'Anything Goes' at Musicals at Richter - My Review

This weekend Musicals at Richter began their 30th summer season under the stars aboard the S.S. American in the Cole Porter classic musical Anything Goes! The 2014 Board of Directors reminded patrons in a letter in the program that "no theater is guaranteed a next season" and go on to thank their patrons, families and community for their support.

This ambitious show, with a book by Guy Bolton, P.G. Wodehouse, Howard Lindsey and Russel Crouse, is set on the deck of a Trans-Atlantic cruise ship. It combines some madcap antics and campy jokes with a romantic love story, some fine tap dancing and a funny cast of characters wrapped up in unlikely happy endings. And don't forget the fabulous Cole Porter songs like "You're the Top," "Friendship," "De-Lovely," "I Get a Kick Out Of You" and the title song played by a great fifteen-piece orchestra that had a Big Band sound. It all makes for a fun show that would appeal to all ages.

Former Rockette Jeri Kansas both directed and choreographed this large cast and Melissa L. Jones served as Musical Director and Conductor of that wonderful orchestra. The very impressive Art Deco set was designed by Andrew Knapp and the artwork upon it is probably the best I have ever seen at Richter.  It was well-lit by  RKE Productions, Inc.

Artistic Director Lauren Nicole Sherwood designed the spectacular costumes and I couldn't wait to see what ensembles would come out next. The first act production number of "Anything Goes" was a vision in red, white, and blue, while the finale was done in black, white and red. Reno Sweeney, played perfectly by Janina Gonzales, had a dizzying number of costume changes, one more lovely than the next.

This entire cast was up to Richter standards and included many familiar faces. Richter Historian Dolly Conner and Dr. Barbara Kessler returned to the MAR stage and played passengers. Stephen DiRocco returned to play the silly Elisha Whitney and

Five strong dancers played Reno's Angels and Madalyn Sheehy debuted at MAR as Angel: Faith. Five young dancers played sailors and served as their willing dance partners. 

Waterbury Chorale member Robert Bria played a charming Billy Crocker; he had the great comic timing, strong dance ability and the lyrical tenor voice required by the role. He appeared in this show with his sister Beth (who did a fine job with the role of Mrs. Harcourt,) his niece and his nephew Rachel and Brian Salvador.

Stephanie Sands (who played Helene in last year's Sweet Charity) used her glorious soprano voice in the role of Billy's love interest Hope Harcourt. Michael Wright, in his MAR debut, was an excellent English gentleman in the role of Lord Evelyn Oakley. He had a fine comic sense and a great singing voice. Equally wonderful was Ms. Sherwood in the perky featured role of Erma, a gun moll traveling with Moonface Martin, played by the strong comic actor Ted Schwartz. All four were a joy to watch.

Musicals at Richter is a great place to bring a picnic and enjoy a great show under the stars. I brought along a jacket, lots of bug spray and a citronella candle and didn't get a single bite. Anything Goes is the perfect reason to head to Danbury.