Theatre presents Homecoming musical ‘Annie Get Your Gun’

Oct. 7, 2017 | Homecoming | Theatre |

The Harding University theatre department presented its annual Homecoming musical Oct. 20-21 at 8 p.m. in Benson Auditorium. This year’s production was Irving Berlin’s “Annie Get Your Gun,” which is a fictionalization of the life of sharpshooter Annie Oakley.

The show follows backwoods gal Annie Oakley as she’s discovered by Buffalo Bill and joins his Wild West Show. She quickly meets her match in Frank Butler, the leading man and star marksman. Annie falls head over heels for Frank but soon eclipses him as the main attraction in the show. Her success with a gun makes trouble for Annie’s chance at romance.

“It’s an American classic that has been updated for a new generation of fans” said Department of Theatre Chair Steven Frye. “It’s Irving Berlin at his best, and it showcases the talent of Harding University students at their best!”

According to producer Cindee Stockstill “this is a show that is full of firsts.” Both Allie Scott (Annie Oakley) and Max Ross (Frank Butler) made their Harding theatre debut in leading roles. “The fact that two freshmen won the audition was completely unexpected,” said director Britt Lynn, “but they came in, and clearly won the audition! I am very proud of the work they’ve done.”

This was also Lynn’s first time directing the Homecoming musical.

“There is a lot of pressure coming off of last year’s show [“Crazy For You”], but thankfully, I’m surrounded by an incredibly supportive staff and talented crew,” Lynn said. “We have a blast working together, and this show is a lot of fun!”

The show had a classic score including “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “Anything You Can Do,” and “You Can’t Get a Man With a Gun.”

“Annie Get Your Gun” was presented through special arrangement with R&H Theatricals (www.rnh.com ).

Tickets can be purchased for $15 or $18 at hardingtickets.com , the Benson box office or the door. Immediately following the musical, join the cast for a meet and greet in the student center. For more information, contact the box office at 501-279-4255 .

In addition to the annual musical, there will be several other Homecoming activities on campus.

Thursday, Oct. 19

• Lady Bison soccer vs. Northwestern University, 7 p.m., Stevens Soccer Complex

• Good News Singers, 4 p.m., C.L. Kay Plaza in front of the Benson Auditorium
• Bison soccer vs. Lindenwood, 7 p.m., Stevens Soccer Complex

• Bison Stampede 5K Run, 9 a.m., First Security Stadium
• Art fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Stevens Art and Design Center
• Lady Bison softball vs. University of Central Arkansas, 10:30 a.m., Softball Complex
• Inflatable games, petting zoo and face painting, 10:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Ganus Activities Complex
• Pied Pipers children’s theatre troupe, 11-11:45 a.m., Heritage Auditorium
• Harding family picnic and giant tailgate celebration, 11 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Ganus Activities Complex
• Lady Bison soccer vs. Southwestern Oklahoma State University, 11 a.m., Stevens Soccer Complex
• Bison football vs. Southwestern Oklahoma State University, 2 p.m., First Security Stadium
• Bison soccer vs. Lindenwood, 7p.m., Stevens Soccer Complex

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