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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Anything Goes Also see Gil's review of Fetal
Set aboard the SS American in 1934, the plot follows Billy Crocker, a young Wall Street broker who stows away on the ship to pursue Hope Harcourt, the woman he loves. However, Hope is, unfortunately, engaged to the stuffy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. With the help of nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and the hapless gangster Moonface Martin, Billy takes on multiple disguises and navigates a series of hilarious hijinks to hopefully win Hope's heart while romance also blossoms for several other characters on board. The Hale cast is excellent. Brie Wadsworth-Gates is sexy, sassy, and smart as Reno Sweeney, exuding confidence, charisma and a clear singing voice that soars, particularly in showstoppers like "Blow, Gabriel, Blow," "I Get a Kick Out of You," and the title song. With his effortless charm, warm singing voice, and superb dancing skills, Brandt Norris makes Billy an endearing romantic hero the audience roots to see succeed in his goal to win Hope over. Moonface Martin is a bumbling yet lovable gangster, and Raymond Barcelo's sharp comedic timing and humorous charm make him an audience favorite. Brianna McClure brings grace, elegance, and a gorgeous singing voice as Hope Harcourt, while Tyler Brignone's quirky mannerisms and eccentric nature as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh make the character an unexpected comedic delight. Michala Montaño's brassy voice and humorous line delivery are perfect as Erma, Moonface Martin's flirtatious and fun-loving sidekick. Trevon Powell and Kira Galindo are wonderful as Billy's boisterous, wealthy, and hard drinking boss, Elisha Whitney, and Hope's overbearing and status-conscious mother, Evangeline, respectively. The supporting ensemble add depth and non-stop energy as the sailors and other passengers on the ship. Cambrian James' direction ensures the comic moments get big laughs and his choreography, which range from elegant waltzes to full-throttle tap extravaganzas, is spectacular. The large tap numbers, particularly the title song, are executed with flair and danced well by the entire cast. The role of Billy isn't usually one that is featured in the dance numbers of this show but here, with Norris' wonderful dancing skills, those numbers and his role in the show are elevated. Visually, the production shines, with stunning costumes by Brielle Hawkes adorned with dazzling embellishments, capturing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s, and a winning set design by McKenna Carpenter. The lighting design by Avery Reagan is equally impressive, especially during "Blow, Gabriel, Blow," where dramatic reds bathe the stage, with the combination of James' choreography, Hawkes' beautiful costumes, and the fantastic cast heightening the number's excitement and intensity. Tyler Thompson's music direction delivers crisp and gorgeous vocals from the entire cast. Blending comedy, romance, and many well-known musical numbers into a seamless, high-energy spectacle, Hale's Anything Goes is a pure delight. With its outstanding cast, breathtaking choreography, and striking creative elements, Hale's production demonstrates why this show is a classic of musical comedy. Anything Goes runs through March 29, 2025, at The Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Avenue, Gilbert AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.haletheatrearizona.com or call 480-497-1181 Producers & Casting Directors: David & Corrin Dietlein Cast: |
