Anything Goes

The classic musical “Anything Goes” set sail tonight from Markinch Town Hall! The musical is a rollicking journey filled with mistaken identities, romantic engagements and some of Cole Porter’s most iconic songs.

Billy Crocker, confidently played by Michael McLean created the character of the cheeky charmer with excellent stage presence and effortless vocals. Billy’s love interest, debutante Hope Harcourt, was more than capably played by Brogan Orkney. Her singing at each and every one of her numbers was a pleasure to listen to, this, combined with her sophistication and girlish enthusiasm added up to an excellent characterisation.   Hope’s fiancée Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (Logan Booth) must rank as one of my favourite characters in the show.  Although he is not meant to appear intentionally funny, his take on the archetypal British upper class, snorting twit, combined with his facial expressions was a joy to watch. Ann-Marie Miller as nightclub singer Reno Sweeney performed all her numbers to perfection and her lead in “Blow Gabriel Blow was outstanding!  Elisha Witney (Andrew Doig) was every inch the drunken Ivy League old boy, bumbling around convincingly after his glasses are stolen. As Hope’s grasping and overbearing mother, Evangeline Harcourt, Margaret McKenzie brought much amusement to the part.   The lineup of principal characters was completed by Craig Spence’s comedic antics as Public Enemy #13 Moonface Martin and Brodi Orkney’s ever-so-slightly brash version of Bonnie!

Supporting principals all added with their individual characters to the delightful blend of comedy, romance and timeless music inherent in MAOS shows and tonight’s show in particular.

Direction in the competent hands of Nigel Orkney and the musical direction under the baton of Gillian Haycock, all made to ensure that tonight’s production was an undoubted success.

Choreography by Carol Sinclair, gave evidence that the principals and chorus can not only sing well, but, can also dance to the same standard -  and both at the same time!

The set, designed and built in house, ensured that plenty space was available for the not insignificant cast numbers, and also that scene changes were effected with minimal down time.

Lighting and sound were both very effective, the former ensuring that performers were seen at all times and the latter ensuring clarity of voice at all times!

Many thanks MAOS for your invite to a fine evening’s entertainment!

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