BWW Interviews: Dennis Setteducati is Having Fun Playing Moonface in ANYTHING GOES, Coming to Riverside

ANYTHING GOES, Cole Porter's classic musical, will appear at Riverside's Fox Performing Arts Center for two performances, on Tuesday, November 25th and Wednesday, November 26th, at 7:30 p.m. each night. This national tour production is based on the 1987 and 2011 Broadway revivals, and features the 1987 book by John Weidman and Timothy Crouse (son of Russel Crouse, one of the co-authors of the 1934 book). Both the 1987 and 2011 productions, which include additional Cole Porter songs, received multiple Tony awards.

The story, a wholesome madcap comedy typical of the 1930's, is complete with a convoluted and improbable plot, love triangles, lovable bad guys, and the de rigueur happy ending - all taking place during a voyage from New York to England. Billy Crocker (Brian Krinsky) stows away on the S.S. American to be near his love, heiress Hope Harcourt (Rachelle Rose Clark), who does not return his feelings - yet. Also on board are Billy's friend, Reno Sweeney (Emma Stratton), a nightclub singer and evangelist; Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (Richard Lindenfelzer), to whom Hope Harcourt is engaged; and Moonface Martin (Dennis Setteducati), known as "Public Enemy Number 13," and his assistant, Erma (Mychal Phillips). Reno and Moonface join forces to ensure that Billy gets the girl, eschewing ethical and legal limitations in the process, but treating the audience to tap dancing, corny jokes, lots of wild antics, and a boatload of fun.

Broadway World spoke to Dennis Setteducati (Moonface) by email to ask for his impressions about the show and tour. Dennis is a native of Long Island, and a graduate of Adelphi University, with a BFA in acting. While still in college, he performed at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, as the Region 2 winner of the American College Theatre Festival. His more recent credits include productions of SOUTH PACIFIC and 42nd STREET, among others. He has taken part in national tours of ELF, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, and THE WIZARD OF OZ. Dennis describes himself as "over the moon" to be a part of ANYTHING GOES.

BWW: To what do you attribute the staying power of ANYTHING GOES?

DS: ANYTHING GOES is a shining example of a classic musical comedy. There is something for everyone! The show is pure escapism entertainment and features a cast of characters that everyone can relate to!

BWW: What do you like most about playing your character?

DS: I love playing Moonface, he's a problem solver, quick on his feet, and a social butterfly. I'm lucky that I share at least one moment or scene with everyone in the company. Each one is special on its own and it's always fun...we laugh a lot!

BWW: What did you do to bring your own interpretation to a character who is familiar to audiences because of the show's long-term popularity?

DS: Individualism...that's what we as actors can always bring to any role...there's only one you. I think I'm very much like Moonface - we both like to get into a little trouble now and then.

BWW: What are some of the trials and tribulations of touring? What are some of your favorite things about touring?

DS: The trials and tribulations are different for everyone but for me it has to be all the traveling. It's long hours on a bus with some really early and long days. It's a challenge to stay healthy and hard to be away from family, friends and the people you love. But you're able to create a family within your company, cast, crew, musicians...that's one of the best parts. You are bonded for life with this experience. I also love exploring some of the different cities we visit and playing in these beautiful theaters around the country!

BWW: What musical roles would you like to play in the future?

DS: I love all musicals but most importantly I just always want to be working and doing what I love. I would really like to work on more drama or classical theatre pieces, Shakespeare or Moliere.

ANYTHING GOES will appear at the Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, 951-779-9804, for two performances, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 25th and 26th. The doors open an hour before the performance. Tickets range from $38.50 to $63.50, plus fees ranging from $17.00 to $18.75. The Fox PAC is located about 120 miles from San Diego, 70 miles from parts of the San Fernando Valley and West LA, 57 miles from Long Beach, 55 miles from Palm Springs, and 45 miles from Anaheim. The Web site for more information and tickets is www.riversidelive.com .

Photo Credits of Show: Jeremy Daniel