Anything Goes

Anything Goes is presented by STAGE DOOR CONSERVATORY as a part of its 2008 programs and is performed with exuberant enthusiasm by a talented cast of high-school actors with direction from Jeremiah Clauss, musical direction by J. Althea, choreography by Angelique Shepherd and art direction by Evelyn Elias. Anything Goes features music and lyrics by Cole Porter. The “book” was a collaborative effort by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse, revised by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse in the 1980s. The play includes such memorable songs as “Anything Goes,” “I Get a Kick out of You” and" You’re the Top.” It was first produced on Broadway in 1934 and has been revived several times in the Unites States and Britain, where it has won many awards, including TONY and Drama Desk Awards. The musical is set aboard the S.S. American, a ship sailing from New York to England, and carrying an unusual group of passengers. Included amongst them are a gangster (Moonface Martin), a wealthy debutante and her mother (Hope and Evangeline Harcourt), a nightclub singer (Reno Sweeny) and a wealthy New York businessman and his stowaway assistant (Elisha Witney and Billy Crocker). It turns out that Hope is Billy’s long-lost love. Unfortunately, she is now engaged to a wealthy Englishman, Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. After a series of comedic happenings, Billy manages to win back Hope. Meanwhile, Billy’s friend, Reno, manages to seduce and win Lord Evelyn. All this happens while Moonface Martin attempts to escape the law and Hope’s mother strives to maintain her social status.

All proceeds from tickets will benefit STAGE DOOR CONSERVATORY and its non-profit musical theater education programs. For more information, interested persons may call 510-521-6250.