The RPI Players opened their latest production, <i>Anything Goes</i>, last weekend. The opening night performance was excellent, and the show is sure to get closer to flawless as the cast continues to work. That is only one of a number of reasons to see one of the upcoming performances of <i>Anything Goes</i>.
To start, it’s a Cole Porter musical. Porter is well known for his clever words and witty song lyrics; <i>Anything Goes</i> is no exception. The story keeps eyes glued to the stage while humorous comments bring a smile to every face in the audience.
The story, set in 1934, starts by introducing all the characters, each one traveling to England aboard the S.S. America. Billy Crocker boards the ship, hoping to win Hope Harcourt from Sir Evelyn Oakleigh, while evangelist-turned-lounge singer Reno Sweeny tries to woo Oakleigh, and Mrs. Wadsworth T. Harcourt tries her best to get her daughter to marry Oakleigh. During this, Crocker gets help from Moonface Martin, whom the FBI has named “Public Enemy No. 13.”
Without giving too much of the plot away, because there are still three more shows in which to experience the musical for yourself, here are some more reasons to reserve your seats today.
When the curtain opens, the first thing to notice is the position of the orchestra. It is located on the top deck of the S.S. America, seemingly as part of the crew. Although the placement of the orchestra is never utilized in any scene, putting the orchestra onstage has worked before for the Players, and it works again in <i>Anything Goes</i>.
The orchestra is small, only comprised of a piano, trumpet, bass, guitar, and percussion. Trumpeter Jack McGirr, especially, has a great sound for the show.
As well as the orchestra played, there was a problem. At the beginning of the show, the microphones on the orchestra were louder than those on the singers. It was difficult to hear some of the softer singers, mainly when they were singing alone. The problem was slowly fixed, and by the end of the show it was not as noticeable. Hopefully, there will not be any problems with the microphones by this weekend.
The rest of the set looks well put together and is quite detailed—right down to the 48-star American flag hanging on the ship’s side. Scene changes were executed quickly and without error, keeping the show moving.
The singing Friday night was outstanding. Matthew Harris (Billy Crocker) and Katherine Muto (Hope Harcourt) both sang well, but Mary Pekins (Reno Sweeny) sang even more brilliantly, filling up the room with humorous songs and rousing sermons.
The dancing was also incredible, with only a few noticeable errors in some of the larger chorus scenes. Diana Lauring (Bonnie) and the Angels—played by Katherine Baratta, Andrea Trent, Meredith Russell, and Amy Gregor—did a great job with their tap dancing numbers throughout the show.
The actors were well casted for the show as well. Brian Baum (Sir Evelyn Oakleigh) and Joey Faust (Moonface Martin) were both very convincing in their roles.
If for no other reason, everyone should see the show in order to see Nicolas Masucci (Little Kid). At 6-years-old, Masucci was adorable to watch during “Blow, Gabriel, Blow,” and in the few other scenes he was a part of.
<i>Anything Goes</i> is an amazing musical which was performed brilliantly by the RPI Players. The Players will perform <i>Anything Goes</i> again this weekend, April 22, 23, and 24 at 8 pm. Tickets are $5 with an RPI ID, $8 for seniors and students, and $10 for general admission.
