Gangsters, babes, a nightclub singer, a stowaway and a couple in love, among others, are included in a motley aboard an ocean liner bound for London from New York in the musical “Anything Goes.”
The Regional Theatre of the Palouse will present this 1934 Cole Porter Broadway classic at 7:30 p.m. today.
“It’s a big singing and dancing, fun show,” RTOP Director John Rich said.
In the production, Washington State University student Cammi Smith plays a former night-club singer and the leading lady, Reno Sweeney. Smith said her character has “found the light” and boards the liner to preach her evangelical beliefs to the masses.
As the boat’s lounge singer, she said, there is ample opportunity for the character’s sexy brand of proselytizing and her snarky humor as well.
“She’s never at a pause for things to say,” Smith said.
RTOP Musical Director Kelli Barham said the production has a noteworthy soundtrack, which includes Porter originals — like the title-track “Anything Goes,” “I Get a Kick Out of You” and “It’s De-lovely” — that have become jazz standards.
“Anyone who likes jazz music will love this show,” Barham said.
Ringing alongside the choruses will be the clicks and strikes of the tap shoes donned by the cast for several small tap dance numbers as well as a larger, rousing performance.
Another leading troublemaker on the ship is Billy Crocker, who has hidden himself aboard the liner to chase after the affection of Hope Harcourt, who is played by Anjuli Dohdia. Simultaneously, Crocker, who is played by Moscow resident Jett Bingham, aims to break off Harcourt’s engagement to stuffy Englishman Evelyn Oakleigh, who is played by Jasper Barbarosa, while also capturing her love.
RTOP will employ a multi-ethnic cast in its version, although Porter originally wrote most parts for white actors in his pre-WWII script, Rich said.
The musical is among the most produced in the country, Rich said, citing at least five major productions currently underway in the U.S.
If You Go:
What: “Anything Goes”
Where: Regional Theatre of the Palouse, 122 N. Grand Ave., Pullman
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and Wednesday-April 16; 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and April 16-17
Cost: $12 children, $16 students, $20 adults
