Annie Get Your Gun

For their 26th production, LPI  told the story of sharpshooter Annie Oakley, with Annie Get Your Gun.  Annie Oakley is the best shot around, and she manages to support her little brother and sisters by selling the game she hunts. When she's discovered by Col. Buffalo Bill, he persuades this novel sharpshooter to join his Wild West Show. It only takes one glance for her to fall head over heels for dashing shooting ace Frank Butler, who headlines the show. She soon eclipses Butler as the main attraction which, while good for business, is bad for romance. Butler hightails it off to join a rival show, his bruised male ego leading the way, but is ultimately pitted against Annie in a final shoot-out. The rousing, sure-fire finale hits the mark every time in a testament to the power of female ingenuity.

The cast of Annie Get Your Gun consisted of over 60 cast members, as well as over 40 volunteers.  LPI welcomed Jennifer Michele, California native, to play the role of Annie Oakley.  Her opposite, Frank Butler, was portrayed by LPI veteran Riley Stout.  Carter Krzyzaniak filled the role of Tommy Keeler while his opposite, Winnie Tate was portrayed by Abigail Charbonneau.  Winnie’s older sister Dolly was played by LPI native, Heather Hernandez.  And Charlie Davenport was played by Tom Kamenick.  Other supporting roles included Buffalo Bill Cody portrayed by David Quinn, Chief Sitting Bull portrayed by Jack Skorik, Foster Wilson portrayed by Bob Eichner and Pawnee Bill who was played by non-other than Bob Deyo.  Annie’s siblings, Little Jake, Jessie, Nellie and Minnie were double cast to give more opportunity to the younger cast members.  Cody Provencher and Amanda Crass portrayed the role of Little Jake, Zoey Dobbertin and Norah Barrett played the role of Jessie, Lyla Anderson and Madelaine Benson filled the role of Nellie while Harper Schmit and Elora Greve played the role of Minnie.  Countless other cast members filled the remaining supporting roles and ensemble members.

Annie Get Your Gun was directed by Sara Stout, marking her second show as a director with LPI.  Ashton Rathke lent a helping hand as stage manager. John Robertson returned as Music Director with the support of Mary Ann Bichler as rehearsal accompanist. LPI newcomer, Carter Krzyzaniak (choreographer) blew everyone away with his energetic, fresh choreography. Kim Dussault dazzled audiences with her costume design, and Nick Shircel, as tech director ,made the cast shine in the light with his light and sound design. Long-time set director, Mike Schwab, once again did an amazing job setting the stage for Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show and more.  As always, this show would not have been possible without the help of the countless volunteers that give their time, talent and energy to Lakeshore Productions.