TOM TITUS -- Theater Review

There is, as Irving Berlin observed more than a half-century ago, no

business like show business. The occasion for this observance is on view

in all its rootin’ tootin’ splendor at the Orange County Performing Arts

Center.

When the musical “Annie Get Your Gun” originally debuted with Ethel

Merman playing Annie Oakley, no one could have guessed that the song

“There’s No Business Like Show Business” would become Broadway’s national

anthem. But today you’d almost think that was the name of the show.

In the current touring revival, director-choreographer Jeff Calhoun

wastes no time in getting this melody into the forefront, bumping it up

to the opening slot on the program, employing it in its usual position,

and then re-reprising it at the curtain call. And why not? That song is

the essence of “Annie Get Your Gun,” a show replete with energy and

vitality, particularly in Calhoun’s scintillating choreography.

Even the onetime solo numbers such as “My Defenses Are Down” are

backed up by the excellent chorus of high-stepping strutters. There’s

never a dull moment in this rollicking revival.

The real adrenaline, however, is injected -- as it must be -- by its

leading lady. In this case, its a show-stopping performance by Marilu

Henner. Yes, the same Marilu Henner who co-starred in a pair of popular

TV series, “Taxi” and “Evening Shade,” and managed to find the only

straight role in the frenzied comical ensemble of the movie “Noises Off.”

Who knew Henner had the chops to follow in the footsteps of Merman and

the movie’s Betty Hutton? Well, they know now. Henner is magnificent as

Annie Oakley, from the backwoods twang she sustains in varying degrees as

her character’s education progresses to the robust singing voice she

exhibits in such showcase numbers as “Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly” and

“You Can’t Get a Man With a Gun.”

Such a bravura performance might eclipse many co-stars, but Tom Wopat

holds his own and then some as rival sharpshooter Frank Butler. Wopat,

who also made his mark on the small screen (“The Dukes of Hazzard,”

“Cybill”) renders a strong vocal presence and, dramatially, fills his

role of the Wild West Show’s “swollen-headed stiff” admirably.

Another TV veteran, Larry Storch from “F Troop,” lends fine comic

backup as Chief Sitting Bull, whose credo of “Never put money in show

business” is shattered by Annie’s marksmanship. George McDaniel takes

charge of the action convincingly, nudging the audience occasionally, as

the legendary showman Buffalo Bill. Comic relief is supplied nicely by

Susann Fletcher as Butler’s blonde assistant and Joe Hart as the show’s

ebullient stage manager. Claci Miller and Eric Sciotto sparkle as

Fletcher’s kid sister and her half-breed boyfriend, while Charles Goff is

barely visible as McDaniel’s rival showman, Pawnee Bill.

Annie’s younger siblings are cutely enacted by Ainsley Binnicker,

Gracie Winchester and Mitchel Federan. The three-piece combo of Kelsey

Halbert, Albin Knoopka and Lee Appleman does the work of a full pit

orchestra from the side of the stage.

This “Annie Get Your Gun” is a far cry from the original, having been

pruned and polished by Peter Stone (“1776”) with some political

correctness added for today’s audiences. The climactic shootout is a case

in point, leveling the playing field somewhat as Annie and Frank play for

higher stakes than a sackful of medals.

From Marilu Henner’s high-voltage performance to the suberb

choreography, this “Annie Get Your Gun” hits the target square on the

bulls-eye. In this case, at least, there really is no business like show

business.

FYI

* WHAT: “Annie Get Your Gun”

* WHEN: Closing performances at 2 and 8 p.m. today and 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Sunday

* WHERE: Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive,

Costa Mesa

* COST: $20 to $55

* CALL: (714) 556-2746