| Author | Message: ANNIE GET YOUR GUN... | Posted by: ekuczew
On: 4/16/2000 at 7:57:26 PM GMT
Message #: 2872
See headers | Hello, all! Below is my article on/review of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. It is
based on my seeing the show on March 1, 2000. I hope you enjoy it, and
I hope it inspires you to see the show!!!
Thanks,
Chris
List Manager of:
denniskelly@egroups.com
brentbarrett@egroups.com
b-waylist@egroups.com
-----
“Annie Get Your Gun”: They Say It’s Wonderful…and It Is!
Christopher Kuczewski ’00
In a time when the Great White Way is comprised of a great deal of
revivals, one revival stands out of the crowd. This revival is Irving
Berlin’s classic musical, “Annie Get Your Gun,” which is playing at the
Marquis Theatre.
“Annie Get Your Gun” is the story of legendary sharpshooter Annie
Oakley, her rise to stardom, and her love for Frank Butler (another
sharpshooter of the time). The story is very ingeniously presented in a
unique concept as part of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, with Colonel
William F. Cody (a.k.a. Buffalo Bill) acting as a narrator. The show’s
book, originally written by Herbert and Dorothy Fields, has been revised
by Peter Stone to fit into this new concept and also to be a bit more
“politically correct” (especially towards American Indians and women).
Berlin’s timeless score is mostly the same as in the original production
and subsequent revivals, with the exception of some cuts and changes.
Of course it still features the ever-popular “There’s No Business Like
Show Business,” “I Got the Sun in the Morning,” “They Say It’s
Wonderful,” and “Anything You Can Do,” as well as “Doin’ What Comes
Natur’lly,” “The Girl That I Marry,” “You Can’t Get a Man With a Gun,”
“An Old Fashioned Wedding,” and “My Defenses are Down.”
The design of the show—that is, the scenery (Tony Walton), costumes
(William Ivey Long), and lighting (Beverly Emmons)—is colorful,
sophisticated, and absolutely beautiful. Graciela Daniele and Jeff
Calhoun’s choreography combines with Ms. Daniele’s direction to create a
fast-paced, highly enjoyable show.
Broadway veteran Bernadette Peters, who portrays Annie, brings to the
role a style all her own—which is a very difficult feat to perform, as
the role was originated by Ethel Merman. Her powerful voice and strong,
scene-stealing presence make her one of the best talents onstage today.
Tom Wopat’s portrayal of Frank Butler is also superbly done with a rich
voice and great acting ability. Dennis Kelly uses his outstanding
acting and vocal skills to portray Buffalo Bill with an intense passion;
it almost seems that Mr. Kelly is a direct descendant of the show
business tycoon. Other notable performances are those of Peter Marx (as
Charlie Davenport), Valerie Wright (as Dolly Tate), Andrew Palermo (as
Tommy Keeler), Nicole Ruth Snelson (as Winnie Tate), Kevin Bailey (as
Chief Sitting Bull), and Gerry Vichi (as both Foster Wilson and Pawnee
Bill), in addition to a thrilling ensemble.
“Annie Get Your Gun” is one of those shows that leaves you humming the
tunes, feeling good about yourself, and marveling at the sheer
brilliance of the production. May it continue running for a very long
time, entertaining audiences for years to come. Let’s go on with the
show!
© 2000, The Prophet, West Islip, NY.
| | Author | Message: Re: [bernadette] ANNIE GET YOUR GUN... | Posted by: RocketsTail
On: 4/18/2000 at 12:29:42 PM GMT
Message #: 2873
See headers | WOW! I wish I could see the show so badly, maybe I'll make it up to New York
before Bernadette leaves the show (HA). :) Thanks for sending your review!
-Eric
"Never say I don't need you to love me
Cause I need you to love me
And as hard as I try...you know you can't hide the feeling.. "
~Stevie Nicks
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