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Darlington presents “Anything Goes”
Jan 7, 2005 8:00 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
Darlington’s drama, art, instrumental and choral music departments will come together to present Cole Porter’s classic “Anything Goes” Feb. 4 through 6 at Rome City Auditorium. This 1988 version of the 1934 classic is filled with memorable songs from the '30s and a plot that fits the screwball comedies of the time.
“The show exudes energy, especially with the full cast dance numbers,” said Director Marisa Ortega, English and drama teacher. “The wealth of experience seizing the stage brings a sense of polish to the show, and the sheer comedy and witty nuances of a Cole Porter musical will inspire riotous laughter and cacophonous fun.”
The story takes place onboard the cruise ship S.S. American, sailing from New York to England. Billy Crocker (played by Brandon Goodman) is sent to deliver papers to his boss on the ship, only to bump into Reno Sweeny (played by Lauren Bowling), a sexy nightclub singer turned evangelist who is secretly interested in him. But Billy is in love with another girl, debutante Hope Harcourt (played by Meredith Hom), who is also a passenger on the trip.
“I like the time period,” said Hom. “It’s always fun to be in a play that is from a different era, and I have particularly enjoyed getting into the 30s. It seems so fun and carefree, and not to mention the dresses are gorgeous.”
Hope is going to be married during the cruise to rich, titled Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (played by Ben Pate), at the insistence of her mother, and Billy decides to stow away onboard to try to stop the wedding. He gets help from Reno and her “Angels” (played by Natalie Floyd, Sarah Goggans, Betsy Goldin and Caitlin Rivet), as well as notorious gangster Moonface Martin (played by John Kagley) and his traveling companion Erma (played by Caroline Holbrook).
“Without giving away too much of the show, he uses many disguises, accents, songs and dances,” said Goodman. “If people want to laugh hysterically and just have an overall good time, ‘Anything Goes’ is the perfect way to do it.”
The play features some of Cole Porter’s most memorable songs as well as some other great additions. The score includes not only the title song “Anything Goes,” but such standards as “You’re the Top,” “Friendship,” “I get a Kick Out of You,” “All Through the Night,” “Easy to Love,” “Blow, Gabriel, Blow,” and “De-Lovely.”
“People will enjoy watching the play because the music is upbeat. You’re never bored just because there is always music and excitement onstage,” said Bowling. “I think the audience will have a ball.”
According to Ortega, Choral Director Dan Bishop has groomed the voices to take the audience to a jazzy 30s, and Bill King will dazzle the audience with his trumpet solo in “Blow, Gabriel, Blow,” in addition to conducting the orchestra. Kim Tunnell is serving as rehearsal pianist; Georgie Hall, choreographer from The Dance Centre, has created a dance ensemble of tappers; and Kimi Pichardo has designed and built a ship that will sail “All Through the Night.”
Both Pate and Goodman agreed that being a part of this production has been a blast.
"I hope that our audience has as much fun watching as we all have had putting it together," said Pate.
Goodman added that he'd like audience members to experience "Broadway on Broad Street."
“I hope they leave with smiles on their faces, while attempting some of the dances, humming some of the songs and repeating some of the many catchy lines from the production," he said.
Parents are advised that the show contains mildly suggestive language and situations that may not be suitable for young children.
Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m., and Sunday’s show is at 3 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, students and senior citizens. General admission tickets will be available at Bella Luna, Kroger East and West, The Music Room, Rome Area Council for the Arts, Traditions and the offices of Darlington Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. A limited number of reserved seats will be available for each performance by calling 706-235-6051.
“The show exudes energy, especially with the full cast dance numbers,” said Director Marisa Ortega, English and drama teacher. “The wealth of experience seizing the stage brings a sense of polish to the show, and the sheer comedy and witty nuances of a Cole Porter musical will inspire riotous laughter and cacophonous fun.”
The story takes place onboard the cruise ship S.S. American, sailing from New York to England. Billy Crocker (played by Brandon Goodman) is sent to deliver papers to his boss on the ship, only to bump into Reno Sweeny (played by Lauren Bowling), a sexy nightclub singer turned evangelist who is secretly interested in him. But Billy is in love with another girl, debutante Hope Harcourt (played by Meredith Hom), who is also a passenger on the trip.
“I like the time period,” said Hom. “It’s always fun to be in a play that is from a different era, and I have particularly enjoyed getting into the 30s. It seems so fun and carefree, and not to mention the dresses are gorgeous.”
Hope is going to be married during the cruise to rich, titled Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (played by Ben Pate), at the insistence of her mother, and Billy decides to stow away onboard to try to stop the wedding. He gets help from Reno and her “Angels” (played by Natalie Floyd, Sarah Goggans, Betsy Goldin and Caitlin Rivet), as well as notorious gangster Moonface Martin (played by John Kagley) and his traveling companion Erma (played by Caroline Holbrook).
“Without giving away too much of the show, he uses many disguises, accents, songs and dances,” said Goodman. “If people want to laugh hysterically and just have an overall good time, ‘Anything Goes’ is the perfect way to do it.”
The play features some of Cole Porter’s most memorable songs as well as some other great additions. The score includes not only the title song “Anything Goes,” but such standards as “You’re the Top,” “Friendship,” “I get a Kick Out of You,” “All Through the Night,” “Easy to Love,” “Blow, Gabriel, Blow,” and “De-Lovely.”
“People will enjoy watching the play because the music is upbeat. You’re never bored just because there is always music and excitement onstage,” said Bowling. “I think the audience will have a ball.”
According to Ortega, Choral Director Dan Bishop has groomed the voices to take the audience to a jazzy 30s, and Bill King will dazzle the audience with his trumpet solo in “Blow, Gabriel, Blow,” in addition to conducting the orchestra. Kim Tunnell is serving as rehearsal pianist; Georgie Hall, choreographer from The Dance Centre, has created a dance ensemble of tappers; and Kimi Pichardo has designed and built a ship that will sail “All Through the Night.”
Both Pate and Goodman agreed that being a part of this production has been a blast.
"I hope that our audience has as much fun watching as we all have had putting it together," said Pate.
Goodman added that he'd like audience members to experience "Broadway on Broad Street."
“I hope they leave with smiles on their faces, while attempting some of the dances, humming some of the songs and repeating some of the many catchy lines from the production," he said.
Parents are advised that the show contains mildly suggestive language and situations that may not be suitable for young children.
Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m., and Sunday’s show is at 3 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, students and senior citizens. General admission tickets will be available at Bella Luna, Kroger East and West, The Music Room, Rome Area Council for the Arts, Traditions and the offices of Darlington Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. A limited number of reserved seats will be available for each performance by calling 706-235-6051.
