Monday, March 7, 2016

reviews - ANYTHING GOES - Hale Centre Theatre

the cast of Anything Goes
Photo by Nick Woodward-Shaw / Hale Centre Theatre
highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through April 2nd.

 "It's easy to see why a musical like Anything Goes is frequently produced across the Valley each season. With a score by Cole Porter that features many well-known gems and a well written comical book, Anything Goes is just about the most fun one can have at a musical. Hale Centre Theatre's production features an exceptional cast who are more than capable of ensuring the hilarity never ends, and Cambrian James' sure-footed direction and choreography include some lively dance numbers....While Anything Goes is basically an ensemble production, the "headliner" on the boat is Reno Sweeney and her character features into many of the other characters' plots. ...Emily Giauque Evans has the right look and style for the role of this sexy, sassy, and intelligent woman. ...a beautiful and rich voice and exceptional dance skills that she shows off throughout the show...James D. Gish plays Billy Crocker, the romantic lead, and he is playful in the part, with a huge dose of boyish charm and exceptional vocals. As Moonface Martin, ...Geoffrey Goorin is ...gifted in ensuring his comic bits land. He also does well with the singing and dancing the role requires. Goorin is simply lovable in the part....Director and choreographer Cambrian James keeps the show moving along at a fun and fast clip, with the comedy bits fresh and the song and dance numbers lively. His choreography features varied steps, including an abundance of tap which the large cast excels at delivering. Design elements are excellent, with Mary Atkinson's stunning costumes and Jeff A. Davis' vibrant and evocative...A humorous and romantic romp featuring some of Cole Porter's best known songs, Anything Goes is one of the most well known and beloved classic musical comedies. Hale Centre Theatre's production features a stellar cast and solid and fun direction and choreography."  -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)


With happy pizzazz and panache, it was a carefree kind of evening at Hale Centre Theatre last night as they opened Cole Porter's famous musical "Anything Goes" in Gilbert. ...the opening visuals suggested an evening of enjoyment and wows lay ahead....Last night's king of high-jinks was Moonface Martin, hilariously played by Geoffrey Goorin. His deadpan line delivery was reminiscent of Buddy Hackett and a consistent wellspring of humor. Goorin was cartoonish and simplistic throughout a heaping pile of silly dialogue that he liberally embellished. ...Equally magnetizing in a polar opposite way, Evans played Reno Sweeney as a bright-eyed and somehow wholesome seductress. With a sort of Sports Illustrated toned and healthy sex appeal, she used her ample dance skills and vocal training to make the audience swoon. ...Ben Mason kept the crowd in stitches. His very proper English character interpreted American slang literally and then improperly used it in fantastically funny embarrassing ways. As so often occurs in a Cambrian James directed and choreographed production, the joyful, crisp innovation in staging and dance steps was infectious...."I haven't stopped smiling since the minute I sat down," said one Hale Theatre patron to a stranger in the seat beside her well into the second half of the evening 's performance. Her facial expression beamed similarly to most everyone's. Splashed with mirth and levity, it was a night without lows in "Anything Goes." -Jennifer Haaland, Examiner.com (click here to read the complete review)

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