FLASHBACK: Annie Get Your Gun

Annie Get Your Gun

Published: May 9, 2002
Gallery Theater play runs through May 25
By Starla PointerOf the News-Register

Gallery Theater scores a bull's-eye with "Annie Get Your Gun," a musical comedy based on the real-life love story of Annie Oakley and Frank Butler.

The dance sequence featuring Annie (Jenny Root) and Sitting Bull (Laurel Adams) is worth the price of admission. Lucky for us, it's just one highlight of a thoroughly enjoyable show.

Root is as natural as can be in the title role. Her Annie is fresh and innocent, yet, in many ways, wise beyond her years and her background. She knows all about shooting, taking care of her siblings and "Doin' What Comes Naturally," yet she melts into a teen-age swoon when she first lays eyes on Frank (Eric Ernst).

She's neither the first nor the last female to be dazzled by Frank, but she's the first to stand up and declare that she has talents, too. His condescending attitude toward women - which, in the 1870s, was considered being gentlemanly - just makes her more determined. In fact, she beats him at his own game - marksmanship.

Still, Annie realizes that showing him up isn't the way to win Frank's heart. "You Can't Get a Man With a Gun," she laments, and accepts a secondary role in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show so she can be near him.

He's happy to treat her as an apprentice. And he's overjoyed that she's becoming more ladylike - pinker and whiter, like the china doll he's always dreamed of marrying.

In fact, he's all ready to propose, despite the warnings of his cowboy buddies. It may be Ernst's best great number - "My Defenses are Down," in which Frank looks forward to marriage with the refrain, "Being miserable is gonna be fun." The scene wouldn't be complete without the cowboy chorus, Robin Wirfs, Dylan Sovey, Andrew Wardell and Ian Godbey.

Everything seems to be headed toward a ride into the sunset. But when Buffalo Bill, knowing he can draw a crowd by showcasing Annie's talents, makes her a star, Frank gallops off alone.

Adams make a fine Sitting Bull, a man of few words, every one of them hilarious. Ryan Findley is just right as Buffalo Bill. Josh Harrison and Laura Hilliker make a good team as a sharply contrasting brother and sister, Charlie and Dolly.

Throughout the show, Irving Berlin's hit songs are performed with gusto and tenderness or humor, depending on the number. "I'll Have an Old Fashioned Wedding," in which Annie and Frank present their conflicting views, "Anything You Can Do," "I Got the Sun in the Morning" and several versions of "There's No Business Like Show Business" are among the highlights, of course. The more romantic "They Say It's Wonderful" and "Moonshine Lullaby" are lovely.

Scene changes dragged at times on opening night. The waits weren't unpleasant, though, because the live combo kept playing throughout.

Nice touch, by the way, having the musicians not only visible, but in costume. And oh, what costumes by Carol Burnett, Barbara Millikan and others. They're fabulous. The many costume changes are a visual treat.

The set is just enough to establish the locales, but simple and understated so that the performers are the real stars. The lighting effects in the ball scene are a good addition.

It's been 20 years since Gallery's first production of "Annie Get Your Gun." Whether or not you remember that one, you should see this version. Strong performances under the direction of Jane Maddox, quality music directed by Frank Messina and a good cast - especially Root, and especially in that dance sequence with Adams - make this a show not to miss.