`ANNIE GET YOUR GUN': GOOD SHOOTIN', SINGIN' AT NOTRE DAME (PLAY REVIEW)

Jessica Hency's performance in the title role of "Annie Get Your Gun" is far from the only good one, but you could put the Notre Dame junior on stage at Southeast Missouri State University or maybe even Julliard and she still would stand out.

Fortunately for local playgoers, Hency and company will perform the musical for us at Notre Dame High School beginning tonight and continuing through Sunday (see related story, Page 10B).

Acting skills seem part of Hency's composition. When the gun she was supposed to shoot didn't go off during a recent dress rehearsal, Hency's Annie Oakley composedly spoke up to Colonel Buffalo Bill. "Can I try that again?" she asked. Director Cynthia King beamed.

Her top-notch voice and winning charm combine for a terrific rendition of "Doin' What Comes Natur'lly." And her ballady reprise of "You Can't Get a Man with a Gun" is show-stopping. Fortunately, that's intermission.

Sean Seyer is an amiable and able romantic interest as the dashing Frank Butler, the love 'em and leave 'em guy who has a hard time coping with Annie's stardom. Ben Edwards also shines in the role of Charlie the promoter, giving an assured performance and carrying off his songs.

In fact, musical director Ellen Seyer has gotten the most out of everyone on some of Irving Berlin's more memorable songs.

Tara Mosby has a lovely voice and is a volatile presence in the role of Annie's nemesis Dolly. Also providing strong performances are Matt Fisher as Buffalo Bill, Trent Summers as the humorously deadpan Sitting Bull, and Beth Essner, Janel Mason, Michelle Hency and Andrew Essner as Annie's siblings.

Appearing in more minor roles are Nick Watts, Melanie Beel, Ryan Fenwick, Nina Prost, Chad Heuschober, Adam Gardiner and Greg Kennard.

Appearing as townspeople are: Chad Heuschober, Joe Essner, Andrew Blattel, Adam Gardiner, Kristy Jansen, Jean Stoverink, Nina Prost, Alexandra Kohlfeld, Kara Mason, Natalie Jones, Misty Conway, Marissa Gibbar, Jennifer Stoverink and Whitney McCann..

The musical trio is composed of Andrew Blattel, Joe Essner and Chad Heuschober.

Buffalo Bill's Entourage includes: Bryan Drury, Scott Reinagle, Louisa Kinder and Sarah Vickery.

Playing Cowboys and Cowgirls are: Greg Kennard, Jeff Mueller, Nikki Tanksley, Breanna Harter and Sarah Riley.

Braves and Squaws are: Robert Macklem, Patrick DesPres, Scot Enderle, Alicia Seabaugh, Marybeth Niederkorn, Caroline Mueller, Janel Welker, Jean Meyer, Bethanie Vandeven, Amanda Sharp and Katherine Mayer.

Playing socialites are: Chad Heuschober, Joe Essner, Andrew Blattel, Greg Kennard, Jeff Mueller, Ryan Fenwick, Alexandra Kohlfeld, Kara Mason, Natalie Jones, Kristy Jansen, Marissa Gibbar, Jean Stoverink and Jennifer Stoverink.

The members of the orchestra conducted by Jim Hindman are: Kathy Swan, John Quinn, Ann Welker, Narvol Randol, Krystal McCain, Eric Scott, Tim Cannon, Mark Koehler and Mary Polsgrove.

Lenny Kuper was the rehearsal pianist.