17th April 2025
Annie
Wymsical Theatre, The Norbury Theatre, Droitwich
ANYTHING GOES
Author: Ian G Cox for Trevor Guest
Information
- Date
- 22nd October 2013
- Society
- Worcester Operatic & Dramatic Society
- Venue
- Swan Theaatre
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Andrew Rawle
- Musical Director
- Sheila Bratt
- Choreographer
- Sam Collinson
It is reported that the iconic star Ethel Merman referred to “Anything Goes” being about "a girl on a boat." In simple terms of course it is, though this bubbly Cole Porter score packed with its host of memorable music and lyrics of comedy and fun make it very much more. Enhanced by this talented company with superb performances from all on stage in both the principal and ensemble line up.
The SS American on a splendid set complete with a most effective planked floor for the deck provided a very pleasing setting as from the start the audience were treated to a burst of energy and pace which was maintained throughout.
Reno Sweeney ( Sarah Gilhooly) 19 years on from first playing the role, from her first entrance in one of many glitzy costumes, with ‘I get a kick out of you’ demonstrated sheer magnetism to carry the role and equally impressively Billy Crocker ( Steve Miller ) in his first show for the company gave an assured performance vocally and in stage movement. None more so than with Hope Harcourt (Louisa Ford) in some magnificent dance moves, always smiling. Moonface Martin (Peter Baio) and Erma (Leila Moore) injected well timed comedy moments, a hall mark of the clever script.
Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (Mark Langston) in quintessentially English accent and manner performed “Gypsy” with panache and style. Hope Harcourt ( Louisa Ford) danced and sung extremely well indeed. There were excellent performances from Elisha Whitney (Andrew Bartlet), Evangeline Harcourt ( Ann Mayor) along with the Captain ( Tim Lovel) a fitting Master of this particular vessel.
The big numbers ‘Bon Voyage’, ‘Blow Gabriel Blow’ and ‘Anything Goes’ showcased the vitality, energy and determined enthusiasm that delivered entertainment of the highest quality performed magnificently with brilliant choreography and freezes..
Music from an out of sight stage side orchestra was effectively balanced in tone, quality and volume enabling the accomplished vocals to come thorough perfectly.
Ian G Cox
© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.