Cast of 'Anything Goes' Kicks Up Its Heels

Mira Costa High's Elissa Wells and Danielle Kay lead a well-rehearsed student cast through the paces of the musical "Anything Goes," on stage Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. in the school's auditorium. Hermosa Beach residents have the option of attending Mira Costa High School or Redondo Union High.

"Anything Goes," with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, is a delightfully silly tale of love, laughter and potential mayhem. As a ship prepares to set sail to England, Billy Crocker's unexpected journey begins. The young woman he loves is on the ship, engaged to a British chap. And entertainer Reno Sweeney and and her six "Angels" plus one or two criminals manage to set sail to England.

And so the madcap antics begin.

Part of the appeal of any MCHS drama production is its sharp execution. Stage sets, costumes, the tech/production team and superb student-performed live music catapult them to near professional status.

During Wednesday's matinee, the cast delivered finessed dancing. The tap dancing, in particular, was superb as the ensemble smoothly moved through some complicated choreography that called for absolute perfection.

Elissa and Danielle, in the roles of Reno Sweeney and Bonnie, respectively, give standout performances, their singing, dancing and acting "spot on." Elissa's entire performance is nicely nuanced as she brings verve and restraint to her role, playing Reno to perfection.

Her vocals and dancing during "Let's Misbehave" and "Blow, Gabriel, Blow" are stellar and her vocals on "I Get a Kick Out of You" and "Anything Goes" divine.

As Bonnie, the zany gal accompanying Public Enemy #13 Moonface Martin, Danielle brings a much-needed energy to the performance as a fast-talking girl who zips around here and there, and can sing and dance. Her performance sparkles.

Additional cast standouts include Buster Baer as Moonface, Ron Yadin as Sir Evelyn Oakleigh, Sabrina Mongiello as Hope Harcourt, Cameron Boyer as Billy, Matt Sena as Captain and Kathleen Yates as Mrs. Wadsworth Harcourt.

As a senior, Buster has graced several MCHS musicals in prime roles, always delivering commanding performances. As Moonface, he gets the schtick going and turns in a fun performance.

Ron comes alive when the stuffy Sir Evelyn does, and turns in a fascinating metamorphosis. Sabrina and Kathleen work well together as mother and daughter, Sabrina particularly strong on her two vocal numbers, "It's De-lovely" and "All Through the Night."

Cameron plays the fresh-faced Billy very well, and by show's end has delivered an absolutely enjoyable experience.

Matt's finely-honed portrayal of the ship's captain demonstrates his versatility. In this role, he fashions quite a character.

Of note, Ryan Fiene, who plays a sailor and featured dancer, moves from the background to the forefront with his excellent dancing. 

"Anything Goes," which originally opened on Broadway in 1934 starring Ethel Merman, has enjoyed popularity over the years, with a variety of versions of it ["revivals"] emerging.

MCHS stages the 1962 version, which includes "Heaven Hop." It also has different orchestration, especially noticeable on two songs sung by Elissa and delivered with subtlety.

"Anything Goes" is live Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. on the Mira Costa High School campus, 1401 Artesia Blvd. Parking is free.

Adult tickets are $15; students and seniors, $12. Tickets can be purchased at the box office prior to showtime or at Dietz Bros. Music and Patterson Cleaners in Manhattan Beach and Uncorked The Wine Shop in Hermosa Beach. Tickets may also be bought online; an additional $1 Paypal fee is applied.

• Previously: 'Anything Goes' on Stage at Mira Costa
• Previously: MCHS Drama Dept. Wins Sweepstakes Award