Arizona Republic, The (Phoenix, AZ)

April 10, 2004
GREASEPAINT FINDS RISING STAR IN 'ANNIE'

Author:
Roberta Burnett, Special for the Scottsdale Republic
Edition: Final Chaser
Section: Scottsdale Republic North
Page: 7
Index Terms: ARTS, REVIEW
Estimated printed pages: 2

Article Text:

After a miserable Big, Greasepaint Youtheatre needed an Annie Get Your Gun this season.

Director D. Scott Withers wisely chose the updated book of the 1946 Broadway classic because by today's standards, the original is sorely lacking in manners regarding minorities and women — not a good thing to have children repeat.

With the book by Herbert and Dorothy Fields and Irving Berlin's words and music, this cast had a lot of good wind to sail on. Like No Business Like Show Business, You Can't Get a Man with a Gun, Doin' What Comes Natur'lly, I Got the Sun in the Morning, The Girl that I Marry and Anything You Can Do (Better).

Many in the show are seniors who will soon be graduating, Withers said. Tyler Smalley, who plays Frank Butler, Annie's sharpshootin' Casanova, will be leaving for Los Angeles once school's out to try to embark on an acting career.

Here, he's proved in fine voice and has the start of a real stage presence that can grow.

But Withers' great find is Katie Olsen, as Annie Oakley, who at 15 already seems a natural star. With her wide singing range, lilting soprano and charisma, she doesn't have to persuade us to pay attention. Factor in her great timing and an integral sense of "right place, right time," and you know she's something special. Olsen's certainly one to watch.

Scott Kirkorsky as Charlie Davenport, the impresario, also does a hearty characterization of a good-natured extrovert trying to keep everyone's heads screwed on straight.

The choreography of Laurie Trygg is interesting with ensembles, but weaker with duets. Stephanie Biffle and Alan J. Plado coax the musical most from these 25 kids, some no larger than cute snippets.

The show will run weekends, evenings and matinees through April 18 at the Stagebrush Theater, 7020 E. Second St., Scottsdale. Tickets are $12-$15 at (480) 990-7405.

Reach the writer at roburnett@hotmail.com.