February 21st, 2018 – The Marist Theatre Program and Marist College Club of Theatre Arts proudly presents "Anything Goes," a heart-warming musical comedy originally written by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton and Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse with music and lyrics by renowned American composer Cole Porter. The cast boards the S.S. American from the Nelly Goletti Theater under the direction of Matt Andrews with choreography by Louie Perez, musical direction by Dan Koch, and scenic design by Jim Steinmeyer, and sets sail on a story of mistaken identity, friendship, and love.
With the help of evangelist-turned-nightclub-singer, Reno Sweeney (Julia DiMarzo) and Public Enemy #13, Moonface Martin (Alex Polzun), Billy Crocker (Brian Bocanegra), a young and yearning Wall Street broker, attempts to win the love of Hope Harcourt (Tristan Rowley), a beautiful debutante who is engaged to the energetic and quirky aristocrat, Sir Evelyn Oakley (Quincy Brown).
Julia DiMarzo stuns as Reno Sweeney, the sultry yet goofy and wildly talented evangelist-turned-nightclub-singer. Filled to the brim with a brassy glow, she belts out “Blow Gabriel Blow” from the darkest depths of the ship’s late-night scene. The Angels (Katie Morreale, Rachael Lohrius, Rianna Makow, and Brianna Paganini) follow along as Reno’s petite cohort, amplifying her presence with a bravado of their own. The picture is one of dripping-with-diamonds luxury, as the stage glimmers with flashing lights and the bass of the drum pounds to our footsteps. The wail of a golden horn blasts its ethereal echo through the house, forcing us to surrender to the rhythm (spirit) that moves us.
In another moment, we are brought to the deck of the ship under the moonlit guise of a night on the gentle sea. Billy (Brian Bocanegra), the energetic yet hopeful romantic, whisks and twirls the love of his life, Hope Harcourt (Tristan Rowley), a sparkling vision of the name she embodies, seamlessly across the stage. The chemistry between the young lovers is akin to that of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, walking on water as they entrance us with flowing movement, dazzling vibrato, and a yearning state of grace that melts the heart. It’s de-lovely.
"Anything Goes" is the epitome of golden age fantasy, replete with show-stopping company numbers, charming character rapport, and soaring ballads about the bounding joy that is falling in love. Opening in 1934 under the perils of the Great Depression, it served as a haven for its audience, bringing an hour or two of pure entertainment and joy in true escapist fashion. In this way, the show claims its relevance. While we cannot ignore and must acknowledge the hardship and injustice that exists within our society and everyday life, we must also remember to embrace the bounty of good and hope that still remains.
The close of the curtain is triumphant because it is the symbol of a cast united in giving the good to all.
The Marist Theatre Program and the Marist College Club of Theatre Arts proudly presents:
Anything Goes
Where: Nelly Goletti Theatre
When: February 21st – February 24th at 8:00 pm
February 24th and February 25th at 2:00 pm
To reserve tickets, please email: boxofficemccta@gmail.com with the date of the performance you would like to attend and the number of tickets you would like to reserve.
Ticket Prices: General Admission: $12
Students/Senior Citizens: $6
