Marathon LTG Targets “Annie Get Your Gun”

Legendary Wild West sharpshooters Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill Cody are among the bigger than life personalities in Marathon Little Theatre Group’s version of “Annie Get Your Gun.” This popular musical is running on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons until March 18 at 245-37 60th Avenue in Douglaston (the Marathon Jewish Community Center).
Basically, yokel Annie stumbles on a shooting contest in the Midwest. Her incredible ability with a rifle catches the eye of showmen and sharpshooter alike. She joins the show where she finds love, laughter and immortality in American folklore.
Opening night met expectations. True to the word “community” in community theatre, the cast boasts more than thirty local performers and dozens more behind the scenes. As usual, talented elementary school kids (Juliana Chimenti, Alessandra and Daniela Licul and others) share the stage with golden agers (Dave Shapiro, etc.). All from the extended neighborhood!
Complete with the requisite swagger and frontier attire, sharpshooter Frank Butler (Cary Schwartz) sings solos, duets and full-cast reprises with professional skill. After all, he’s a practicing cantor who can be seen on QPTV. His leading lady, Annie Oakley, is played by local theatre favorite, Jean Ann Kump. Her great voice and warm personality shine through every role.
Producer Sandi Plotkin appears briefly as a “walk on.” Director Lawrence (Larry) Bloom takes a turn in the spotlight as Buffalo Bill Cody. He adds a grey goatee and Wild West hairstyle to interpret his part. No interpreter is needed for Chief Sitting Bull (Harold Katz). His stilted English reveals wisdom that is pivotal to the story line.
Pompous Dolly Tate (Sharon DeCoursey) ably plays the woman you love to hate. Her sister Winnie Tate is played by Madiha Syedda. Her bright smile and upbeat stage presence should create more roles for this relative theatrical newcomer. It’s nothing new for consistent performers Tommy Keeler (Tom Albano), Charlie Davenport (Bob Alpert), Foster Wilson (John Brandes) and Pawnee Bill (John Baratta). They keep the play moving with solid attention to their roles. So many others support the leads onstage and behind the scenes that to name one or two would be unfair to the others. Please accept my apologies in advance.
Of course, the true stars of this show are the very famous musical numbers. With music and lyrics by the immortal Irving Berlin, they include “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “You Can’t Get a Man with A Gun,” “Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)” and “Doin’ What Comes Naturally.” Thanks to Musical Director Rhea Arkin, Choreographer Jenifer Badamo and Set Designer Linda Cashman for helping the audience to enjoy these American classics.
Call 718-229-4644 for tickets. Click www.spotlightonstage.com for details on all the local productions.
Spring performances in Queens will be starting soon. As always, save me a seat on the aisle.