Back in May 1997, Playbill On-Line reported that Irving Berlin's 1946 musical comedy, Annie Get Your Gun, would likely be coming back to Broadway in spring 1998, after a national tour. At the time, producers Fran and Barry Weissler were considering both film actress Geena Davis and stage actress Bernadette Peters for the title role.
Though New York media have been reporting the revival, with Peters, as a done deal, Peters' agent, Judy Katz, has long been saying no contracts have yet been signed for the project.
That said, "Theatrical Index" published a "Highlights" item, June 1, noting that Peters would star in the Irving Berlin and Herbert & Dorothy Fields musical, to be directed and choreographed by Ragtime's Graciela Daniele. Designers listed include Tony Walton (sets), William Ivey Long (costumes) and Jules Fisher (lighting).
Reached June 3, Katz told Playbill On-Line things were sounding a bit more optimistic. "She's leaning towards it," Katz said of Peters, "but there's still no final go-ahead." Currently Peters is on her way to London to tape a segment for "Hey, Mr. Producer!," a Great Performances special dedicated to the career of Cameron Mackintosh (airing Aug. 19).
Reached months ago, production spokesman Peter Sanders said "everyone's talking and Bernadette is who they're talking to," but "nothing definite is set yet." He said the production is hoping to start rehearsals this July and open in the 1998-99 season. Early on, Chicago's James Naughton had been rumored for the role of Frank, but Sanders said no other casting has been finalized. After Patti LuPone did a concert version of the show recently, rumors flew that she also was being considered, but Sanders confirmed Mar. 30 that Peters remains the target of the Weisslers' negotiations.
Annie Gets Your Gun tells of rootin'-tootin'-shootin' Annie Oakley, who nevertheless falls for Frank, the kind of man who wants the girl that he marries to be "as soft and as pink as a nursery" -- not quite a perfect match for a gal used to "doin' what comes natur'lly." The title role was originated on Broadway in 1946 by Ethel Merman.
The classic Irving Berlin score includes "The Girl That I Marry," "I Got Lost in His Arms," "Anything You Can Do," and the Broadway anthem, "No Business Like Show Business." It was Berlin's longest-running show.
Peters' career has included starring roles in Sunday in the Park with George, Mack and Mabel, The Goodbye Girl Dames at Sea, Song and Dance and Into The Woods, among others.
