Entering Cahn Auditorium in Evanston is like slipping on a pair of sturdy but well-worn shoes. Built by Northwestern University in 1929, Cahn is as untrendy as a school auditorium can be. That makes it just right for Music Theater Works’ (MTW) new production of ANYTHING GOES. Cole Porter’s 1934 musical syncs nicely with the classic space, the traditional staging by MTW’s artistic director Rudy Hogenmiller and the many seniors in the house.
On opening night, the audience’s pleasure in retreading familiar turf began with the overture. Three trumpeters rose in the pit during a trumpet-rich passage, then sat as other musicians stood up when their instruments were featured. It’s a fine way to introduce the joyride that is ANYTHING GOES, set on an ocean liner where one famous song follows another.
Sometimes it’s nice to lose yourself in a show that’s short on surprises but long on standards like I Get a Kick Out of You, You’re the Top and Blow, Gabriel, Blow. The key to this farcical romp in which a night club singer, a young stock broker, a debutante, a stuffy British gent and a couple of gangsters sail from New York to England is losing yourself. But that took a while for this viewer. MTW’s production felt stiff around the edges in Act I, then settled in more comfortably during Act II.
Maxwell J. DeTogne as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh turns his journey from irritating twit to worthy mate for the lusty night club singer into a delight. In the smaller role as the ship’s captain, Bob Sanders blends authority with absurdity to fine comic effect. However, in this writer’s view, a few of the leads, while vocally strong, lacked the vivid definition needed to elevate the musical’s loveable but two-dimensional characters.
Music Theater Works’ production doesn’t break new ground. But if you’re in the mood to put on the comfy shoes of a vintage musical, this version of ANYTHING GOES is likely to be a good fit.
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Cast:
ERICA EVANS (Reno Sweeney)
KEN SINGLETON (Billy Crocker)
LEXIS DANCA (Hope Harcourt)
BRIAN ZANE (Moonface Martin)
Creative Team:
RUDY HOGENMILLER (Director)
ROGER L. BINGAMAN (Music Director and Conductor)
CLAYTON CROSS (Choreographer)
When:
Now through August 26
Wednesday, August 22 at 2 pm,
Thursday, August 23 at 2 pm
Friday, August 24 at 8 pm
Saturday, August 25 at 8 pm
Sunday, August 26 at 2 pm
Where:
Cahn Auditorium
600 Emerson Street
Evanston, Illinois
About the Author
Susan Lieberman is a playwright, journalist, teacher and script consultant who commits most of her waking hours to Chicago theatre. Her radio drama In the Shadows recently aired on BBC Radio 4.
Editor's Note: Click here to find more Picture This Post reviews by Susan Lieberman
