All Aboard for 'Anything Goes' at Stage West

Who can resist the allure of Cole Porter, one of Broadway's finest composers of all time?

Tonight, climb onboard the luxury liner S. S. American as Stage West Community Playhouse presents the original l934 version of the musical comedy, "Anything Goes."

Featuring classic Cole Porter tunes like "It's De-Lovely," "You're the Top," "I Get a Kick Out of You,", and of course, the title song, "Anything Goes," this musical has high energy, fabulous dance numbers, authentic costumes and loads of fun. "We want people to forget their troubles and come see this show and join this zany cruise," said Director John Masterson.

A great comedic farce about boy meets girl, "Anything Goes," has it all.

"It's a love story with beautiful music that is guaranteed to have people humming as they leave the theatre," said Masterson. "It is what musical theatre is all about. And of course, it has very funny lines."

Masterson directed "Anything Goes" at Richey Suncoast Theatre recently, and is a veteran actor and director in regional community theater.

He promises a streamlined production with quick scene changes accomplished by unique lighting design.

"The lighting is exciting - I believe when you are doing a musical you go heavy on the theatrics, and that's what we've tried to do."

Masterson also has eliminated blackouts by moving actors rhythmically around the stage, designing a two level set with multiple openings to optimize cast movement.

The story centers on a rather average guy, Billy Crocker, played by Mitchell Gonzalez (Lee in "1776," and a HAMI winner for "The King and I") who meets the beautiful debutante Hope Harcourt (Victoria Primosch, HAMI winner for Tuptim in "The King and I") and falls instantly in love.

As the ship prepares to disembark, Billy stops by to drop off his boss' passport.

He notices Ms. Harcourt coming aboard, and decides to become a stowaway so he can stop her from marrying the stuffy aristocratic Lord Evelyn Leigh (Ryan Rogers making his Stage West debut).

Star of the voyage is the evangelist turned entertainer, Reno Sweeney (Leanne Germann, HAMI for Norma in "Victor, Victoria" and director of several musical productions) and her four dancing Angels.

There is another celebrity aboard, but he is very much under wraps. Moonface Martin, a.k.a. Public Enemy No. 13 (Dave Stenger, HAMI as Benny in "Guys and Dolls") is a big time gambler who is hiding out, disguised as a minister.

He is aided by his girlfriend, Bonnie (Linda Campo "Camelot," and "The Man Who Came to Dinner.") Also on board are Bishop Henry Dobson (Vincent Cloonan, M. Lindsey Woolsey in "Mame") and his two Chinese sidekicks, Ching (Alex Garcia) and Ling (Nick Martinez).

There is much mayhem on board ship as things get out of hand with several cases of mistaken identity, adding to the farcical tone of the show.

Masterson chose several veteran actors, along with some new talent.

"My cast couldn't be stronger. This show is everything you expect a musical to be - it has beautiful music, fabulous dancing, and a funny love story."

Musical Director Elaine Saulnier ("Crazy for You" at Timber Pines) leads the six piece orchestra. Terri Marwood, veteran performer and choreographer has created some exciting dance numbers, and costumer Molly Lutz has pulled out the stops with vintage l930s costumes.

Masterson is very confident of his cast, and happy to be directing "Anything Goes" for Stage West. "Stage West is the crown jewel of community theatre. There is no theatre in this area that compares with the style and what it has to offer. And the degree of talent that came out to this audition was just wonderful. Every actor I have selected is top notch. When the cast does the crowd favorite, "Blow Gabriel, Blow," it will blow the roof off."

"Anything Goes" plays weekends through Sunday, Nov. 22. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 8 p.m., and the Sunday matinee starts at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $18, and $9 for students, and may be purchased by calling 352-683-5113 or stop by the box office which is open one hour prior to each performance and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Stage West Community Playhouse is located at 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd, Spring Hill. Visit their Web site at www.stagewest.net.