I didn't expect much. Uusally when I see Mary Martin, she plays a version of Mary Martin. In this case, she acted the hell out of Annie Oakley. She was charming, funny, believable and totally committed to this role. She was incredibly believable as a hillbilly. I think this is a role she was born to play. I think she was better than any other Annie-even (dare I say it as an Ethel lover) Ethel Merman. If you can, see this performance- see it! . It shows why Mary was the beloved stage star she was. I also think the judicious trimming of Annie Gets Your Gun works in its favor. Always a treat to see Rita Shaw in a musical and she doesn't disappoint as Dolly. John Raitt is good too. A delight. Wish they'd re release it on DVD
