Interview: Anything Goes

By Angie Bedford

Anything Goes

"Times have changed, and we’ve often rewound the clock…" - So begins the famous title song from Cole Porter’s musical comedy, Anything Goes, to be presented by Whitehorse Musical Theatre this May.

These lyrics are especially appropriate for Whitehorse, who have presented the timeless musical once before. First produced in 1934, Anything Goes has changed with the times, and Whitehorse will bring us the 1988 revival of the show.

Set aboard the S.S. American, Anything Goes tells the story of shady nightclub singer Reno Sweeney, and her gangster pal Moonface Martin, as they aid the ship’s stowaway Billy Crocker in his quest to win the heart of the debutante heiress Hope Harcourt. The only problem is that Hope is engaged to the bumbling Lord Evelyn Oakleigh and the ship’s captain plans to give Moonface, who is Public Enemy Number 13, over to the authorities when they hit dry land.

Combined with Cole Porter musical and dance showstoppers such as Anything Goes, You’re the Top and Blow Gabriel Blow, Anything Goes is sure to wow audiences.

Talented duo James Rooney and Tamara Finch direct the cast, including Rachel Juhasz & Nathan Toovey who star as Reno & Billy. Tom Ryan is musical director extraordinaire, and the set and costumes are designed by Jeremy Bailey-Smith.

Web Wombat Theatre recently caught up with these key players from Whitehorse to find out a little more about what audiences can expect.

First things first – why Anything Goes? Tamara and James, what makes this show tick?

Tamara & James : Anything Goes was selected by Whitehorse Musical Theatre as the first show for 2010. Anything Goes is a gloriously screwball musical that escapes into the madcap world of luxury cruising, where gangster meets priest, revivalist turns nightclub singer, and chaos ensues on a cruise ship sailing from New York to England.

It has toe-tapping routines to the magical tunes of Cole Porter, we drift away to the sounds of ‘I Get a Kick Out of You’, ‘You're The Top’, ‘It’s De-lovely’, ‘Friendship’, and, of course, the title song ‘Anything Goes’.

Anything Goes first hit the stage back in the 1930s – how does this show appeal to audiences almost 80 years later?

Tom:  Cole Porter was an important 20th Century composer. Many of his songs are "standards" for any jazz artist. The music, whilst very lyrical, yet harmonically quite complex on any level so just musically this show appeals.

Anything Goes is funny. There’s a gangster, a sexy chick, a love story, a stack of dancing. Plus a 17 piece band and a fantastic set. It’s a spectacle – a tribute to musicals the way they should be done – no falling chandeliers, helicopters or smelly teenagers!

Rachel, you are fresh from singing the songs of Judy Garland in your cabaret show, My Judy Journals. Some other amazing leading ladies, such as Patti LuPone and Ethel Merman have played the coveted role of Reno – how do you make the role your own?

Rachel: Reno has traditionally been played in a quite brassy, boisterous and larger than life manner.  My approach is to give her a more dry, sultry and sophisticated air.  I hope it works!

Nathan, what drew you to audition for Billy, and Anything Goes in general?

Nathan: Billy would have to be one of the best romantic leading men roles in musical theatre, I love old school tap shows and this one is right down my alley – funny, quick witted and entertaining!

Central to a large scale show like Anything Goes is an amazing set and costumes! Tamara and James, how did you go about developing your vision for the production?

Tamara & James: Jeremy has been a gem to work with. The three of us had numerous meetings, bringing all our individual ideas and visions of the show together and then Jeremy took everything on board and has created stunning costumes to complement his wonderful set design.

Jeremy, what are some iconic 1930s costume and set pieces that we can look out for?

Jeremy: The 1930’s was the height of Art Deco glamour – which is synonymous with bold graphics and clean lines, hopefully when people come and see the show they’ll immediately see set pieces and costumes that immediately make them think of the period. 

The S.S. American will evoke the glamour of the period and the romanticism of sea travel, you’ll see a time when people put on their best clothes to travel, when travel was a pleasure not a chore. 

Whitehorse Musical Theatre have a reputation of producing quality productions. How did you become involved, and how have you found the experience?

Tom: I have been involved with over 20 shows with Whitehorse over the years – it’s a sentimental thing!

Jeremy: I was invited to work with the company without knowing the show that they would be producing, being one of the best amateur companies in Melbourne I was eager to take the opportunity to work with not only them but Tamara and James.

Rachel: It’s been absolutely fantastic. The production team, committee and cast are all committed, talented and supportive people and I have had an incredible amount of fun throughout the rehearsal period.  I can’t wait to get into the theatre!

Are there any highlights that The Theatre Channel audiences can look out for?

Tamara & James: Very funny script, clever characters and powerful dance routines coupled with glorious singing!

Rachel: I think one of my favourite scenes is the number ‘Friendship’ that Reno belts out with the gangster Moonface Martin (played by James Cutler).  It’s not every day you get to play badminton and quoits whilst singing and dancing!

Nathan: Act 1 Finale – ‘Anything Goes’ – worth the price just to see this tap number that will blow the roof off!

Well now you have the inside word on Anything Goes, so now it’s time to see for yourselves!

Anything Goes runs from May 15th – 29th at the Besen Centre, Burwood. Tix $30-$42, call (03) 9262 6555 or book online www.whitehorsemusical.com.au