Anything Goes took the stage for Chamber Night and Student/Press Night. Local critic Ben Sharp penned a review just in time for opening night:

The simple takeaway from Wharton Plaza Theatre’s Anything Goes is this: Do not let this ship pass you by. The musical comedy – which runs from July 28 through Aug. 13 – is a fantastic recipe of humor, intrigue, romance and song, with the most unbelievable dance numbers imaginable mixed in for good measure. Set aboard the ocean liner S.S. American, the plot involves a love triangle, a mysterious “identify the criminal” sub-plot, a bungled attempt at blackmail, and a headlining singer/evangelist who just can’t seem to attract the attention of the guy she loves.

The production is based on a story originally penned by P.G. Wodehouse, Guy Bolton, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, and later updated by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman. Music and lyrics were written by Cole Porter, and let’s establish right now that this production is a dream-come-true for music and dance lovers. There are 16 songs in Act I alone, with another 11 reserved for Act II. Though a few grate on the ears, most are wonderfully presented. More notable selections include “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “Bon Voyage,” “You’re the Top,” “Friendship,” and the tantalizing “Blow, Gabriel, Blow,” which incorporates complex dance movements, sizzling wardrobes and ensemble vocals. The true show-stopper is “Anything Goes,” a mind-blowing blend of harmony, costumes, and a tap-dance arrangement that has to be seen to be believed.

Dance choreographer for the production is veteran dance instructor Sheila Taylor, who also pulls double duty in the dramatic roll of Purity. She’s assisted by her daughter and fellow dance instructor, Brooke Brune, who played the role of Chastity for the media night performance (Julie Aaronson will handle that part for the remainder of the shows). Riley Respondek, playing the part of Virtue, serves as dance captain. The dance numbers are the centerpiece of the entire show, and it’s difficult to imagine the time and dedication required to pull off such a stunning spectacle.

Lauren Machelle, the production’s music director, does an excellent job bringing the score to life. The cast deserves top marks for their renditions, with the majority possessing the sort of vocal acumen best suited for a professional choir. There were a few sour notes among a couple of the performers, but overall the show was an auditory pleasure as well as a visual one.

Veteran Plaza members Sarah Wilkins and Joanna Hickey share directorial responsibilities and do an excellent job of casting the right person for the right part. Russell Kacer is the very embodiment of Billy Crocker, a sharp-dressed castaway possessing tons of savoir faire. Kacer projects perfectly, times his lines like a Hollywood headliner and possesses a singing voice that covers a massive vocal range. Catherine Genzer, appearing as Kacer’s love interest Hope Harcourt, is equally marvelous, easy-on-the-eyes in period costumes and holding her own vocally with Kacer. The pair shares notable stage chemistry and are entirely believable as lovers struggling against expectations and socio-economic pressures.

It’s worth noting that the costumes are nothing short of fantastic. From sparkling dance pieces to tailor-made sailor uniforms to flapper-era dresses that hug all the right curves, costume designer Karis Meek leaves no stone unturned in properly outfitting each and every performer. Meek, like many others in the crew, pulls double duty as a cast member, playing the part of the seductive Erma Latour. A veteran of Wharton County Junior College’s Drama Department, Meek is unmatched in her portrayal, the personification of a cute, energetic, sharp-witted woman who has seen it all and done it all. Acting as Latour’s criminal companion, Jon Blouin is excellent as Moonface Martin. Outfitted in a priest’s collar, Blouin nearly steals the show, storming around the stage with his Tommy gun and smirking in the style of James Cagney. He’s a delight to watch.

Speaking of delight, Rachel Helmick anchors the entire show as Reno Sweeney, “New York’s most notorious evangelist.” She has near-perfect vocal projection, line delivery, stage charisma, dance ability, and interaction with the other actors (especially Kacer). About the time you think she’s just a pretty voice, she pulls off a mind-boggling tap dance, or delivers an emotive line that cuts deep to the heart of anyone who has ever experienced unrequited love. Simply put, every time Helmick steps on the stage, the audience holds it breath in anticipation of what she will reveal next.

The stage, incidentally, is extremely well-designed. Although the opening scene is comprised of a simple countertop and two stools set against the main curtain, the primary set piece is an architectural masterpiece. Set to represent the main decks of an ocean liner, it includes large walkable stairs, portholes, side rooms, benches, and a life preserver as a centerpiece. Lighting effects – handled by Kenny Socha and Erick Whitley – highlight particular sections of the “ship” at crucial moments in the action, creating the illusion that the cast is performing on a much larger set.

In addition to the actors and actresses already mentioned, the play also showcases the talents of Ron Saville (ideal as the bungling Brit fiancé), Debbi Dimmick (excellent as Evangeline Harcourt), Patricio Martinez Jr. (hilarious as Elisha Whitney), Darin Mielke (the quintessential ship captain), Aiden Meek (brilliant as the morally-compromised Bishop), Phillip Rubio (Spit), Mario Chihuahua (Dippy), Nathan Vogt (Purser), Holly Respondek (Charity), John Hodges (Fred), and ensemble members Shane Warner, Silvina Frias, Sophia Perez, Alanna Huggins, Macie Bolletino, Makaya Brown, Hannah Purnell, Belle Grosser, Morgan Kielman, Brenna Hodges and Grace Simper.

Stage manager is Quinn Wrench, assisted by Wil Harborth. Set designer is Burke Wilkins, with Reagan Wrench taking care of artistic design, Al Folmar handles props and Michaela Purnell works as a member of the crew. Sound designer was Leanna Shimek, with Roxy Gilley handling microphones. Others helping to make the production a success include Sharina Gasch and Sharon Joines.

The play is presented by Texasgulf Federal Credit Union by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC.

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ABOUT BEN SHARP: Ben Sharp is is Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Wharton County Junior College and spends his days writing press releases, photographing a wide variety of college activities and publishing the college’s e-Newsletter. He previously spent 14 years as a reporter at the Wharton Journal-Spectator and also operated a photography business. He holds an English degree from the University of Houston. He lives in Wharton with his wife, Kristen, and their three kids, Madalyn, Andrew and Matthew.