06/10/2026
T&CP TO CELEBRATE LOCAL HEROINE WITH SUMMER PRODUCTION
By Chad Peyton
Towne & Country Players
Towne & Country Players, along with director Lindsey Ausborn, are excited to celebrate local heroine and national treasure Annie Oakley as they bring Irving Berlin's "Annie Get Your Gun" to the stage of the Versailles Performing Arts Center this July 16-18.
Inspired by real events in Annie's life, "Annie Get Your Gun" is a fictionalized retelling of Annie's discovery where she bested renowned marksman Frank Butler. It was during this shooting match that the young Miss Oakley upset Frank, who was billed as the greatest sharpshooter in the world, a title that would soon belong to Annie Oakley, herself. Those events and that meeting led to a working relationship, as Annie was invited by Col.William F. "Buffalo" Bill Cody, one of the most famous figures of the American wild west, to join his world famous "Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show". Annie's time performing across the country would lead to many opportunities and much notoriety as she garnered fame as a master marksman. She would soon be introduced to the famed Sioux warrior, Chief Sitting Bull. Sitting Bull, who was enamored with Annie's skill, would adopt her as a daughter and give her the name "Little Sure Shot". All the while, her blossoming relationship with Frank would grow. But what would a fun filled musical production be without a few hiccups along the way?
"Annie Get Your Gun" was conceived as a potential showcase for legendary Broadway actress, Ethel Merman. The famous team of Rodgers and Hammerstein were approached to produce the show. They agreed to produce the musical and, after a change in writing teams, renowned American composer Irving Berlin took charge of writing the score and lyrics. Berlin initially declined the job, as he felt he would not be able to write songs for very specific scenes and situations, yet after persuasion by Oscar Hammerstein to study the script and see what he could do, Berlin did just that. Berlin soon wrote songs that not only fit the show, but would eventually become as iconic as Annie Oakley, herself. Songs such as, "There's No Business Like Show Business", "Someone to Watch Over Me" and "Anything You Can Do" would soon find their own place in the "Great American Songbook". Through the years, and many revivals and revisions of the show, many notable names have portrayed "Little Miss Sureshot", including, Ethel Merman, Mary Martin, Marilu Henner, Bernadette Peters, and country music superstar, Reba McEntire.
This is a show that, like many biographical productions, takes a bit of artistic license. Perhaps it should not be viewed as a wholly accurate history lesson, but many of the facts are there, though slightly embellished and/or altered for dramatic effect. Don't let that detract from the fact that this show is fun and full of wit and humor. The songs will definitely leave you entertained. And if you've seen a Towne & Country Players production before, then you know that you will be dazzled by some of the most incredible talent our area has to offer, as once again, more than 20 communities in the surrounding counties have been assembled to dazzle you with the most incredible singing, acting and dancing around! Audiences of all ages will be entertained from start to finish!
Annie Oakley, Frank Butler, Buffalo Bill Cody, Chief Sitting Bull along with many other colorful and memorable characters will take the stage of the Versailles Performing Arts Center for four fun-filled performances July 16-18th (there will be two shows on Saturday the 18th). Tickets are $15 each and will go on sale 10:00 am on Saturday, June 13th. Tickets can be purchased by visiting http://www.towneandcountryplayers.com or by calling 937-417-1094.
Don't miss out on this truly fun and memorable celebration of a truly remarkable local icon! Towne & Country Players has become known for top notch productions that eclipse every expectation. This show is no exception! Mark your calendars, steady your aim and hit the bullseye by scoring your tickets right away!
