Anything Goes

When attending a company like the Southern Light, whose shows, year on year are a joy to review, it is always (very briefly!) at the back of your mind “Can this show match up to previous years"? The answer, very quickly, is “Yes, of course it can!”.   What is there to go wrong when the show is in the hands of the supremely competent Production Team of Andy Johnstone, Crawford Moyes and Louise Williamson.   Crawford’s orchestra situated right upstage on the upper deck of SS American aided the singers of this large Company, without ever becoming overpowering. I have experienced problems when orchestras are taken out of the pit and relocated elsewhere – the conductor being seen on a TV monitor rather than appearing in the pit.   However, no such problems tonight!  Louise, I am sure, must count herself extremely lucky to have a team of young, vibrant dancers, on stage tonight. It is always a pleasure to watch the skill and talents of these people, especially when it is something that I would (or could!) not ever attempt! Andy’s direction magically appears to go from strength to strength every year, in every aspect of production, in which, of course, he has the final say.  Not taking anything away from the Heads of the following Departments, but lighting, sound, sets and wardrobe all gelled within Andy’s first class artistic direction.

And now to the Principals!  Anything Goes has been blessed with a fantastic leading lady - Toni MacFarlane in the role of Reno Sweeney.  Toni commandeered the stage with fine acting and exceptional vocal abilities.  Hope Harcourt was attractively portrayed by the ever-smiling Rebekah Lansley, whose duet “It’s De-lovely” with love interest Billy Crocker (Matt McDonagh)  was first class!  The part or Erma was played with consummate squeakiness by Tanya Williamson. Her rendition of “Buddy Beware” was a joy to listen to.

Aristocratic Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (Kerr-Alexander Syme)  brought comedy to the fore in this bumptious gem of a part!  As Moonface Martin, Peter Tomassi was a delight to behold! Anyone considering playing this part could learn so much by watching Peter’s take on it.

John Bruce gave us a brilliant Elisha J Whitney both in delivery and stage presence, while his pairing with Evangeline Harcourt (Dorothy Johnstone) was totally convincing (with the aid of some hair-greying on John’s part!).   Dorothy’s experience of treading the boards (she played Evangeline in 2005 with SLO) is always a pleasure to watch – her faint in this production was a perfect lesson in stagecraft (and trust!).  I look forward to seeing Dorothy in many more SLO productions – not just because she is my colleague NODA Rep – but when she is performing in the show, she kindly invites me along to review!

Many more minor principal and cameo roles made for a delightful evening with SLO

Many thanks for inviting me along to review your show and for the interval hospitality shown to us!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.