While most of the other local theaters are on summertime hiatus, the IceHouse delivers a much needed toe-tapping tonic to keep the blood flowing during the 100 degree afternoons. A breezy, spirited offering of Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes” does the trick. Again, Director Darlin Barry proves that ‘casting is everything’ as a credo of top theater.
In case you don’t recall, the 1934 Cole Porter classic takes place on the S.S. American on its voyage from New York to London. Young stock broker Billy Crocker (Ryan Corridoni) falls in love with passenger Hope Harcourt (Katie Miesner) who is engaged to a British aristocrat Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (David Coalter). Billie stows away on the voyage in pursuit of Hope. Shenanigans take it from there.
The lynchpin star is the long legged Reno Sweeney, entertainer and also a passenger. She is the one who carries the tunes like “I Get a Kick Out of You”, “You’d be so Easy to Love”, “You’re the Top”, “Blow Gabriel, Blow”, and the title song. Danielle Lang is the complete performer with her superb singing and dancing talents. A veteran at the IceHouse, this is her breakout role.
Corridoni is a pleasant surprise. He is right on key in singing, can tap and do a snap turn as well as anyone. He gets you pulling for him right from the start. Also Coalter as Lord Oakleigh is very much into his role.
Secondary comedic role of Moonface, Public Enemy Number ?, is well handled by Buddy Fales. His female side-kick Emma (Leah Schult) received a burst of applause at the curtain call.
Costuming is right on with Depression era calf-length dresses, but Hope’s outfits were dull in the first act. A soft follow spot could accent her solos. Sound is excellent. Music is recorded.
Dancing is a highlight with imaginative choreography by Aldolfo Ortiz-Feder. Samantha Goldman and Elizabeth Block deserve mention for great energy and execution in the tap dancing routines.
“Anything Goes” runs through Aug. 7 at the Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse. I cannot think of a better way to beat the heat than seeing this cool production in Mount Dora. For further information visit their Web Site at www.icehousetheatre.com.
Jack Petro is a Villager and reviews local theater for Villages-News.com