‘Annie Get Your Gun’ shoots its way to the Renaissance Center stage
Since The Renaissance Players were formed and began performing in 1999, they have put on more than 90 plays and musicals – providing more than 500 people with the opportunity to be on stage.
Remember the days of sharpshooters and cowboys? Well, the Renaissance Players are going to help jog your memory in their presentation of Annie Get Your Gun, running September 27 through October 6 at the Renaissance Center – Dickson county’s premier performing arts venue.
Directed by Rachel Jackson, this classic homage to the wild west is essentially a fictionalized musical version of the real Annie Oakley’s story.
“Annie Get Your Gun is a timeless story of a girl with big talent and an even bigger heart,” said director Rachel Jackson. “I’ve loved getting to shape this story with our talented cast, and I believe our audiences will instantly be pulled in by Annie’s relatability.”
Annie Oakley, played by Sierra Prue, and Frank Butler, played by Jarrod Clark in the Renaissance Player’s production of ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ in Dickson
Written by Dorothy and Herbert Fields in 1946, the play follows Annie Oakley, who is the best shot around. While struggling to care for her brother and sisters, she gains the attention of Col. Buffalo Bill, who convinces her to join his Wild West Show. Annie soon falls head-over-boots for Frank Butler, the current headliner. When Annie surpasses Frank as the main attraction, Frank’s bruised ego causes him to leave for a rival show. Fate brings Annie and Frank together in the end for a final shoot-out that makes for a triggering finale.
“There can never be enough stories about women who pioneered their way to the top of their field, and Annie is a prime example,” Jackson continued. “From the music and choreography, to the actors all making each moment their own, they have all truly bought into this incredible story. Come on this journey with us and watch Annie Oakley find true friendship, true love, and most importantly – herself.”
This show is set to the iconic music of Irving Berlin and contains musical classics like “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “You Can’t Get a Man With a Gun” and “Anything You Can Do.” Annie Get Your Gun is considered a classic golden-age musical with impressive original Broadway runs in both New York (1,147 performances) and London, a 1950 film and television versions.
Performances are September 27-28 and October 4-5 at 7 pm, and September 29 and October 6 at 2:00 p.m. at The Renaissance Center located inside Freed-Hardeman University. Tickets are available at RenPlayers.com or by calling the box office at 615-593-5520.
