Splendid 'Annie' continues this weekend; Pense next

By Sam Bauman

Entertainment Editor

The Western Nevada Musical Theater Company always puts on a fine show, and "Annie Get Your Gun" is no exception. A fine cast, nice sets (wonder if the backdrops were painted here?) and an orchestra that really supports nicely.

Of course, this show lives or dies with the Annie actress, and in this case it's alive and very well. Lauren Ashley Durant is not a refined opera singer; she's more of a Broadway belter, in the fine tradition of Ethel Merman, who originated the role. (She's also a student at WNC). She has a strong voice, musical and powerful, and she gets the singing done just fine. She's also a good comedian and projects the kind of warmth that a backwoods Ohio girl would have had (written like an Ohioan). She really communicates with the audience and with her fellow players, especially with her theatrical sisters Haley Davis and Ashley Alicia and brother Ryan Vettel, who cranks out some fine sounds with his violin.

As Frank Butler, Annie's eventual love interest and fellow sharpshooter, Joshua Jessup is handsome, towering and perfectly in character. Besides that, he can sing. He is a fine foil for Annie and for the rest of the cast. He clearly helps carry the show along.

Jerry Lowe as Sitting Bull is splendid in full Native American feathers costume; Gordon Miller is a fast-talking Charlie; and Dave Anderson as Buffalo Bill Cody looks and acts the role convincingly. Carla J. Wilson as Dolly Tate gives a fine performance as Butler's protector, storming around convincingly. John Vettel as Pawnee Bill is dependable as always.

The really towering Alan Jones brings off his role as Foster neatly, Tommy Keeler as Alex is showbiz personified.

Cowgirl dancers Amanda Drown, Sami Busey, Annika Chryssos, Mansiela Avita and Rachel Anderson are high steppers; James McDuffie, Leaony Berg, Paul Stuflosky, Mikey Kaski and Thomas Fisk supply the male side, all benefiting from Gina Kaski-Davis' choreography. The apron brigade of Lisa Thomas, Emily Steel, Andrea Mindrum, Bethany Mindrum, Vronika Avita, Mary Strachan, Adrian Avita and Lacey Sullivan make the crowd scene effective, as do Kathryn Etcheverria, Melanie Brathsch, Jennifer Lappin, Lisa Mindrum and Judyan Bolduc.

The musical itself is not exactly the version that premiered in 1946, with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin and book by Herbert and Dorothy Fields. Peter Stone reworked the show, adding some music and additional cast (Alex Kaskie and Whitney Giron do a good job in the new roles).

Stephanie Arrigotti directed deftly as always and led the fine orchestra, underplaying nicely as appropriate. Rehearsal pianists Marsha Hall and Linda Hardy obviously did their work well. And Denis McMasters sewed up a bevy of authentic-looking costumes.

In this revised version of "Annie," the song "There's No Business Like Show Business" really gets a workout, from the opening with Jessup singing a muted version before being joined by the cast. It's a rousing opening but dims the impact of the song later.

All the fine old tunes are there: "Doin' What Comes Natur'lly," "The Girl that I Marry," "You Can't Get a Man With a Gun," "They Say It's Wonderful," "I Got the Sun in the Morning" and "Anything You Can Do."

As I said, this show hangs on Annie, and Durant has just the pipes to make this a fun and rich experience. It runs Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Community Center.

LYNDA PENSE AND COLD BLOOD

Lydia Pense and Cold Blood liven up things at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. This is a rocking San Francisco gathering of talent. Seats are $22 with $3 off for Brewery members, seniors and students. Call 883-1976.

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• Contact Sam Bauman at 881-1236 or Sbauman@nevadaappeal.com.