A Parent’s Review: Annie at the Kitsap Forest Theater

A Parent’s Review: Annie at the Kitsap Forest Theater by Kelly Rogers Flynt in The Seattle's Child, July 29, 2014

Take one endearing story, place it in a magical location, add a dash of sunshine and the adventure of a ferry ride and you have one memorable, summer day the whole family will treasure. 

The Kitsap Forest Theater has a production of Annie running through Aug. 17. The story will warm your heart, and the setting will refresh your soul. It is truly a theater experience like no other. 

Annie is one of those musicals that almost everyone is familiar with on some level. However, seeing it again reminded me just why it has been beloved by so many generations. The hope and optimism that Annie embodies is just as important today as it was in her 1933 world, deep in the Great Depression. 

There aren’t too many stories, musical or not, that have so many strong female parts. Whether it’s the spunk of Annie, the kindness of Grace Farrell, or the machinations of Miss Hannigan, this story puts the female characters in the driver’s seat. For me, that makes it a must-see for both my daughter and my son. 

The show is first and foremost known for its music. The Mountaineer Players scored big when they found Sophie Walters to play the part of Annie. At 10 years old, this little girl is already sporting some major pipes and showcases the nuances of the music by Charles Strouse. I know Annie is supposed to be the star of the show; however, I think that Sophie might have stolen the show even if she weren’t playing the title character. 

Please note that there are two different girls playing Annie during the run. I haven’t had a chance to see the other one, Jasmine Harrick, but it’s obvious their casting people know what they are doing, so I’m sure she is fabulous as well. Check the online schedule at to see which girl is playing Annie on which day. 

Jason Gingold was another delightful surprise. He plays the part of Rooster Hannigan. Despite his character being the sleazy, scumbag type, you can’t help but fall in love with him. His physical comedy and demeanor are spot-on for the character and add so much to the fun of the show.

My daughter was also delighted to see that they used a real dog for Sandy. I don’t know if Panda has previous stage experience, but the dog certainly knew its cues and blocking. 

My daughter and I have seen quite a few shows this summer, both indoors and out. I was surprised by the quality of the sound system in the forest theater. Perhaps the natural acoustics of the area helped, but whatever it was, it worked perfectly. Every line from every character was heard clear as a bell. For me, this is vital when taking kids to a show. If they can’t hear what the actors are saying, they can’t follow the story, which results in incessant tugs at my sleeve with questions. So thank you forest folks for investing in quality sound.

After the show, the entire audience is invited up, or rather down, to the stage to meet the cast. What a treat! They are all happy to chat, take photos and answer questions. While on the stage area, I noticed a little alcove with a large keyboard and a young gentleman putting things away. It stopped me in my tracks. I had thought they were using recorded music. Nope, it was live – all of it. And all of it was performed by this one young man, Greg Smith, a recent graduate of Cornish College of the Arts. Again, hats off to Kitsap Forest Theater for doing it right. 

While the musical show is certainly the heart of the experience, don’t miss out on all the extra treats on the side. The theater is nestled in a 460-acre Rhododendron Preserve. Even if you are not up for serious hiking, you can learn more about the preserve by visiting the Kitsap Yurt, which houses photos and information. Additionally, the entrance to the trail to the theater features giant display boards with photos and the history of the Mountaineers Players. 

Although this is just the 8th summer theater season, the Mountaineers have been performing in the same forest-canopied spot since 1923. Even if you’re not a vintage photography buff, you will appreciate the photos from the old shows. My 10-year-old daughter loved looking at the old costumes and how they’ve changed over the years. 

Finally, if you plan your day right, you won’t want to miss the Big Tree Trail. The trailhead is located up at the entrance, near the restrooms and Kitsap Yurt, not down by the theater. The trail is about a half-mile long and leads to one of the 10 largest Douglas Fir trees in the world. The hike also includes a bridge over Wildcat Creek and magnificent flora and fauna such as blooming trillium, rhododendrons of course and various other native trees and plants. Don’t be surprised if you find ferns taller than your children! Please note that parts of the trail are steep, so be prepared to help little ones, and everyone should wear comfortable, close-toed shoes that are appropriate for hiking.

Logistics are important if you plan to visit the Kitsap Forest Theater. If you can take the whole day, do it. It will just make everything easier. The shows are at 2 p.m., but when you are depending on traveling by ferry, it’s best to plan to be early. Both the Bremerton/Bainbridge ferry and the Edmonds/Kingston ferry will work. The theater is now offering a $5 per person shuttle from the Bremerton ferry, but reservations are required. This is a great option as it allows you to be a walk-on ferry passenger and skip those long car lines. 

From the Kingston ferry dock, it takes 30 to 35 minutes to get to the theater. Note that there are two routes; one goes along the coast line and through Fort Gamble (this one is more scenic, but takes a little longer) and the other goes through the center of the peninsula and will save you a little time if you are cutting it close. You can also drive from Seattle via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. 

There is parking at the entrance to the trail and across the road as well. The only “real” restrooms are at the trailhead near the ticket booth. The theater has very steep, stadium-style seating. If you have stadium seats or cushions, bring them. They do have a limited number of cushions at a rental booth. 

While most of the seats are under the filtered light of towering trees, there may be times that you have full sun shining on you, so be prepared. You can bring a cooler with your own snacks or visit their concessions booth that offers a variety of snacks and drinks. 

If there is a downside to the Kitsap Forest Theater, it is the distance. I wish it were in my backyard. It takes some planning and effort to get there, but it is so worth the trip. The theater has officially made its way onto our annual family tradition list. We can’t wait to go again.

Kelly Rogers Flynt is a freelance writer based out of Lake Forest Park and the mother of two children, ages 13 and 10, who dream of building a theater in their backyard.

http://www.seattleschild.com/article/annie-kitsap-forest-theater