Photo by Mark Rogers
MLT's “Annie Get Your Gun” debuts Thursday at the Coleman
by Mark Rogers
A dynamic cast of MLT veterans and some exciting newcomers will showcase their acting talents as Miami Little Theatre presents the beloved musical “Annie Get Your Gun” at the Coleman Theatre September 20-23.
With music written by Irving Berlin, the play is a fictionalized version of the life of Annie Oakley, a sharpshooter who starred in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, and her romance with sharpshooter Frank Butler.
The show produced a number of memorable songs including “There's No Business Like Show Business,” “Doin' What Comes Natur'lly,” “You Can't Get a Man with a Gun,” and “Anything You Can Do.”
MLT will produce an updated version of the show that manages to retain all of the fun and charm of the 1946 blockbuster, but is more sensitive to modern Native American culture.
“Though the musical is mostly a fictitious tale, the spirit of Annie Oakley remains true: an adventurous, confident woman whose talent transforms her into the first female American superstar,” explains director of the show and MLT President Pamela Catt. “I'm very glad I have the opportunity to direct 'Annie Get Your Gun.' The music of Irving Berlin and the story of Annie Oakley go together surprisingly well.”
The cast includes Ashlyn Bashore as Annie Oakley and Brock Goben as Frank Butler. Jerry Venis plays the part of Buffalo Bill.
Amanda Cole plays Dolly Tate; John Gray plays Tommy Keeler; Anastasia Stephens plays Winnie Tate; Zachary Thomas plays Charlie Davenport, Jeffrey Haynes plays Sitting Bull; Robert McKibben plays Foster Wilson and Andrew Bayliss plays Mac.
Kayla and Ashlyn Ford play the parts of Jessie and Nellie; Spencer Smith plays Jake; Alex Walls plays Running Deer; Dillon Rasberry plays Eagle Feather; and Richard Rohde plays Pawnee Bill.
The musical ensemble features Nathan and Vicki Carter, Eric Carter, Brent Ford, Jaysen Ford, Rod Neal, Halle Griswald, Julie Michels, Peyton Lacy, Angela Helmig, Karen Vanover, Briah Harnar, JulieAnna, Kateri, and Annamaria Rohde, Abeni Michels, Chrisann Lamb, Rayanna Lamb, Dillon Rasberry, Alex and Garrett Walls, Judy Pitman, Alexis Owens, Alexa Payne, Brooke Bashore, Christian Ross and Ronan Lamb.
Assistant director for “Annie” is Judy Pitman, who will be directing the next show, “1940's Radio Hour.” The show will be choreographed by Lee Dell Mustain. Vocal directors are Amanda Cole and Christian Ross. The set designer is Bud Catt.
“I am fortunate to have so many great people to work with. Thanks to everyone's efforts, I believe we have a show that will delight our audience,” said Catt. She added, “the lead roles of Annie Oakley and Frank Butler, played respectively by Ashlyn Bashore and Brock Goben, reflect a level of talent that any theatre-goer will appreciate.”
Tickets may be purchased at the Coleman Theatre box office or by calling 918-540-2425. Season tickets for all four MLT 2012-13 shows including “1940's Radio Show,” “August: Osage County,” and “Life with Father” are available at Osborn Drugs and will also be sold prior to each performance of “Annie Get Your Gun.”
Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with a 2:30 Sunday matinee.
