Anything Goes was 'de-lovely'

“Outstanding,” is how Rector, Mark Wilson, described the Senior College production of Anything Goes which opened to a standing ovation, and delighted audiences throughout its week-long, toe tapping run.

“What really stood out among the brilliant performances was the willingness of students to take on new challenges as part of their learning and growth, whether mastering tap dancing, stepping into lead singing roles for the first time, or performing with confidence before a live audience,” enthuses Mark. “The production reflected courage, commitment, and collaboration across the entire cast and crew.”

Larger than life shipboard romp

With its witty, farcical script, and dazzling dance numbers set to a sparkling Cole Porter score, Anything Goes took audiences on a fast-paced, fun romp aboard the SS American, where the glamour of 1930s high society was brought to life, and romance, mistaken identities, and high-seas hilarity collided.

Director, Ginnie Thorner, says selecting this Golden Age classic gave students a wonderful opportunity to experience a different era of musical theatre and to stretch their skills.

“The latest 2022 revision of Anything Goes brings fresh wit to the original 1934 script by P G Wodehouse and Guy Bolton. It honours the show’s timeless charm, and its wonderful song and dance numbers which were demanding on our students’ young voices.”

Ginnie says the rehearsal process for the show was a delight, with the cast working with energy and focus from the outset to rise to every challenge. One of the highlights was watching the students learn the tap dance for the full-cast tap sequence in the title song, Anything Goes, she shares.

“Only seven of our students had tapped before, and only four were taking lessons. The cast brought great commitment and enthusiasm to mastering this skill, and their achievement was remarkable. We are so grateful to our choreographer, Hana Pearce (OC 2019), for her patience and dedication in working with the students on what became a standout moment in the show. I’m incredibly proud of them all.”

The behind-the-scenes details in the show, from the music and choreography to the direction and design elements, all contributed to a magical production.

Musical Director, Duncan Ferguson, led the eight exceptional student musicians in the live production band, who effortlessly brought the lively and playful jazz era inspired rhythms and sophisticated melodies to life.

The stunning set evoking the 1930s ship with its Art Deco styling, multi-level spaces and promenade deck, and dazzling costumes, from elegant evening gowns, to sparkling performance costumes, crisp naval uniforms and tailored suits, both brought the style and glamour of the era to life.

The backstage crew and a large parent team of helpers also contributed to the success of the show.

“Theatre is a collaborative effort, and this show is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together,” says Ginnie.

Hilarious tale of love and deception

As the song says, Anything Goes is ‘delightful, delicious, and truly de-lovely’ with its hilarious, chaotic plot filled with love triangles, mistaken identities, bad disguises, gangsters, and plenty of wit. The story follows lovelorn Billy Crocker as he teams up with the charismatic but jaded nightclub singer, Reno Sweeney, along with an incognito gangster, Moonface Martin, to win the heart of debutante Hope Harcourt, who is heading to London from New York on the SS America to marry her mismatched English fiancée.

Annie Young (Year 13), as Reno Sweeney, was outstanding in her role bringing both the confidence and vulnerability of her character to life. The talented actor, singer, and dancer delivered a beautiful performance of the show’s famous opening number, I Get a Kick Out of You, which set the scene for a wonderful night’s entertainment.

Her Act One duet of You’re the Top, with Charlie Bisphan (Year 13), who played Billy Crocker, was another highlight, which showcased the actors’ chemistry and had great choreography.

Charlie is another very strong actor and singer, who was perfect as the lovestruck young New York would-be businessman with his eye on a single prize, socialite, Hope Harcourt. On his quest to win her heart, Billy becomes entangled with small-time gangster, Moonface Martin, one of the most entertaining comic characters in the show.

Harrison Mugford (Year 11) was a standout performer as Moonface, doing a brilliant job of capturing the character’s exaggerated bravado and kind heart with great comic timing. His duet, Friendship with Annie Young got some of the biggest cheers of the show, and his dancing was flawless.

As Hope Harcourt, Zuzu Connelly

(Year 12) looked like she stepped out of the pages of a 1930s fashion magazine, perfectly evoking the era, and doing a lovely job of portraying the object of Billy’s affections. She and Charlie Bisphan did a great performance of another of the musicals showstoppers, It’s De-Lovely.

Rounding out the love triangle was the hilarious Cooper Fleming (Year 13) as Hope’s hapless British fiancée, Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Cooper had great fun with the over-the-top role, with his physical comedy particularly impressive.

A triumph from beginning to end

The audience was wowed by the cast’s incredible performance of Anything Goes at the end of Act One, with most of the students, including the lead, Annie Young, learning to tap dance especially for the iconic showstopper. It was an incredible achievement for the students to master this tricky skill, with their exceptional performance bringing some Broadway magic to the stage.

Another of the show’s iconic hits, Blow Gabriel Blow, was beautifully sung by Annie Young, and gave the ensemble the opportunity to show off their impressive dance skills once again.

Among the young actors and singers to shine in supporting roles was Zoe Robinson (Year 12), who stole the scene every time she appeared as Erma Latour, the confident, sassy side-kick of Moonface Martin. Zoe perfectly characterised Erma’s flirtatious behaviour and her strong New York accent was impressive.

Austin Paterson (Year 12) enhanced his reputation for playing comedic characters with his fun portrayal of Elisha Whitley, a wealthy, slightly pompous Wall Street businessman, and Billy’s boss. His physical comedy was a delight.

Hope Harcourt’s overbearing and socially ambitious mother, the widow Evangeline Harcourt, was played brilliantly by Scarlett Ryan (Year 13) with her character trying to convince her daughter to marry well to save the family fortune, but managing to solve her financial issues herself by marrying Elisha Whitley in the end.

Isabella Cutforth and Holly Coggan (both Year 12) also had great fun as small-time crooks, Spit and Dippy, while Frederick Paterson (Year 11) as the ship’s Captain, and Edward Keenan and Lachlan Hackston (both Year 12) as his Purser and First Officer were wonderful in their roles too. Frederick Paterson’s effortless dancing was a standout.

The members of the ensemble also played their various parts with relish, and given the complexity of the show and all they had to learn, did a wonderful job.

Love of course won the day in the end, with Billy and Hope marrying, along with Reno and Lord Evelyn.

A reprise of some of the show’s classic songs at the end of the show celebrated the characters’ happy ending and was the perfect way to finish another highly memorable piece of theatre at St Andrew’s College.