Anything Goes @ Haddonfield Memorial High School

Somethin' ain't right here! How do themes of love, fraud, and self discovery all fit into one tap dancing musical? Haddonfield Memorial High School boarded the S.S. American with their tap shoes in hand ready to show you that classics never go out of style.

Anything Goes opened on Broadway in 1934 at the Alvin Theatre. Since debuting, the musical has been revived multiple times and even won a Tony for Best Revival. This musical has true staying power and is showcased at many different levels of theatre. Anything Goes tells the story of Billy Crocker and Reno Sweeney, two heart sick people who find their happy endings thanks to one magical ride on the S.S. American. The only question is, can they dodge the law and watchful eyes long enough to find their lovers?

The cast of Haddonfield Memorial High School's production of Anything Goes brought vigorous energy, spectacular voices, and excellent comedic relief that anchored the show. While the cast was rather large, the fantastically, colorful lighting made sure each actor, dance number, and effect was illuminated. This ensemble was ready to board their beautifully crafted ship to dazzle their audience.

Leads Billy Crocker and Reno Sweeney, played by Jack Laska and Gemma Vecchio, displayed prodigious vocals and swelling chemistry throughout the entire musical. During "You're the Top" both Jack and Gemma used varying staging levels which added to the song's contrasting verses. Both exaggerated their facial expressions to allow their emotions to reach the entire audience. Gemma's glorious stage presence and striking dances made her radiate on stage. Similarly, Jack's hilarious fluctuating tones and postures during his impressions of other passengers added once again more comedic moments on stage.

No show is complete without the support of its Ensemble, and Haddonfield's Anything Goes was no exception. Throughout the musical, the chorus demonstrated electric energy that seemed to increase with each scene. During the song "Anything Goes," the actors showed excellent precision and endurance while they tapped and sang around the stage. The audience's thunderous applause at the end indicated much content and awe with the talent on stage. Hannah Cohen (Erma) and Riley Yike (Lord Evelyn Oakliegh) flourished during the second act highlighting their character's development as well as some playful choreography.

The talented cast's vocals were not the only thing that filled the theatre. Chloe Kershner-Hammond and Quinn Scheidt programmed extravagant light sequences that truly brought the show to life. During the song "All Through the Night" a spotlight was directly placed on the actors, illuminating not only their faces, but also providing emphasis on the chemistry between them. Contrastingly, during "Blow Gabriel" the lights were designed to be colorful, fun, and wild to match the energy of the song. The set for Anything Goes, built by Jamison Seng, not only resembled the S.S. American but also made the audience feel like passengers. The details on the stage were impeccable, requiring minimal props and facilitating more space for actors to move around during their performances. While there were no large set transitions, the stage crew did a fantastic job moving swiftly and quietly when necessary.

Bon Voyage Haddonfield Memorial High School, and thank you for making it easy to love Anything Goes!