Anything Goes

'Anything Goes’ is a feel good musical full of fun, nonsenese and memorable musical numbers from the great Cole Porter.

Set on board S.S.America, the rousing crew and passengers on board got the show off to a great start wishing everyone ‘Bon Voyage’. Throughout their journey, the passengers looked quite at ease lounging on their deck chairs, sipping refreshments and moving about the deck enjoying what was happening on board. The ensemble singing was strong with harmonies coming across well particularly in the opening of Act 2 ‘Public Enemy Number One.’

The part of Reno Sweeney, an evangelist turned night club singer, was very well handled by Sylvia Cowie who looked great in her many stunning costumes. She led the ensemble strongly in the big production numbers including the title song. ‘Anything Goes’ and ‘Blow Gabriel Blow.’

With a fine voice and a sparkling personality, Marc Robertson was an impressive love struck Billy Crocker, a stowaway on board, switching his various identities in order to get the love of his life Hope Harcourt. Rachael Harvey gave a sophisticated performance as Hope not wanting to let her ambitious mother down but also unable to hide her true feelings for Billy. Their duets ‘Easy to Love’ and ‘It’s De-Lovely’ were charming as was Hope’s ‘Goodbye, Little Dream, Goodbye.’

Mrs Evangeline Harcourt wants her daughter to marry the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh and Ruth Bonnar was certainly the social climbing, overbearing mother who brought comedy to the role.Tommy Travers skillfully portrayed the stiff upper class somewhat eccentric Lord Evelyn but let his hair down delivering ‘The Gypsy In Me’ with gay abandon.

Elisha Whitney, the Ivy League Wall Street banker, was in the most capable hands of John Lauder. Often inebriated and brash this was an excellent characterisation.

Aiden O’Brien, Moonface Martin, played a larger than life Public Enemy Number 13. Commanding the stage and bringing out all the humour in the role ‘Be Like A Bluebird’ was excellent as was the amusing ‘Friendship’ with Reno. The sexy gangster’s moll, Erma, is a geat part  and Sarah Mackinlay suited this part very well indeed. Lively and animated she successfully manipulated all around her. ‘Buddie Beware’ was joyous. Paul Cooke, Captain, and Arlene Lauder, Pursur were a fine dynamic duo.

The supporting roles were all well cast. Everyone looked good in their costumes which were colourful and correct for the period. Choreography was simple but effective and performed well. Good use was made of the split set. A well balanced small  orchestra supported the company.

I attended the dress rehearsal of this most enjoyable, lively show which I’m sure will have been enjoyed by audiences throughout the week,

 

 

 

 

 

 

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.