The original screen capture, photos Converse Photo Supply for your photographic needs.
The original screen capture, photos Converse Photo Supply for your photographic needs.
The Fall River Little Theatre
romps into its 62nd season with the merry Cole Porter extravaganza, "Anything
Goes." It's a fun-filled show from beginning to end, sparked by a polished cast
that exudes flair. This
campy tale is sheer fun as it tells about hapless Billy Crocker's attempts to
win the woman of his dreams aboard an Atlantic cruise as she heads to England to
marry someone else. His friend, nightclub evangelist Reno Sweeney is his ally in
this quest, with her own passion running wild in her own way. Jessica MacDonald is ravishing as
Reno. She's bold and sassy throughout, singing with great style such classics as
"You're the Top" or "Anything Goes." She also handles "I Get a Kick Out of You"
with verve, and dances with considerable elegance, too. Stephen Wrobleski is jaunty and
smart as Billy Crocker. He dances up a storm, sings with vigor and handles it
all with good-natured style. His duets with Ms. MacDonald and Beth Bailey are
engaging and delightful. Ms. Bailey is ingenue Hope
Harcourt, on her way to England to marry Sir Evelyn Oakleigh. Ms. Bailey is a
wonder -- and only 16 years old -- with a strong singing voice, poise and
polish. In songs like "It's DeLovely" or "All Through the Night," her
sophisticated voice right on the mark. She, too, dances terrifically. John Moniz is very funny as the
somewhat stiff-upper-lipped Sir Evelyn. His energy and comic timing are perfect.
He sings with vitality and enthusiasm. Dee Kullander is entertaining as
the stuffy Mrs. Harcourt, Hope's mother. Her comic bits are done to a turn.
Bruce Kullander zooms in
on the laughs with his role of Ellisha Whitney, Billy's erratic and powerful
Wall Street boss. Jerry
Goldberg turns up as public enemy number 13 who's trying to escape the law with
public enemy number 1. Mr. Goldberg is a comic gem, funny at every moment,
sparking non-stop hillarity with his antics. Jaimie Raposa is his daffy, dippy
friend Bonnie. She bounces about saucily, dancing with relish and style.
Director James Tavares
Jr. tosses in some nice touches throughout and keeps it all rolling merrily
along. Musical director
Jane Fiore Bigelow keeps the great Porter tunes right on the mark with some keen
handling and finesse.
The choreography by Janice MacDonald and Paula Arruda is sleek and smart, full
of flourishes and finesse. "Anything Goes" is just plain fun
from beginning to end with a large cast that moves with incredible grace and
poise throughout. It glides and romps, it laughs, it sings, it's a grand time
all around, with great music to boot.
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