NRHEG will put on Western classic

NEW RICHLAND — NRHEG students will perform the classic musical “Annie Get Your Gun” this weekend.

Performances will begin at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday at the high school. Admission is $4 for students and $6 for adults.

The play follows Annie Oakley, played by Maurya Johnson. Oakley, who comes from a rough background, receives the opportunity to shoot against a world-famous sharpshooter, Frank Butler, who is played by Benjamin Lewer. Oakley, who wins the contest, travels the West in a Wild West show, makes a name for herself and falls in love with Butler.

The play is directed by Amanda Inouye. Jennifer Fredrickson is the music director.

Inouye said one of the reasons she brought up the show was because of her enjoyment of the song “Anything I Can Do.” The song was composed by Irving Berlin for the musical.

“I love the song,” she said.

The play is unique, Inouye said.

“You don’t see ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ being done a lot anymore … it’s something different that people can come and see,” she said.

Auditions for the play began in February. Fredrickson thanked community volunteers for their work during the process.

Justin Mortensen, who plays Charlie Davenport in the play, said he is excited for the shows and is looking forward to relieving the stress he feels.

“I think it’s really going to pull together well,” the junior said.

Tickets, please

What: “Annie Get Your Gun”

When: 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: NRHEG High School

Cost: $4 for students, $6 for adults

‘Annie Get Your Gun’ cast and crew

Cast

Annie Oakley: Maurya Johnson

Frank Butler: Benjamin Lewer

Dolly Tate: Emily Crabtree

Charlie Davenport: Justin Mortensen

Foster Wilson: Jillian Jongbloedt

Col. William F. Cody, otherwise known as Buffalo Bill: Christopher Stenzel

Maj. Gordon Little, also known as Pawnee Bill: Michiah VanSyckle

Chief Sitting Bull: William Rudau

First Boy: Jonah Stafford

Third Girl: Emma Tollefson

Mac: Michelle Katzung

Little Jake: Solveig Stafford

Nellie/Indian: Leah Morstad

Jessie/Indian: Alexandra Combs

Minnie/Indian: Aubrey Johnson

Acknowledgements

Director: Amanda Inouye

Music director: Jennifer Fredrickson

Accompanist: Jacob Bender

Choreographer: Amanda Inouye

Set design/stage manager: Joy Riihl

Sound technicians: Daniel Petsinger, Josh Inouye

Light technicians: Kallie Spooner, CeCe Torp

Properties: Kristine Johnson

Art specialist: Brenda Kampen

Costumes: Jennifer Fredrickson, Amanda Inouye

Makeup: Micayla Knutson, Karenna Strom

Crew: Ethan Thompson, Cynthia Quezada

Public relations: Deb Bently