lobb photo).