Annie Get Your Gun

Annie Get Your Guni s being presented with colour and enthusiasm by Murray Music and Drama Club (MMDC).

This production has an interesting provenance. Annie Get Your Gun was the first musical directed by Cathy Puzey for MMDC in 1993. One of her favourite shows, she thought it time for a revival, although this time they present the 1999 Broadway version rather than the original. The detailed program with photographs of the real-life inspirations for the musical, is a lovely asset to the show - well done to Tammy Peckover.

There is lots to like in this traditionally presented production. Lori Anders makes a lovely journey as the sharpshooting ragamuffin turned star Annie Oakley, nicely matched with tall, dark and handsome Rowan Crewman, who gives Frank Butler a charming yet imposing air. 

Nic Davenport is a picture-perfect Buffalo Bill, who works nicely alongside Trevor Delaporte as Charlie Davenport. Vicki Ormsby gender flips to play an imposing Chief Sitting Bull.

Carole Dhu revives her portrayal of Dolly Tate, looking great for twenty-four years between the same role. Dolly’s daughter Winnie is beautifully played and prettily sung by Rhiannon Draper, a lovely playing of this ingenue role. Her love-match, Tommy Keeler, is very nicely played by Alex White, as they make the most of this romantic little sub-plot.

The children are delightful, lifting the show with every appearance. Well done to Caity Smith, Sharnie Whicker, and Flynn, Hollie and Bonnie Creelman, playing Annie’s siblings.

An enthusiastic and very busy ensemble provide colour and warmth. Lots of costume changes for many of the cast, well handled by Costume Co-ordinator Tammy Peckover and her team, who created a lovely period look.

The show is well accompanied by single pianist Kenn Ellis.

While not as vocally strong as I would expect at MMDC, and occasionally a little under-paced, Annie Get Your Gun has a lovely feel and the audience was enjoying it very much.

Wonderful to see a classic musical with its gorgeously memorable score being presented. It is so important that we continue to perform and love these classic shows.

Kimberley Shaw