I don't know of another show that has so many hits in it as Irving Berlin's Annie Get Your Gun. Opening with "There's No Business Like Show Business," then continuing with "They Say It's Wonderful," and "The Girl that I Marry." Precious few shows have had such lasting appeal from its Broadway opening in 1946 with a run of 1,147 shows to the revivals in 1966 and 1999. It was in 1999 that Berlin's "I'll Share it All With You" and "Who Do You Love I Hope" was added.
One of the reasons for its continued success is the love story between the rough-hewn backwoods Annie Oakley and the sophisticated Frank Butler. Perhaps the lasting power is because it is based on their lives with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, a show that brought the wild west to Cincinnati and Minneapolis and, of course, to New York City. The musical has also been made into a movie and a television production.
Such N' Such Productions, which will be bringing us Annie this fall, did their first production in 2006. They specialize in big shows with big casts that span the age spectrum from young children to gramps. Their last two shows were The Music Man and Oliver! The current production numbers 50 with cast and ensemble.
Jessica Brandon took on the task of directing with musical director Kirk Valles and choreographer Alisa Williams. The team has provided a treat for their audiences. The ensemble singing and dance numbers are exciting. Costumer Patrick Lathrop and staff deserve accolades their work. Cameron Williams and Adriana Zuniga provide an array of hard-to-find props.
Most of the talented principals we've seen in productions throughout the San Diego theater scene. Don Evans (Frank Butler, Annie's heartthrob) has been seen at Moonlight, Lyric Opera, Starlight, and many other venues. Lisa Goodman (Annie) has been seen throughout San Diego and North County in musical productions.
Dawn Marie Williams (Dolly Tate) brought a host of family and friends with Cameron, Michael, Lorelei, and Adriana joining the cast. John Steinmetz is a very good Buffalo Bill Cody. I wish I had the space to mention everybody; the energy onstage is electric.
Annie Get Your Gun is a big, fun show with the audience involved with every number. They cheer the budding romance and almost sing along with the cast. One doesn't see this much enthusiasm from an audience very often.
