Story and Images provided by Town & Gown Theatre
Town & Gown Theatre opens the last production of its 66th season on June 14th with the famous Wild West musical, Annie Get Your Gun, music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, original book by Herbert and Dorothy Fields as revised by Peter Stone.
Annie Oakley is the best shot around. When she’s discovered by Col. Buffalo Bill, he persuades the novel sharpshooter to join his Wild West Show. It only takes one glance for her to fall head over heels for dashing shooting ace Frank Butler, who headlines the show. She soon eclipses Butler as the main attraction which, while good for business, is bad for romance.
The musical is directed by Anna Davis, a real life wild west show historian at the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum in Pawnee, Oklahoma. “Putting a show like Annie Get Your Gun onto the stage of an Oklahoma theater feels almost like a homecoming of sorts,” said Director Anna Davis. “Oklahoma has a deep Wild West Show history. Many of the people that are portrayed in this show set foot many times in this great state. ”
In fact, both Annie Oakley and Frank Butler were with Pawnee Bill’s first season in 1888 as star sharpshooters. Buffalo Bill became Pawnee Bill’s business partner from 1908-1913 and later ended his career with the 101 Ranch Wild West Show tour. “While the events in this show are fictional, the truth behind the show is not.” said Davis. “Every character on this stage was a very real person.”
The songs in this Broadway classic are instantly recognizable. They are funny, sharp witted, and endearing. “This is definitely a show that people want to sing along with,” said Davis.
Local talents stand out in this production with many families and friends performing together. Some are returning from a long hiatus, others get a chance to be onstage with their children, and the leads are married in real life!
Annie Get Your Gun will run for ten performances Jun 14-18 and 21-25, 2017 with Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees beginning at 2:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Monday, June 12 and can be reserved by calling the box office at 405.372.9122 or purchasing tickets online at www.townandgown.org. Ticket prices are Adults $16; Students $14; and Seniors $14 (available for Sunday matinees only). Rated M – Musical, Recommended for ages 8 and older.
For more information about Annie Get Your Gun, visit www.townandgown.org or find them on Facebook.