Review by Jennifer Mustoe, Front Row Reviewers
Payson Community Theatre has some of the best community theatre in the area, so it was with anticipation we were going to attend that good ol’ favorite, Annie Get Your Gun. From the enthusiastic crowd’s roaring approval, accompanied with whoops and hollers and clapping and laughing, Annie Get Your Gun is a hit. (And yes, that’s a pun.)
Annie Get Your Gun tells the story of Annie Oakley (Maddisson Fitzgerald) and Frank Butler (Michael Hess), considered the best sharpshooters of their time. Accompanied by the vigorously entertaining Buffalo Bill Cody (Craig Gardner), and others, including Oakley’s younger siblings, a love couple, a jealous herridan, Chief Sitting Bull (Kai Perez), and a host of roustabouts, Payson‘s current musical has something for everyone.
The show starts with Frank singing the popular song, “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” and I’m warning you now, you’ll be whistling this tune for some time. Soon Annie arrives, and she brings light to this already fun show. Frank and Annie have a meet cute, and even though we know what’s going to happen next, I felt myself leaning in, waiting for the big moment Annie realizes who Frank really is, and then the hilarity happens.
Hess as Frank is very enjoyable, and with a little research, we found he looks remarkably like the original Butler. He slings that gun like he knows what he’s doing, and has a smooth voice that’s easy to listen to. Butler’s sidekick Charley Davenport, played by Hayden Williams, makes for a wonderful pair that play off one another. Davenport is energetic, and honestly, looks like someone I’d love to share the stage with. He seems like he’s lots of fun.
Gardner as Buffalo Bill Cody sizzles in his role of Showman. Cody was the owner of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West, which was a raving success in its time. Gardner’s booming voice, high energy, affable manner, and let’s make some money attitude is apparent and this character is a highlight of the show.
Other characters bring spunk and comedy to the show, including: Tommy Wheeler (William Wood), Winnie Tate (Cheyenne Paisley), Foster Wilson (Chris Jensen), Mac, the Prop Man (Calvin Kitchen), Little Jake (Vincent Kitchen), Dolly Tate (played by Mallea Dalley Th, Sat)/Jessica Duncan (Fri, Mon)), and Pawnee Bill (Rock White).
I can’t crow enough about Fitzgerald as the hick turned heroine Annie. This young actress with the voice of an angel and the twang of a backwoods gal, charms our hearts and steals the show. Which is fitting, as it’s her story we came to see. With a little research, we found that Oakley realized when she was quite young that she was an amazing shot. In fact, she could shoot dimes in the air. Fitzgerald looks comfortable holding her gun and has the moves of a real sharpshooter. This actress is one to watch.
The production team: Director M. Chase Grant, Stage Manager Shaelyn Hayward, Musical Director Holly Michelsen, Choreographer Emma Black, Technical Director LeEarl Peck, Sound and Lighting Director Chris Olson, Costume Designer Clara Hancock, and Hair and Make-up Designer Hannah Anderson have worked hard to bring a family friendly show to Utah County. Since “the crowd went wild”, I’m going to say it’s a success.
With memorable and recognizable songs, fun banter between these two opponents/sweethearts, dancing and singing and clapping and shooting, Annie Get Your Gun is a fine ol’ time in Payson, part of their Payson Days over Labor Day Weekend.
Payson Community Theatre presents Annie Get Your Gun, music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, original book by Herbert Fields and Dorothy Fields.
Payson High School Auditorium, 1050 S Main, Payson, Utah 84651
Aug 24–28, 31, Sept 1– 2, 2023 7:30 PM, Sept 4 3:00 PM
Tickets: $10-12 open seating
Payson Community Theatre Facebook Page
Annie Get Your Gun Promo Video
(Note: Although Front Row Reviewers Celebrates the GOOD in the Arts, I will say, don’t wear shorts like I did. It is cold in the auditorium. It may be warmer when it is full, but it’s easy to take off a sweater if you get warm.)
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