Do You Find ANNIE GET YOUR GUN a Tad Sexist?

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 1:33pm

I mean, look at the end of the show: in order to win Frank back and continue their romantic relationship, Annie has to pretend to lose a shooting match to Frank so his all-powerful male ego isn't damaged.

In other words, Frank is ONLY interested in Annie if he can "prove" that he is the dominant partner in the relationship.

Does that come off as sexist to you, or do you think its just indicative of the show's time period [late 19th Century]?

[dididda]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 1:40pm

in my opinion you're right on both counts: it is sexist and sadly, is indicitive of the period.

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 1:43pm

dididada, what about "re-tooling" it and modifying the ending for Modern Audiences?

Do you think that's an idea worth considering?

(I mean, Annie could WIN and Frank could still realize how much he loves her--even if she is the "better" shot.)

[PitPro2004]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 3:27pm

The same can be said for 42nd St which I happen to love, but is just as indicative.

Dames for example. Keep young and beautiful...it's your DUTY to be beautiful...keep young and beautiful...IF YOU WANT to be LOVED!??

Talk about sexist!!

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 3:38pm

Yes...that is how it was back in the day, so of course the show will be...

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 3:43pm

Yes, pitpro2004, and that's the 1930s we're talking about!

And why not look at WONDERFUL TOWN: Ruth has no luck attracting potential suitors (unlike her "dainty" sister Eileen) because she is "brash" and "to-the-point"--qualities thought to be admirable for men, but "pushy" for women.

[It isn't until Ruth softens up and becomes "A Quiet Girl" that she is able to win Robert's affections.]

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 3:46pm

BT11,

But as I posted earlier, do you think a "re-tool" might be in order?

OTHER musicals that are revived remove potentially sexist themes and ideas.

Why, when HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING was revived the song "Cinderella, Darling" was dropped because it would be deemed sexist by present-day audiences.

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 4:05pm

Are you sure "cinderella darling" was dropped from H2$ because I thought they kept it.

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 4:14pm

Yep, Jacob, I'm sure.

The original 1962 production had as its Act II Opening Number "Cinderella, Darling" in which Rosemary and the other secretaries fantasize about being the wife of a wealthy executive in New Rochelle.

The 1995 revival dropped "Cinderella, Darling" and inserted in that spot a reprise of the song "How to Succeed" with new lyrics demonstrating that women could succeed in the business world as well.

(The reprise is on the revival CD--you may want to check it out. I think the new lyrics are QUITE clever.)

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 4:22pm

Wait, Frank does realize that Annie is the better shot. He throws the match when he realizes that Annie is trying to lose on purpose. In the end it ends in a draw. That's the newest version at least.

I was Frank Butler last year in our school show and that's what was in the script. She has this dramatic blurb about how she's not the best anymore and that Frank is. Frank then basically says: "Oh know you're not, we'll finish this fair" and then he misses his last shots on purpose to end in a draw. Then they walk off in the sunset.

But again, we did the updated revival version with Bernadette.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 4:24pm

stop over analyzing everything....its a mindless musical

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 4:31pm

It's a good ole' fun-fashioned show.

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 4:32pm

JoizyActor,

Unfortunately, I have never seen the Bernadette Peters revival, but that is most definitely a change from the original Ethel Merman production:

[Annie asks her friend Chief Sitting Bull on what to do about upcoming match with Frank if she wants Frank back]:

Sitting Bull: Win Match--Lose Frank. Lose Match--Win Frank.


But I'm VERY glad to hear there is now a revised, IMO, more "correct" version out there now!


P.S. Yankeefan, I thought discussing theater was the primary purpose of this Message Board. I'm sorry you and I aren't on the same page regarding its existence.

[suzycat]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 4:41pm

Grease is also sexist. Sandy has to change herself completely to win Danny.

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 4:57pm

Yes, suzycat.

And that's taking the advice from another WOMAN! (Rizzo)


What about BYE BYE BIRDIE? Hugo walks out on Kim when she refuses to "back out" of one innocent kiss with Conrad Birdie, a man she will never see again!

Hugo and Kim reconcile ONLY when she agrees to let HIM manage their relationship in the future.

[timote316]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 5:13pm

lol, my friends and I have actually discussed Grease's ending. Essentially, its become a ho, win the guy. Although, in Grease's defense, Danny also attempts to change himself, but Sandy wins out lol

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 5:25pm

Timote,

I think it depends on whether or not you're looking at the stage or screen version of GREASE, but I'm thinkin' Danny's attempts to change (join the track team, etc.) PALE next to Sandy's attempts to change (totally change her hairstyle, makeup, walk, language--and oh my gosh!--TAKE UP SMOKING!) to win Danny.

Also, the reprise of "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee" clearly states Sandy will do ANYTHING to get "her man."


And while we're on topic, what about MY FAIR LADY? Eliza Doolittle comes home at the end not on HER terms--but reconciled to spend her life with Henry Higgins THE WAY HE IS WITHOUT CHANGING HIM.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 5:59pm

So... was Bernadette's version on Broadway with a sexist or un-sexist ending?

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 6:06pm

As I stated, bb87, I didn't see it, but from Joizy Actor's description it sounds non-sexist (especially compared to the original version with Ethel Merman.)

Comments from anyone who saw the Bernadette Peters revival on Broadway?

[theatreguy]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 6:09pm

I played Frank Butler a few years ago, before the revival version was available. I just played it as if Frank knows that Annie has thrown the match because after she loses, Annie says to Frank "Here are your medals, you won them." Then Frank says" No, Annie, these belong to you" and gives her the medals. And the last line of the show is Annie saying "Oh, Frank, that's the nicest thing you've ever done. And if you hadn't done it, I'd have shot you right between the eyes."

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 6:13pm

VERY interesting approach, theatreguy.

Was that your own invention, or is that how you were directed to play it?

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 6:57pm

What was annoying was that the PC Police got their hands on it & cut some of the Indian numbers to be politically correct.

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 7:12pm

UH-Oh, Mr Roxy, I think we're opening up a WHOLE 'NOTHER CAN OF WORMS HERE. . .

[brdwaybaby17]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 7:16pm

I found that annoying with Taming of the Shrew... I loved Katherine until she changed herself to be suitable!

[Mary_Ethel]

Posted: 11/29/04 at 7:28pm

Yes, bb17, and what about Kate's song in KISS ME, KATE--"I Am Ashamed Women Are So Simple"?


NOT exactly an anthem for sexual equality!


And how about FIDDLER ON THE ROOF?


Hodel changes from a simple peasant girl to a political activist to please HER man, Perchik!