The presentation of the charming play Annie at the South Woods Middle School drew me back to the town of Syosset. As a writer for the past seven years on the Syosset-Jericho Tribune I have been much more oriented to Jericho than Syosset, partially because I live in Jericho.

Syosset was the place of my first introduction to videos and VCRs. I joined Nancy's Video Club on Main Street about 25 years ago and I even took out a lifetime club membership. Unfortunately, Nancy and her club were gone eight months later. The club went the way of Vic Tanney's Gyms, Eastern Airlines, TWA and Pan Am. So much for lifetime memberships! I also loved the Japanese food at Tsubo's restaurant.

The middle school at South Woods was all abuzz when my lovely wife Lorraine and I arrived. The vitality of the children and their enthusiastic parents was delightful to witness. We took our seats and the large orchestra began the overture to Annie.

Why were we there? Good question!

We came to see Carly Kaplan, the granddaughter of our wonderful friends Alice and Mort Steinberg perform the lead role of Annie, the little orphan girl from the comic strips of yesterday. We were present at her Bat-Mitzvah about six months ago and she sang a beautiful rendition of Wind Beneath My Wings. This little girl has stage presence and she sings like the proverbial angel. No doubts about her ability.

I am not usually a reviewer of plays. If I were, I would give this production a "rave review." The stagecraft was truly artistic with changing scenery and great backdrops. The chorus sang and danced admirably and the music and lyrics were done with a real flair. My favorite tunes from Annie were sung and choreographed beautifully. Who can resist the tunes Tomorrow, Easy Street and It's a Hard Knock Life. These 11-, 12-, and 13-year-olds were very professional.

Carly was in complete control of her performance. Her pixie smile and graceful movements were captivating. Also to be commended were Zack Green as Daddy Warbucks and Melanie Mednick as Miss Hannigan, a role made famous by Dorothy Loudon who unfortunately passed away last week. I also got a kick out of the deadpan acting of Erica Gottlieb as Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The whole cast and the teachers deserved a standing ovation. Annie is an American Classic!

After the show we went to Cardinali's Sweet Shop for coffee and sweets. Our friends the Levys (Lotte and Mo) joined us for an "after the theater" repast of Rum Baba, Fruit Tart and Napoleons in downtown Syosset. It was almost equivalent to an evening on Broadway in Manhattan.

My reacquaintance with Syosset was wonderful. I intend to enjoy it even more in the future.