Anything Goes

ANYTHING GOES Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter, is a delightful, old-fashioned musical with well known songs such as It’s De-lovely, I Get a Kick Out of You and Blow Gabriel Blow as well as the title song.     It has a preposterous plot, based on the cruise liner SS American as it sails from the USA to the UK. The characters range from a lovable gangster, a gangster’s moll, a British Lord, a debutante and her mother, and is full of mistaken identities and a story that is humorous as well as totally unbelievable!

The set was a good representation of the ocean liner, multi level and a rail giving the impression of the ship, with lower stage for certain dance and song numbers and action. The cabins were quickly installed for scenes and this was done quickly and efficiently. The prison cell was cleverly designed for quick installation and dismantling.    

The costumes were numerous and excellent. There were uniforms for the sailors, beautiful evening (and day) dresses as well suits for the men, and gorgeous outfits for Reno’s Angels. The wigs and make up were perfect for the era.  

The lighting was very effective and colourful with some vertical strip lighting added authenticity to the night club scenes. The sound was excellent; the cast belting out the songs with obvious musical talent.    

Leading the cast as Reno Sweeney, Ellyn Ball gave a spirited performance and Thomas Davies combined maturity and boyish charm, as Billy Crocker as he skillfully switched identities in this musical with a daft plot but bursting with delightful songs that were pure escapism. Beth Wilson as Moonface Martin brought wit and charm to her character and Seren Morris was very funny but underused as Erma, the jaded nightclub singer.  The principals were well supported by the Company with Mila Chalmers who beautifully played the debutante, Hope Harcourt, torn between her love for Billy, which she kept hidden, and her duty to her family – keeping them from financial ruin - in agreeing to marry rich Lord Evelyn Oakley.   

The plot moves along very swiftly with madcap antics galore, some great dance routines choreographed by Hattie Brannam and accompanied by the live music provided by the small orchestra under direction by Simon Eastwood.  Director, Stephanie Webb, kept a tight rein on her company and the voices were clear, the American accents accurate and if you were looking to get away from 21st century problems, this return to a time of innocence and uplifting songs, this was the perfect place. BAOS Limelight gave us an evening that simply sparkled.

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