Set sail with Wagner College Theatre as it continues its 2016-17 Mainstage Season with Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes,” with performances Dec. 1-4 in the Main Hall Auditorium.
“Anything Goes” is directed by Tony Award winner and WCT Professor Michele Pawk. WCT theatre professor Dr. Lauri Young is music director. Making his choreography debut is WCT alum Patrick Heffernan ’11.
Written at the height of the Depression, “Anything Goes” features a score by Cole Porter and original book by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse, revised by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse.
Wagner’s production is based on the 1962 Off Broadway revival, which features much of the 1934 score (written as a vehicle for Broadway’s famous belter, Ethel Merman). Audience members unfamiliar with this show are bound to recognize many of the songs, such as “It’s De-Lovely,” “Friendship,” “Let’s Misbehave,” “I Get a Kick Out of You” and the title number, “Anything Goes.”
“Anything Goes” is set aboard the ocean liner S. S. American, where nightclub singer/evangelist Reno Sweeney is en route from New York to England. Her pal, Billy Crocker, has stowed away to be near his love, Hope Harcourt, but the problem is, Hope is engaged to the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Joining this love triangle on board the luxury liner are Public Enemy #13 Moonface Martin and his sidekick-in-crime, Bonnie. With the help of some elaborate disguises, tap-dancing sailors, and good old-fashioned blackmail, Reno and Martin join forces to help Billy in his quest to win Hope’s heart.
The cast of “Anything Goes” features Sophia Tzougros (Reno Sweeney), Nick Barakos (Billy Crocker), Dean Marino (Moonface Martin), Lauren Dennis (Hope Harcourt), Scott Hoke (Sir Evelyn), Natalie Schaffer (Bonnie), Ryan McConville (Elijah J. Whitney), Rebecca Marlowe (Mrs. Harcourt). Ryan Moroney (Bishop), Chris Rucci (Ching), Michael Luszczak (Ling), Matthew Healey (Captain), Joseph Cowdrey (Purser). The singing and dancing ensemble features Julia Adams, Emily Cobb, Matthew Drinkwater, Alexis Eldredge, Maggie Eley, William Ellis, Eric Elson, Victoria Gitten, Jonah Hale, Stephen Kallas, Sabrina Kalman, Michael Motkowski, Emma Pittman, Samantha Ross, and Danny Walsh.
Wagner’s production features scenic design by Phill Hickox, costume design by Jimm Halliday, hair design by Joanna Catalano, lighting design by Vicki Neal and sound design by Richard Kroth. Kellian Frank is the production stage manager.
Performances of “Anything Goes” are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Located in Main Hall, the Wagner College Theatre box office can be contacted at (718) 390-3259 or boxoffice@wagner.edu. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 12 to 4 p.m. Single tickets are on sale now, with price ranges for children, senior and adult tickets. Wagner College students attend free with current ID.
ON STAGE ONE: Wagner College Theatre brings a new adaptation of a Greek classic to its Stage One studio theater when “The Trojan Women 2.0” by Charles L. Mee opens. Performances run from Tuesday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Dec. 4. For details, visit our online Newsroom.
