'Anything Goes' Will Sail Audiences Away

By Anna Craig

Republished with permission of Winnachronicle, the student newspaper, and WinnaWire.

For the past two months the cast of this year’s musical, “Anything Goes”, has been working tirelessly to put together a show full of romance, gangsters, and plenty of tap dancing.

 On the S.S. American, Billy Crocker, played by Owen Thomas (10), is stowed away in hopes of winning back his one true love, Hope Harcourt, Elaine Weatherby (10). While on board Crocker befriends the gangster “Moonface,” Sam Lloyd (12), and “gangstress” Bonnie (Carolyn Moe, 11)who promise to help him win back Hope. Also along for the ride is notorious nightclub singer Reno Sweeney, played by Sarah Schwab (10) who finds herself in love with Hope’s fiance Sir Evelyn (Chris Cyrus, 11). Hilarity can only ensue when Crocker is forced to impersonate “Snake Eyes” Johnson, Public Enemy 1. The passengers of the cruise ship erupt in a flurry of excitement when they hear that a “celebrity” is on board. The show goes on to have characters constantly pairing up with one another creating an array of entangling romances.  Leading the show are Thomas and Schwab once again along with some old favorites such as Lloyd, once again in a comedic role which suits his exuberant personality.

“Anything Goes” is a bit of a change from the past few musicals Winnacunnet has put on in that it is chalk full of big group numbers that are quite the production. “Almost all songs have dance- it’s a real tap show,” said director Peter Thomes. The bulk of the dance numbers have been choreographed by students, some of whom are also acting in the show and performing their dances. “You know what’s remarkable? None of these kids knew how to tap before this,” said Thomes who seems thoroughly impressed with the dance routines. “They’ve really put in a lot of work with the dances.”

Dancing has been taking up a hefty portion of rehearsal time and even then cast members still need to rehearse on their own. On days when they are not dancing the actors have spent the afternoons focusing on choral numbers or line work with blocking on stage, figuring out how actors will move about the stage. The group has been working closely with chorus instructor Patrick Moore who handles most singing aspects of the show. Last week the show began to come together, running through scenes complete with song and dance. “[Rehearsal] has been a little slow to start, but it’s really coming together- I think it’s going to be pretty darn good,” said Thomas.

In many regards “Anything Goes” is a very traditional Broadway musical with comedy, upbeat songs and big production numbers. “It’s the kind of show where you leave feeling happy,” said Weatherby. The cast is trying to convey the amusing feel of the classic musical in hopes that the audience leaves with a smile on their faces. “It really just makes you want to get up and dance,” said Courtney Janvrin (10).

“Anything Goes” will be performed at 7 p.m. on March 9 and again on March 10 at 2 and 7 p.m.