METRO THEATRE: Anything Goes! by Cole Porter

Dates and Venue Mar 29th to Apr 26th , Wed to Sat @ 8:00pm; Matinee: Apr 6th @ 2:00pm | METRO THEATRE – 1370 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver

 

Reviewer Ed Farolan


Alison Schamberger, a veteran director of Broadway musicals, and professional choreographer Dawn Ewen teamed up to deliver a Cole Porter classic which, I'm certain, Porter himself would be proud of if he were still alive to see this production. Reno Sweeney (Susan Skemp), followed Ethel Merman's tradition of belting out those fabulous songs when Merman played the role of Reno in the 1930s--"Anything Goes", "I Get a Kick Out of You," and that musical spoof on tent evangelists, "Blow, Gabriel Blow," as the famed night club singer turned Evangelist (or is the other way around?) sang and danced with her four beautiful angels (Erika Babins, Melissa Martin, Vanessa Coley-Donohue, Linzi Voth.)

Everyone worked together well; the pacing was good; there wasn't a moment of ho-hum. The other Principals in this show got the audience clapping and wowing: Billy Crocker (Peter Jahutka) made me a bit nervous about those high notes, but he got them; Hope Harcourt (Laura Cowan) has a beautiful voice and sang Easy to Love almost opera-like; Moonface Martin (Jimmy Yi) was funny, and the audience loved him as he joked, danced and sang. Erma (Cathy Wilmot) got the audience applauding for her theatricality and charisma.

Lance Cardinal who plays two roles in this production, set designer and the Ship's Purser, created a wonderful set and acted his part as the Purser really well. All the other Principals supported each other-- great team work--especially in the dances. I enjoyed the tap-dancing the most, especially the last number of the First Act, where everyone was singing and clickety-clack dancing. What creative choreography from Dawn Ewen and what fabulous orchestration from musical director Mark Reid!

I think this zany musical can be considered the highlight in the 45th season of Metro Theatre. Be sure to get your tickets soon before the show sells out. Don’t be one of the few that might miss out on this well-directed and creatively choreographed production!

© 2008 Ed Farolan