Anything Goes

Cole Porter’s original production was staged on Broadway in 1934 and was the longest running musical of the 1930s about the SS American setting sail for England in 1928.  Tasha Bennett directed this very popular musical with its many well know songs along with some fantastic dance routines. The many good tunes left the audience humming them on the way out which is always a good sign of a  successful show.   Reno (Lyn Menzies)was excellent in the role, giving a good performance both singing and dancing, her costumes were delightful.  Her co star Billy (Tim Clay) a  first time with Woking was in good form despite having a bad throat which did not spoil his singing and dancing. Moonface Martin(Peter Howitt) was very amusing as the gangster and his gangster moll (Geninne Menzies ) following in her mothers footsteps played the part well.  Doing justice to their parts were Evangeline Harcourt (Gillian Freeman) wooed by a lovesick  Elisha Whitney (Clive Moon) and Hope Harcourt (Beth Robinson) a love sick girl unable to make her mind up between Billy and Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (Keith Kimnell) who played the part of the English aristocrat with great aplomb and terrific timing. The chorus completed the voyage setting sail for a trip to  England, Well done WAOS.  The small excellent orchestra conducted by Dick Stockton in the true style of the 1920s  .The stage setting  by Mike Bartlett Roger Thomas and Mike Griffiths of a cruise liner complemented the show and was painted by members of the society overseen by Stage Manger Lisa Young with good lighting by Mark Cox.   The costumes by Tasha Bennett,Lorraine Landon,and Martine Young were all in keeping with the style of the 20s and enhanced the performance

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