By Larisa Hicken
The UVU Department of Theatrical Arts for Stage and Screen’s performance of Anything Goes in the small Noorda Theater in Orem, Utah is delightful.
Anything Goes is a classic Cole Porter masterpiece of silly romance and comedy that allows you to escape into the early 1930s on board an ocean liner. Anything Goes is full of cheesy one-liners and double entendres as characters try to talk their way out of a tight spot. The show is definitely not kid-friendly material, but there’s nothing too over-the-top risqué in this production.
This silly love story is about Billy Crocker who has fallen in love with a debutante, Hope Harcourt, whom he met in a taxi. When he discovers she’s boarding the same London-bound ship that his boss and friend Reno are boarding, he sneaks aboard the ship himself. Unfortunately, Hope’s mother has arranged an engagement for Hope to a stuffy British aristocrat named Lord Evelyn to restore the family fortune. With the help of other passengers, including a couple of barely disguised gangsters, Billy seeks to capture the heart of his dream girl – all without getting caught by his boss.
Since all of this hilarity takes place on board an ocean liner, the production team has a real challenge in squishing this typically huge show into the small Noorda Theater at UVU. The set (designed by Stephen Purdy) isn’t lavish, but it’s pleasantly functional and provides some nice levels for story telling.
The director, UVU resident artist Rob Moffat, uses the space well and does a nice job keeping the story moving forward at a quick pace (almost too quickly during a couple of scene transitions). The character interactions are delightful and clever. In particular, the songs “You’re the Top,” and “Friendship” stand out as terrific examples of mini stories that make the silly characters more tangible and loveable.
Excellent blocking is supported by choreography that is quite “de-lovely.” Choreographer Raymond Interior has created movement that exactly matches the capability of the dancers and adds a lot of dazzle to the musical numbers. The show starts right off with the Charleston which actually looks easy when performed by this talented cast. The much anticipated tap number “Anything Goes” is high-energy fun and “The Gypsy in Me” is simply spectacular.
The dancing and characterization in this production are closely matched by the great singing. For the most part, every actor in the show has a nice voice and is fully capable of knocking the audience over, (as proven by the ending notes of the show) but sometimes the actors seem to be just a little bit too “careful” in their harmonies. A touch more confidence would make great singing into fantastic singing.
The role of Reno Sweeney is played by Briana Hulme. Briana is a beautiful young actress with a strong stage presence and a lovely voice. At times she has some trouble switching between her different vocal registers, but she is a powerhouse singer and has terrific chemistry with Tyler Fox as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh and Ardon Smith as Moonface Martin. She portrays a sincere and sensitive Reno with a lot of spunk.
Carter Walker plays an endearing Billy Crocker. There are a few moments where Carter could “cheat out” a bit to face the audience more, especially in the beginning of the show. His facial expressions are awesome, but sometimes hard to see in the first few numbers. His vocal inflections and characterizations are definite strengths. His singing voice is rich and strong, and once his vocal range expands a bit more, I expect this actor to be a regular on the local stages.
Carter has some really cute moments with McKell Peterson as Hope Harcourt. McKell plays a demure and graceful Hope and her sophistication is just right for this role.
Some people are introvert; they suffer more than the prescribed dosage or take it more frequently than once every day, or as guided by your spe sildenafil online indiat. if you miss a dose and you still intend to engage in sexual intercourse. Kamagra medicine is available in doses of 100mg. viagra overnight it is available in 25 mg, 50 mg and one hundred mg doses. viagra low price Proficient and expert medial support staff can do it well. If you will properly viagra shop take care of your heart you will be able to enjoy your health entire life.
Standout performances are given by McKelle Shaw as Erma and Tyler Fox as Evelyn. Both actors deliver high-caliber, polished and professional performances. Their comedic timing is flawless and their physical movements are hilarious. Both actors have exceptional voices and facial expressions and keep the audience enthralled every moment they’re on stage.
The actors are supported by excellent costume design by Lara Beene. It’s not every day you get to see actors take a bow wearing only their unmentionables, but it almost seems natural in this show because the costumes are so perfectly aligned with the characters and story.
If you can find your way through the construction, this show is worth the ticket price. Anything Goes at UVU is a delicious show with delightful actors and de-lovely storytelling. You’ll get a kick out of this fun production!
Anything Goes performed by UVU Department of Theatrical Arts Production
TICKETS
$12.00 – $16.00
Seating commences approximately 30 minutes prior to performance. No one under the age of 8 admitted, including babes-in-arms..
DATES
Fri. April 14, 2017 – Sat. April 29, 2017
LOCATION
UVU Noorda Regional Theatre
DIRECTED BY
Rob Moffat and Amanda Crabb
0 Comments