Anything Goes

Anything Goes                   Mellow Dramatics                        May 2016

Anything Goes is set aboard the ocean liner S. S. American, where nightclub singer/evangelist Reno Sweeney is en route from New York to England. Her pal Billy Crocker has stowed away to be near his love, Hope Harcourt, but the problem is Hope is engaged to the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Joining this love triangle on board the luxury liner are Moonface Martin and his sidekick-in-crime Bonnie. With the help of some not so convincing disguises, tap-dancing sailors and good old-fashioned blackmail, Reno and Martin join forces to help Billy in his quest to win Hope’s heart.

Anything Goes is a light hearted and fun show with some great tunes and fabulous opportunities for show stopping song and dance numbers.

As the action takes place on a cruise ship the set needs to conjure up the deck of a luxury liner with the need to also go 'below deck' to the cabins and the jail cell. Once again the design and construction of the Mellow Dramatics set could not be faulted. The clever design enabled the show to flow seamlessly through the various scenes and the two tier construction provided opportunities for scenes to play below and above deck at the same time.

Lighting and sound added positively to the overall look and sound of the show. Costumes on the whole worked well, although I couldn't quite understand the influx of sailors for the final number of Act one. Where did they all come from? Also attention to some of the smaller details would have enhanced the overall look, for example, the captain wearing a hat and a better way of bearding up Billy for one of his disguises.

This company captured the essence of the show with strong principal performances and a company that was well drilled in the routines and filled the stage with life and colour. Reno Sweeney, played by Lucy Robinson, oozed sex appeal and charm and her angels were a great backing act.  Billy Crocker, Joe Bromfield, confidently created the character of the cheeky charmer with a lovely stage presence and effortless vocals. Hope Harcourt, Lucy Warner, was a mix of sophistication and girlish enthusiasm and created a lovely on stage relationship with her beau Billy. Lord Evelyn is a fantastic part to play but difficult as he is meant to appear unintentionally  funny, however Joe Bromfield managed this with ease. Moonface Martin, Dan Robb, and Bonnie, Natasha Ingham, were a great gangster double act, funny, engaging and full of character.

I know in amateur societies we want to involve as many people as we can in as much of the show as possible but always keep in mind the storyline and the characters involved. Particularly the principals, keep them in character throughout the show and don't let them become part of the crowd in the big company numbers. Would Mrs Harcourt be tap dancing?

I enjoyed this show very much, it was full of energy,  the set was fabulous and the story telling was correctly paced and engaged the audience.

Well done to all involved in this production.

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