Calamity Jane

Adapted by Charles K. Freeman
Music by Sammy Fain & Lyrics by Paul Francis Webster

Mar. 31 - Apr. 4, 2005

Directed by Jack Dyville

Calamity Jane is a "Wild West"-themed musical adapted from the film version of the same name. It is (very) loosely based on the life of Wild West heroine Calamity Jane and explores an alleged romance between Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok in the American Old West.

The movie, released in 1953, has many characteristics of other musicals of the same era. It was devised by Warner Brothers in response to the success of Annie Get Your Gun. The film starred Doris Day as the title character and Howard Keel as Hickok.

Although it originated in Hollywood, the songs and screenplay form the basis of the stage musical which has had a number of productions - most of which seem to have been in England.

Though the film portrays Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok as lovers, it is unclear whether that was the case in real life. The pair were friends, but many historians have disputed Calamity Jane's claims that she and Hickok were romantically involved.

The score, with music by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Paul Francis Webster, includes such classic songs as:

"The Black Hills of Dakota"

"The Deadwood Stage"

"I Can do Without You"

"It's Harry I'm Planning to Marry"

"My Heart is Higher than a Hawk"

"Secret Love" (winner of Academy Award for best song in a movie, 1953), which topped the Billboard and Cash Box musical charts at number one.

"Windy City"

The music was included in an album of the same name, though some of the songs from the album were re-recorded rather than taken from the soundtrack.

CAST

Calamity Jane……………..Ann Ronning

Wild Bill Hickock……………..J.C. LaBar

Lt. Danny Gilmartin……………..Steve Lang

Katie Brown……………..Susan Sinclair

Henry Miller……………..Ted Lindseth

Susan Miller……………..Kim Bryson

Francis Fryer……………..Eric Pozgay

Adelaid Adams……………..Bre Edwards

Prospector……………..B. Michael Quale

Doc Pierce……………..Russell Larson

Joe……………..Matt Rolfson

Hank……………..Thomas Oxendal

Rattlesnake……………..Brent Huber

Sign Girl……………..LeeAnn Clark

Townswomen:

Kim Cothran, Allison Irgens, Kristi Marshall, Brittany Palmer

CREW

Director/Choreographer……………..Jack Dyville

Vocal Director……………..Ted Lindseth

Accompanist……………..Joy Lunzman

Assistant to the Director/Stage Manager……………..LeeAnn Clark

Set Design……………..B. Michael Quale

Technical Director……………..B. Michael Quale

Stage Crew:

Jim Ryen, Kevin Duttenhefner

Set Construction:

LeeAnn Clark, Kim Cothran, Mary Jo Harstad, Steve Lang, Russell Larson, Matt Olson, Tom Oxendal, Dave Richter, Rachel Richter, Matt Rolfson, Ann Ronning

Scenic Painter……………..Kevin Duttenhefner

Costumes:

B. Michael Quale, Oral Johnson, Mary Alice Oyloe

Hat Construction……………..Ardis Jacobson

Sewing Assistants:

Mary Chartier, Beth Johnsrud, Ann Ronning

Sound Technician……………..Heidi Ryen

Lighting Technician……………..Jack Dyville