'Anything Goes' Comes To Elm Street Arts Stage

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WOODSTOCK, GA -- On Friday, the S.S. American sets sail at Elm Street Cultural Arts Village with the opening night of "Anything Goes," a madcap musical set in the 1920’s on an ocean liner bound from New York to London.

As the ship heads out to sea, etiquette and convention get tossed out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love, proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, an exotic disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail.

“This is one of the greatest musicals in theater history, with some memorable songs, including ‘I Get a Kick Out of You,’ ‘It’s De-Lovely,’ ‘You’re the Top,’ and (of course) the title song ‘Anything Goes,’" said Elm Street Operations Director Christopher Brazelton. "These fabulous musical pieces, plus the dance numbers really give actors a chance to shine."

Brazelton is doing double duty for this show, serving in his usual role as operations director as well as director for the upcoming production.

“It’s been a bit hectic, but what great fun to be involved in such a hands on way with the production," he added.

Though this Cole Porter musical was burst onto the Broadway scene in 1934, it remains a popular piece, and was again on the Great White Way in 2011, winning three Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival and Choreography.

“The cast is having a blast,” said choreographer Siobhan Brumbelow. “We even got to put on our costumes and share some of the show with the Downtown Woodstock Friday Night Live crowd on April 1st which was Roaring 20s night. The crowds loved it, and so did we.”

The large cast features 23 members full of tapping shoes and more. In particular, this show will feature Elm Street’s largest set in the history of the organization. Brad Leak, the scenic designer has an excellent team behind him, but faced some difficult challenges.

“The key is remembering that Anything Goes is a comedy, and a farce at that,” Leak said. “Not only do we need 4 stair cases, 2 levels, swinging walls, and 2 doors, the real trick is it all having to make all of those things move quickly to keep up with the pace of the show.”

The show will run three weeks, from April 29 through May 15. Visit elmstreetarts.org to view times and to purchase tickets.

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Photo 1: Joshua Montague (Billy Crocker), Lauren Bowling (Reno Sweeney)
Photo 2: Andrew Berardi (Lord Evelyn Oakley), Carlye McLaughlin (Hope Harcourt)
Photo 3: Ethan Everett (Moonface Martin), Taylor Sage Priday (Erma)
Photo 4: Ginny Slifcak (Mrs. Harcourt), Justin Collins (Eli Whitney)
Photo credits: JAM Session Photography