Austin preparing for Annie’s gun

Published 10:05 am Monday, June 13, 2011

Katie Hunerdosse as Annie Oakley gets ready for the big finale during the "Annie Get Your Gun" dress rehearsal Thursday night.

Annie’s getting her gun ready next week, and she’ll be raring to shoot.

The opening production of Summerset Theatre, “Annie, Get Your Gun” will open Tuesday, June 14 at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre at Riverland Community College. The production, one of outgoing Riverland director Jerry Girton’s last, is a faithful interpretation to the classic people know and love.

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“It’s a good old fashioned musical with lots of great Irving Berlin music,” Girton said.

The production centers around Annie Oakley and Frank Butler, two of the best trick shooters in the world employed by Wild Bill Hickock for his traveling Wild West Show. They love, they laugh, they cry, they hurt, they shoot with spectacular fashion.

“It’s American characters in American situations,” said Dave Dahlquist, who plays Chief Sitting Bull in the musical.

With several musical numbers, there’s plenty of action too.

“It’s a fun show,” said Peter Torkelson, part of the ensemble cast. “You’ll be surprised.”

“Annie” opens at 7:30 p.m. June 14 and runs through June 18. Tickets are $15.