Anything Goes Review- Hopebox Theatre

 

Anything Goes follows wall-street assistant Billy Crocker as he stows away to win back debutante Hope Harcourt, who is engaged to wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, with the chaotic comedic help of evangelist-turned-singer Reno Sweeney and a disguised gangster. The music and lyrics are by Cole Porter. The original book was a collaborative effort by Guy Bolton and P. G. Wodehouse, revised considerably by the team of Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse.

Direction:

The show was directed by Jan Williams and Wyatt Welch. The team accomplished something that I never thought was possible- finally making me a like a production of "Anything Goes." They made sure to assemble the best production team around. They had a clear vision, and made sure to let their team know what they wanted. All parts of the show flowed together because of their clear direction and vision. 

The show was music directed by Brooks Teeples. The vocals during "There's No Cure Like Travel" were together and good. "Bon Voyage" vocals blended well and were nice to listen to.  "You're the Top" highlighted Reno and Billy's abilities to sing well. "Easy to Love" vocals were smooth. "There'll Always Be a Lady Fair" and "It's De-Lovely" vocals had nice harmonies.  "Blow, Gabriel, Blow" was a wonderful highlight of how well the cast can sing together. "All Through the Night" sounded great with Billy and Hope singing together, but elevated when the sailors and angels joined in. 

The show was choreographed by Kayley Turner and Kelsey Turner. The duo made sure to embrace the time period through their choreography. Every song they choreographed helped tell the story. Them having Billy free during "I Get A Kick Out Of You," helped highlight Reno and tell the story. "You're the Top" was fun to watch. The highlight of the show was the choreography for "Anything Goes" because of how well the group was in unison tap dancing. "Blow, Gabriel, Blow" had lots of energy. "The Gypsy in Me" choreography matched well with the music. "Buddie, Beware" choreography was clever and played to the actor's strengths. 

Performances: 

Reno was played by Samantha Wursten. Wursten played Reno as confident, clever, philosophical, funny, persuasive, and extremely comfortable with herself physically. She had a well defined accent. Wursten shined through her vocals when she sang "Anything Goes." Her vocals were well rehearsed and nice to listen to. Her indifference and interest was funny.

Hope Harcourt was played by Kayleigh Eagle. Eagle played Hope as passionate and refined. She had a sarcasm that was hilarious and helped show her character's true intensions. Eagle is a strong singer, especially when she sang "Goodbye, Little Dream, Goodbye."

Billy Crocker was played by Daylen Bills. Bills played Billy as charismatic and comedic. He had a clear accent. His vocals were a clear highlight, especially when he sang, "Easy to Love." Bills did a great job helping drive the story.

Lord Evelyn Oakleigh was played by Ethan Hoffmann. Hoffmann played Oakleigh as earnest, energetic, good-natured, gullible and charming. He used an upper-class British accent. Hoffmann's comedic timing got shown off during "The Gypsy In Me."

Moonface Martin was played by Stefan Kurzius. Kurzius played Moonface as wily and quick-witted, yet somehow just this side of gullible. He had a strong New York/New Jersey Accent. The audience got to see how good of a singer he really was during "Be like the Bluebird."

Erma Latour was played by Rylee Harris. Harris played Erma as independent, modern, impulsive, courageous, boundless, immoderate, and driven by whatever gratifies her at the moment. She had a strong New Jersey accent that reminded me of Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. Harris had a wonderful choreography moment during "Be like the Bluebird" where you got to see how good of a dancer she really was. 

Elisha Whitney was played by Andrew J. Cole. From the moment he stepped on stage his character was clear and big. His vocals were highlighted during "The Crew Song" and showed how comedic of an actor he is. 

Design:

The set was designed by Jan Williams, Ashley Collins-Dowse, and Ian Fife. When the audience walks in, you can't help but notice how gorgeous the set was. The set had platforms on both sides that made it look like the upper parts of the deck. Both sides had doors that the actors could go through, and were used well. The Americana theme was show throughout the bunting on the railings and through the stage lights. The port hole pillars in the back came down to be beds throughout the show.

The costumer for this show was Mak Riddle, with Jamila Lowe and Shelbi Raynor assisting. Every piece on stage was stunning and fit the time period. All costume fit together and created a beautiful picture. They thought of every little detail, including doing things like having Lord Evelyn Oakleigh wear sock suspenders or having the sailors have anchor tattoos. Some of my favorite costumes of the night were Moonface and Erma's matching red outfits, Hope's beginning costume, and the party dresses for the females.

The properties designer for the show was Ashly Hunter. Each prop looked like it fit on stage and was time period appropriate. I adored the apple pie prop and the SS Jacobson life preserver. 

Wall of Hope Recipient:

The Hopebox Theatre's mission is, "Bringing Hope to Families Battling Cancer through the Performing Arts." Each show they pick a recipient that they donate a portion of their proceeds and all their donations to. For this show their recipient is Kirsten Jacobson. 

Here is her story from the Hopebox Theatre's website:

Kirsten Jacobson is a vivacious advocate for mental health. She has been a regular performer and music director at The Hopebox Theatre and has even served on our board of directors in the past. She is a mother to two young children (ages 8 and 5). She was diagnosed 1 month ago with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer that has quickly spread to her brain and ovaries. She has been highly active on social media, sharing her journey, and has been so brave in documenting the triumphs and trials.  

Kirsten is a native of Arizona and owns a mental health counseling practice in Layton, Utah.  She specializes in serving children who are suffering from mental struggles. She is an accomplished author and has two children’s books that will be published in 2027 about “Clive the  Cactus” and his adventures in learning to be himself. 

Kirsten’s cancer treatment will be a long one. She has undergone radiation to shrink the lesions in her brain that are preventing her from having her sight. She is positive and hopeful that she will fully recover and enjoy her favorite things again. 

Support Kirsten by purchasing tickets to Anything Goes and by donating to her directly through Venmo @givehopebox.

Final Impressions:

This was the most well done version of Anything Goes I've ever seen. It was more special for me to see this production because Kirsten and I have been allies through our cancer journey. She has a special place in my heart. I hope that anyone that comes to see the show will be able to see the positive impact Kirsten has had on the theatre community. If you are in the position to do so, please donate to the Hopebox so you can help support Kirsten in her cancer journey and help this wonderful theatre to continue bringing hope to families through the performing arts.

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