The spring musical is always a labor of love for director Cookie Angstadt and producer Debbie Veraldi, and always draws sell-out crowds. This year is no exception as they launched, “Annie Get Your Gun,” a 1950 musical about the great sharpshooter, Annie Oakley, who rises to fame while dealing with professional rival and love interest, Frank Butler. This year’s cast included Abby Emerson as Annie Oakley, Sam Snider as Frank Butler, William Todd as Buffalo Bill, and Joey Fisher as Sitting Bull.

Hours of line memorization and rehearsals contributed to the building anticipation as opening night drew nearer. The anticipation was also shared by Cookie Angstadt, whose objective for her students was foremost to have fun and to learn something about themselves along the way. “Exposure to theatrical experiences, be they improvisational or scripted, provides a creative outlet for students. It gives them confidence in public speaking and inter-relating with others. They are learning life skills which will give them strength and confidence in their social and professional worlds. Taking these skills and putting them on the stage is a wonderful challenge, which reinforces confidence and builds camaraderie and courage. Like a sport, it teaches them how to be part of a supportive team because they need to depend on each other to make it work. Of course, they also love the costumes, the scenery, and the props as they realize that there is “No Business Like Show Business.”

The reviews are in and the show was a success! Bravo!

View and purchase photos from Annie Get Your Gun!

Posted May 2, 2006