Irving Berlin’s classic Broadway show
”
Annie Get Your Gun
”
rolled into the San Mateo Performing Arts Center with all the
energy and dynamism of its Broadway predecessor that starred Ethel
Merman. Berlin’s genius as always stands alone, his music and
lyrics are worth a trip to the theater any day of the week.
Irving Berlin’s classic Broadway show “Annie Get Your Gun” rolled into the San Mateo Performing Arts Center with all the energy and dynamism of its Broadway predecessor that starred Ethel Merman. Berlin’s genius as always stands alone, his music and lyrics are worth a trip to the theater any day of the week.
The show opened on Broadway May 16, 1946 and played a record 1,147 sold out performances that set the standard for musicals to follow. The opening number. “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” has become the anthem for the show business community and the incomparable Merman – the original Annie Oakley – has become an icon in the annals of this musical.
“Annie Get Your Gun” is a sassy, if not a too accurate, story of Annie Oakley, an unbeatable sharp shooter that became a famous name worldwide for her expertise in the field. The story tells of her competitiveness and adoration of Frank Butler star of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. The plot is fun and far-fetched but moves at a fast pace with Berlin’s magnificent songs and music gliding through the production with grand perfection. “Doin’ What Comes Nater’lly,” “You Can’t Get A Man With A Gun,” They Say It’s Wonderful,” “I Got The Sun In The Morning,” The Girl That I Marry” and the delightful “Anything You Can Do” are just a part of the libretto of marvelous music and lyrics that make up this uproarious show.
When you consider Berlin never learned to play the piano and that he could hardly read music makes his genius even more incredible. He wrote more than 3,000 songs, including “Alexander’s Rag Time Band,” “Blue Skies,” “God Bless America” and “White Christmas.”
This production has a grand 17-plus orchestra (with a harp) in the pit, under the direction of Mark Hanson, that delivers the solid support that makes or breaks a show.
The cast, led by the talented Virginia Wilcox and David Sattler as Annie Oakley and Frank Butler, is outstanding. They have great voices, timing and chemistry.
Don Cima and John Duggan as Mr. Wilson and Chief Sitting Bull respectively bring in strong performances.
Alex Perez’s direction keeps things moving. Jayne Zaban’s choreography could be a little tighter. The kids in the chorus need some “snap” and “spacing” tuning, some of the numbers were a little sloppy. I know they are capable of better. Lighting, sound, sets and costumes were on excellent track. And as always Kevin Low’s coordinating of the front of the house is always impressive.
For the best bargain in musical theater, a subscription to Broadway By the Bay can’t be beat, and “Annie Get Your Gun” is an example. Great ticket prices, easy parking and right next door.
