Anything Goes

A touch of 1930s glamour was brought to the stage by the 34 talented members of this society as they set sail on the fictional SS American on her voyage from New York to England. On a three decked set they sang and danced their way through Cole Porter's delicious score and delivered great comic lines all of which were lapped up by the appreciative first night audience. Jennifer MacBeath was magnificent as nightclub singer Reno Sweeney as she sang and danced her way through numbers such as the opening "I Get a Kick Out of You" to "You're the Top" and "Friendship". Her powerful voice was shown to its best in the Act 1 finale "Anything Goes" and the rousing "Blow, Gabriel, Blow'" both with the backing of the full company. Andrew Sweeney as the young lovelorn stockbroker Billy Crocker showed his great versatility in his interactions with his love interest Hope - I particularly liked their duet "It's De Lovely" - and in the comedy moments with Reno and gangster Moonface Martin. His dancing was none too shabby either! Heidi Kane as his love interest Hope Harcourt was delightful and her rendition of the reflective "Goodbye, Little Dream, Goodbye" was heart rending. Ian Towns as her dim witted aristocrat fiance had the mannerisms down to a T and his hilarious rendition of "The Gypsy in Me" had the audience in stitches. Angus Mackintosh as Moonface Martin was another hugely comic character whose antics had the audience laughing out loud. His duet "Friendship" with Reno was a masterpiece and his rendition of "Be Like the Bluebird", complete with magic trick, was a hoot! Another touch of glamour was added by Holly Edmonds portrayal of the sultry, man-mad gangster's moll Erma and her rendition of "Buddy Beware" certainly had the sailors hot under the collar. Stuart McMain as Billy's boss Eli Whitney was another character showing good comic flair especially in the cabin scene where he tried to entice Hope's mother to join him and where he gave a spirited rendition of "The Crew Song". Anne Hingston, as the object of his attentions Mrs Evangeline Harcourt, gave a very strong performance as the matriach with her eye on gaining social status for her daughter and regaining her own status in the upper echelons. Strong support was given by Reno's Angels - Sarah Richards, Leanne Craggs, Victoria O'Neill, Rhona Marshall. Also by Gary McClarence (Ship's Captain), Alyssa Fischer (Ship's Purser), Andrew Brebner (Rev Henry T Dobson), Jack Massie and Archie Maclean (his converts Spit and Dippy). The ensemble singing and movement where of the extremely high standard we have come to expect from this company but espceially in the big numbers "Anything Goes" and "Blow, Gabriel, Blow" where excellent use was made of the multi-level set. The 8 piece band, under Tim Tricker's direction, produced a lovely rich sound. Costuming was colourful and appropriate to the era and to the characters. Well done all at AOC Productions on an excellent production fully deserving of the extended applause and standing ovation received.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.