Western musical fun for the whole family
Published on Wed, Jan 11, 2012 by Emily MccannRead More Arts & Entertainment
The legend of Annie Oakley shone for its opening night at the Village Theatre. With a packed house, applause thundered after every number and the theatre's production of "Annie Get Your Gun," directed by Steve Tomkins, scored the title character a standing ovation.
"Annie Get Your Gun" is based on the life of Annie Oakley, a sharp shooter from Ohio, and her husband Frank Butler, a marksman. The real-life couple showcased their talents for Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show in the nineteenth century.
Vicki Noon aced the theatre's opening night as Annie Oakley, so it was no surprise as everyone rose from their seats for Noon's bow. Her liquid voice with a country twang delighted audience members with act one's "You Can't Get a Man with a Gun"-Noon's hit of the evening-and act two's "I've got the Sun in the Morning and Moon at Night."
The spirited orchestra cemented the production's brilliant choreography and was a perfect match to Noon's powerhouse voice, with musical direction from R.J Tancioco.
While Noon may have scored the standing ovation, it was the ensemble that pulled this production all together, energetic and expertly choreographed by Tomkins and Kristin Culp.
The stand out performances of Winnie Tate and Tommy Keeler, played by Justin Ramsey and Emily Cawley, as the second most enamored couple on stage, was a feast for the eyes. The intense chemistry and skilled partnership garnered much applause. Their number "Who do you love, I hope?" was fit for any Broadway production. Also, Kathryn Van Meter as the abominable Dolly Tate, Frank Butler's love-struck conniving assistant, gave way to many bursts of laughter.
Buffalo Bill was a favorite of the evening, introducing acts to his Wild West Show. Played by Hugh Hastings, Bill launched the classic "There's no Business like show Business" with effortless stage-manship.
"Annie Get Your Gun" is based on the life of Annie Oakley, a sharp shooter from Ohio, and her husband Frank Butler, a marksman. The real-life couple showcased their talents for Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show in the nineteenth century.
Vicki Noon aced the theatre's opening night as Annie Oakley, so it was no surprise as everyone rose from their seats for Noon's bow. Her liquid voice with a country twang delighted audience members with act one's "You Can't Get a Man with a Gun"-Noon's hit of the evening-and act two's "I've got the Sun in the Morning and Moon at Night."
The spirited orchestra cemented the production's brilliant choreography and was a perfect match to Noon's powerhouse voice, with musical direction from R.J Tancioco.
While Noon may have scored the standing ovation, it was the ensemble that pulled this production all together, energetic and expertly choreographed by Tomkins and Kristin Culp.
The stand out performances of Winnie Tate and Tommy Keeler, played by Justin Ramsey and Emily Cawley, as the second most enamored couple on stage, was a feast for the eyes. The intense chemistry and skilled partnership garnered much applause. Their number "Who do you love, I hope?" was fit for any Broadway production. Also, Kathryn Van Meter as the abominable Dolly Tate, Frank Butler's love-struck conniving assistant, gave way to many bursts of laughter.
Buffalo Bill was a favorite of the evening, introducing acts to his Wild West Show. Played by Hugh Hastings, Bill launched the classic "There's no Business like show Business" with effortless stage-manship.
Be ready to have a few songs stuck in your head by the end of this one. "Annie Get Your Gun" plays at the Village Theatre through January 29. Call (425) 257-8600 for more information or visit villagetheatre.org. The Village Theatre is located in downtown Everett at 2710 Wetmore Avenue.
Photo: Vicki Noon as Annie Oakley. Photo by Jay Koh. Property of Village Theatre.
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