By George Loch
My wife and I had the opportunity to attend the Empress Theater’s performance of Anything Goes, which just opened this week. It was our first time at the Empress Theater and we were impressed indeed. As you walk into the downtown Magna facility, you are immediately transported back in time to the days when live theater was the place to be. Once we were ushered into the theater proper, we stepped into the production itself. It feels as though you just walked onto the deck of a cruise ship. They have done a wonderful job with the space that allows for full-immersion and a theater-in-the-round feeling that was cozy and comfortable. Overall, the facility choices add to the performance and delighted the both of us.
Anything Goes is a wonderful romp that carries you across the Atlantic ocean with a collection of characters that provide a lot of laughs and entertainment. Cole Porter’s music is happy, touching and light-hearted. This musical produced a number of classics hits like “You’re the Top”, “I Get a Kick Out of You” and the lead number “Anything Goes”. The music combined with solid dance numbers, an amusing plot and great characters make for a theatrical escape.
The company produced a great show with a solid cast and a number of stand-out performances. Josh Astle rendered a fine performance as the lead, Billy Crocker and his love interest, Hope Harcourt, was played capably by Emily Preston. At times, the connection between the leads didn’t feel strongly convincing but, their numbers were well executed. Emalee Easton brought a dynamic performance of Reno Sweeney, an ex-evangilist who became a night club singer, with strong vocals and a sassy stage presence. Emily Preston. Matthew Green was so much fun as the gangster, Moonface Martin. his rendition of “Be like the Bluebird” was a highlight of the show. For my wife, Colin Doxey’s performance as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh and his hilarious song “The Gypsy in Me” was her favorite. Moonface’s accomplice, Erma, played by Britanny Bush, kept the sailor’s and the audience’s attention through her “Buddy, Beware” delivery. Billy’s employer, Elisha Whitney, performed by Steve Hedman, was a solid addition to the mixups as was Hope Harcourt’s mother, Evangeline Harcourt, who was played by Annie Crawford.
There was a great amount of talent in the supporting cast. We were treated to lovely performances by Reno Sweeney’s back up singers: Purity, Chastity, Charity, and Virtue. The ship’s captain and crew provided great entertainment and memorable moments. As a result, the large groups numbers were dazzling and engaging. Jake Andersen and Kylee Orgzewalla created some fun choreography that reflected the period dance and really utilized the theater to it potential. To compliment the setting and performances, Melissa Buxton and Rachael Rasmussen brought some excellent costuming that was spot on. We loved the color and textures and even a couple of ‘surprise’ costume changes. All of these elements along with solid lighting and sound support, the experience was refreshing and entertaining.
If you are a man over 75 years, consult your health care viagra professional canada provider. Whatever online cialis canada may, it is not something to be ignored. Only disability due cialis viagra cheap look here to arthritis or rheumatism is more common. The patient has often continuous gross hematuria and large amount of urine protein. levitra online opacc.cv
Kudos to the directors, Rachael Rasmussen and Curtis Nash, as well as all the production crew for telling a fun story and bringing about a delightful escape. It was a great show and one that shouldn’t be missed.
Anything Goes
at The Empress Theater
9104 W 2700 S Magna, UT
(801) 347-7373
ALL TICKET PRICES $10
0 Comments