This is part of a new series of theater reviews of local high school productions, written by local high school students, that will appear on AnnArbor.com. This week, Greenhills School student Katherine Krauss (see bio and more about this program at end of story) reviews Skyline High School's production of "Annie Get Your Gun."

Since the time of Irving Berlin and Rodgers & Hammerstein, the musical has seen 60-odd years of evolution and development. In fact, by today’s standards, Irving Berlin’s "Annie Get Your Gun" is simplistic in its plot.

Set in the late 1800’s, it tells the story of down-south hillbilly Annie Oakley, who becomes a superstar overnight after she is picked up by Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show for her talent as a marksman. This does not please her egotistical partner and occasional love interest Frank Butler, who is unwilling to share his spotlight with a woman. He soon leaves Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show and defects to a competitor, Tawny Bill’s Show. His prima donna assistant, Dolly, follows him to keep her sister Winnie from marrying a half-Native American boy, Tommy. Eventually, after both shows find glory overseas and at home, they merge, and the two star-crossed couples reunite.

Despite the unadorned plotline, the Skyline Theatre did a notable job with their performance, bringing life and vigor to a cast of characters that would have otherwise been archetypal. Although the entire cast performed well, I was especially impressed by the work done by sophomore Richa Saran, who played Annie Oakley. Saran played Annie as she was meant to be played on the professional stage and could have easily brought the show singlehandedly to success. Not only did she have a good voice and a maturity while acting that was beyond her years, but she also cut a very dramatic figure while singing in the spotlight.

The lighting of the show was also artistically rendered. The use of the spotlight during the solos in the musical numbers was the only distinct change of lighting throughout the performance. This gave the musical an appropriate, circus-like ambience. The soft yellow lights that illuminated the stage for the remainder of the show helped to capture the period in which the play was set.

The set also aided in establishing a turn-of-the-century circus feel, with a red and white striped backdrop, and elaborate set pieces that rolled on and off. In sum, the majority of technological work behind the production was very effective, because it was suited to the period.

The only element that did not agree with the period were the costumes of the socialite girls swooning over Frank Butler. Some were wearing black strapless dresses. Black during that period was worn only by women in mourning or by the Parisian models of highest fashion, and strapless dresses are as modern as the 1990’s. However, I found all the other costumes to be historically accurate and quite fitting.

The final touches to this immense ensemble were the pit orchestra and the choreography. The pit orchestra, in particular the brass section, was exquisite and passionate about the music they were playing; sometimes so fervent that they played over Ari Axelrod’s (playing Frank Butler) and the chorus’ vocals in the first act.

The choreography was done well, but could have been bigger in some places. (The first half of Saran’s number, "You Can’t Get a Man with a Gun," comes to mind.) But like everything in this musical, these elements were very professional and remarkable.

Overall, from start to finish, a level of believability and energy was maintained from all characters, enough to transport anyone back to the days of the American Wild West. I recommend this show to anyone with a taste for upbeat romantic Westerns, or just a love of Irving Berlin’s 1940’s swing. You will be in for a beautiful blend of music, choreography and acting; truly an impressive ensemble performance by Skyline Theatre.

There are two more chances to catch "Annie Get Your Gun": Friday, November 20 at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m. Performances take place at Skyline High School, 2552 North Maple. Tickets (general, $12; students, $8) are available at the door or at showtix4u.com.

Guest reviewer Katherine Krauss is currently a Greenhills School sophomore. She has performed in numerous plays and musicals, her favorite being "The Crucible," and has been a member of her school’s competitive public speaking team for four years.

The aim of AnnArbor.com's student-review program is to recognize, and provide more coverage for, the accomplished theatrical work that's happening in our schools while also providing opportunities for student writers with an interest in arts criticism. To encourage objectivity, our student writers will always review shows from schools other than their own. To learn more about the student-review program, contact Jenn McKee at jennmckee@annarbor.com or 734-623-2546.