Baldwin ? For 11 years, Kathy Davis has headed a community effort to produce Broadway-style, outdoor productions using local talent and an open field.

Nothing has changed this time around. Baldwin City Theater will perform “Annie Get Your Gun” Friday-June 25 and June 27-29 in a lot off Eighth and High streets. A live orchestra will provide the music.

“The level of our production is above community theater level,” Davis said. “This is a small cast … but it’s a great cast.”

Davis recruits cast members from the area. The production stars Terry Thoelke, Spring Hill, as Annie Oakley, a girl persuaded to join Buffalo Bill’s traveling Wild West Show, and Jeff Darrington, Lenexa, as Frank, the ace marksman Annie falls in love with.

Davis said Thoelke is perfect for the part of Annie.

“She graces the stage,” Davis said. “She gives it what it needs.”

Thoelke, a Gardner-Edgerton High School geography teacher, has been involved in theater most of her life but is only in her second year with Baldwin City Theater.

“I got involved because it was something my daughter and I can do together,” said Thoelke, whose daughter, Tressa, is in the chorus.

In contrast, “Annie” is Darrington’s first-ever production.

“I’ve always been interested in theater,” he said. “The closest I ever came in high school was debate.”

Davis said the two leads’ voices blend well together. She also commended the actors in supporting roles, many of whom have been involved in Baldwin Theater production for years.

Bob Martin, Baldwin, who plays Pawnee Bill, first participated in a Baldwin Theater production in 1998.

“I would say the quality of the actors that are in this show makes it different,” Martin said. “There are excellent actors in it.”

Many of the actors said they enjoy Baldwin Theater because of its sense of community and because their families also can get involved.

“I really spend a lot of time with my kids throughout this whole deal,” said Kerry Chalmers, Baldwin, who plays Dolly Tate. “We sing through the house and feed each other lines.”

Chris Cook, Overland Park, who plays Charlie Davenport, said Baldwin is the only place his 6-year-old son Willy will audition.

“It’s probably because it’s more of a family environment,” he said. “It’s friendlier.”

Davis said she is confident the production will be a success.

“It’s exciting to be able to create an arts outlet,” she said. “You know it’s going to be successful because of the community’s attitude.”