NAPA CONSERVATORY THEATRE HAS PULLED OUT ALL THE STOPS for its current production, “Annie Get Your Gun,” directed by Richard Rossi and playing at the beautiful new Performing Arts Center near the main college campus through Sunday. Rebecca Pingree is the show’s shining star as Annie, a young woman living in the woods with her younger siblings until her astonishing ability as a marksman is discovered, taking her on the road to fame and fortune via Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.

It’s exciting to watch Pingree as her character grows from an unassuming, passionless denizen of the woods into a vibrant and purposeful young woman. New feelings are stirred in Annie when she meets handsome cowboy Frank Butler (Actors Equity Association member Tyler McKenna), motivating her to explore undiscovered territories — of the land as well as the heart.

Once Annie discovers that her new crush appreciates fine shootin’, she tries to impress Frank with her prowess. That plan backfires at first, but in this 1999 revision by Peter Stone, both sharpshooters eventually learn to hold their natural competitive tendencies in check as their affection for one another begins to blossom.

McKenna has the look of a clean-cut, starry-eyed cowboy, his burnt-brown hair smoothed into shape and accented by meticulously manicured brows, complementing his formal cowboy attire. His carefully crafted persona clearly exemplifies the superficially confident superstar, though the actor seemed to lack a certain power of presence at last Friday’s show. Artistic director Jennifer King explained in her introduction Friday that there were some sound issues with that evening’s production, so it may be that a simple adjustment in amplification would correct that impression.

Standout numbers in “Annie” include “Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly” and “You Can’t Get a Man with a Gun” sung with terrific flair by Pingree, and “I’ll Share it All with You” by Juan Salcito and Gianna DiGregorio as Tommy and Winnie.

A strong feeling of camaraderie pervades the production. With an upbeat musical like “Annie,” that spirit alone can make or break the performance. The lead actors connect very well, with each other and in response to the remaining ensemble. Zachary Stockton is a magnetic Buffalo Bill, and Jessica Romero is strong and funny as Butler’s clinging former love interest Dolly. The remaining characters, including cowboys, children and clowns, all have plenty of charisma, not to mention some impressive physical abilities. Together, the players create a warm and satisfying show that doesn’t miss a beat.

“Annie Get Your Gun” is a fun night out, loaded with humor and charm and beautifully enhanced by a live 14-piece orchestra. Enjoy it with a friend.

If You Go
“Annie Get Your Gun” continues at the Performing Arts Center, Napa Valley College, 2277 Napa Vallejo Highway, Napa, through Sunday. Tickets are $20 to $25 and are available by calling 707-256-7500 or online at napavalleytheater.org.

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A NUMBER OF PRODUCTIONS WILL BE OPENING in the Napa area and closer to home over the next few weeks. This Friday marks two openings: “Les Miserables,” performed by Contra Costa Musical Theatre at the Lesher Arts Center in Walnut Creek through April 20; and “Fallen Angels,” Noel Coward’s romp about sex, marriage, commitment and double standards, at the Napa Valley Playhouse through April 6.

Benicia’s own Old Town Theatre Group will open “Same Time Next Year” on April 18, and meanwhile, March 28 marks three more openings: Diablo Valley College’s “Noises Off,” Michael Frayn’s hilarious comedy about a touring theater company (through April 13); the Masquers Playhouse production of “Johnny Guitar the Musical,” a gleeful send-up of 1950s melodrama and shoot-em-up westerns (through April 26); and at the Lesher Center, Center Repertory Theatre’s performances of Anthony Shaffer’s classic thriller, “Sleuth,” continuing through April 26.

On Friday, April 4, Bay Area Stage will open “Waiting for Godot” at the Heritage Chamber, a 100-seat theater space at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum in downtown Vallejo.

Check theater websites or call to confirm show dates or for further information:

• Bay Area Stage, 707-649-1053, bayareastage.com.

• Benicia Old Town Theatre Group, 707-746-1269, beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com.

• Contra Costa Music Theatre, 925-210-0268, ccmt.org.

• Center Repertory Theatre, 925-295-1413, centerrep.org.

• Diablo Valley College, Dept. of Drama, 925-687-4445, dvcdrama.net.

• Masquers Playhouse, 510-232-3888, masquers.org.

• Napa Valley Conservatory Theater, 707-256-7500, napavalleytheater.org.

• Napa Valley Playhouse, 707-255-5483, napavalleyplayhouse.org.

Elizabeth Warnimont is a freelance writer specializing in the performing arts. She is also a substitute teacher for the Benicia Unified School District.