Terry Wills gets blown away by the sharpest shooter in town.
“Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin” – is there a better advertisment for a musical? A truly inspirational songwriter and lyrist whose shows guarantee a happy, tuneful, evening’s enjoyment that leaves the audience roaring for more.
So it was at the New Alexandra Theatre, when prior to a West End opening, Annie get your Gun attracted a large audience that most certainly fell into that category.
Based on Buffalo Bill’s Wild West history, it tells of Bill Cody’s world-famous travelling, fearless, horseriders who challenge all-comers prepared to test their skills against his unbeatable troupe. Among these are Frank Butler, his star sharp-shooting marksman – until he’s challenged, and beaten, by a woman, one Annie Oakley.
To Annie it’s no more than she expected but for Frank it’s a massive shock, even more so when Buffalo Bill invites her to join the show. They argue about who is the best shot, they inevitably fall in love and here are no further prizes for guessing the outcome.
This is a romp from start to finish with a cast of talented singers and dancers. The three leading roles are splendid portrayed – Jason Donovan ((Frank) Norman Pace (Buffalo Bill) and (Emma Williams) as Annie. In her portrayal of Annie, who most certainly did get her gun, Emma for me stole the show with an invigorating performance that received well-deserved rapturous applause.
From the opening number, There’s No Business Like Show Business, the audience were swept along and in particular Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better) left us marvelling at the range of this Annie’s seemingly non-stop rendition.
For musical theatre devotees Annie Get Your Gun is a must-see but for those unfamiliar with one of Irving Berlin’s best-known creations, this production gives he perfect opportunity to witness the work of a man who best summed up in the words of another legendary composer, Jerome Kern. “Irving Berlin has no place in American music. Irving Berlin IS American music.”
Annie Get Your Gun plays the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, until 5th July. Tickets: www.atgtickets.com/