Annie Get Your Gun

Star sparkles in “Annie Get Your Gun”

August 4, 2010
By KIM COOL
FEATURES EDITOR, Venice Gondolier-Sun

Annie_Patron_Mail_1IMG_6832A star born 17 years ago shone brighter than ever on July 29. Backed by a solid cast of singers, dancers and actors, Kaitlyn Terpstra lit upthe stage as Annie Oakley in Venice Theatre’s Summer Stock presentation of “Annie Get Your Gun.”

In his curtain speech, director Brad Wages mentioned leading ladies such as Ethel Merman (for whom the show was written), Betty Hutton and others who have taken that role and made it their own. That is what Terpstra did on opening night. Bounding on stage with such enthusiasmshe nearly flipped her curly red wig (literally), Terpstra was Oakley in every way, from her strong vocalization to her body language and facial expressions.

The wig problem was solved with help from one of the theater’s youngest veterans, Reese Cameron Balliet, 10, who managed to adjust the wig while never missing a beat as Jessie, Oakley’s little sister. Not only is there depth of talent in this cast but also such professional training that these performers don’t miss a beat if there is a tech problem such as this. There were a couple of other minor things that happened opening night but the performers handled each one in such a way that few in the audience would ever have noticed.

Kudos to Wages and others in Sandy Davisson’s education department who have prepared these performers so well.

Other highlights include well-choreographed dance numbers and the skill of the dancers. As a summer stock project, the cast comprises mostly high school and college students who audition to become part of the program. Two adults, Ronald Krine Myroup and Gil Weidemiller plus three youngsters, Balliet, Ava Podewitz as Nellie and Nathan Oss as Little Jake added depth.

Karli Cole, as Dolly Tate, delighted the audience with her comedic timing and delivery. Her dresses were especially stunning in a show loaded with great costumes by the theater’s resident master, Nicholas Hartman.

Andrew Conners, as Tommy Keeler, danced and sang with the style of Tommy Tune and has a similar long and lean build. Patrick Mounce as Charlie Davenport and Dan Smith as Frank Butler proved the scope of the talent in this production, which was supported by the theater’s professional production staff and musical director Michelle Kasanofsky on keyboard with an orchestra of six. Don’t miss this one.