BWW Reviews: ANYTHING GOES Sets Sail at CM PAC
Creative Ministries Performing Arts Center (CM PAC) continues their fantastic season with the Tony Award winning musical Anything Goes. PatRick Grossman wonderfully directs (and does the sets and choreographs) the Cole Porter classic running through May 19th at the Oakdale, Long Island venue.
The story revolves around the crazy antics aboard an ocean liner, the S.S. American, bound from New York to London.
CM PAC's fabulous incarnation of the 1987 Beaumont revival starred Jennifer Hope as Reno Sweeny, an evangelist turned nightclub singer. Ms. Hope stunningly sang the score and delivered a sassy performance. Additionally, she gave a rousing rendition to the show's title song at the end of Act 1.
Also a highlight among the cast was CM PAC vet Steve Cottonaro as Reno's long time friend Billy Crocker, a handsome Wall Street broker. His nonchalant comedy brought many laughs from the diverse audience.
To begin the crazy voyage, Billy cons his way on the ship to win the heart of heiress Hope Harcourt, beautifully portrayed by Kelly Murphy. While, of course, very talented, Ms. Murphy seemed to "go through the motions" at times coming off bland at these moments.
Billy, with help of Reno, tries to deter Hope from marrying Lord Evelyn Oakleigh who is portrayed by Lance Salm. Billy claims to be a sailor working aboard the ship and doesn't disagree when they believe he's a gangster. Reno and Moonface Martin, a wanna-be gangster hilariously portrayed by Edward Ohlsen, also tried to get Lord Oakleigh in a compromising situation.
Also, a special kudos to the ensamble who flawlessly performed the iconic tap dance performance, sans Reno.
Aside from the cast, I would venture to say that this was one of the most elaborate sets CM has had. The ship was beautifully done with a light color exterior, many port holes, and metal stair cases on either side that went up to the "top deck".
Ultimately, everyone needs to "sail" to CM PAC as this is a fun show with a classic score that is just as fun. Anything Goes seems to be one show even the avid attendee of the theatre should see and this beyond talented cast will certainly not disappoint.
Anything Goes is presented by CM PAC located on Montauk Highway in Oakdale, Long Island, though May 19th. Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter, Original book by P.G. Wodehouse, Guy Bolton, Howard Lindsay, and Russel Crouse, New Book by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman, Direction, Sets, and Choreography by PatRick Grossman, Stage Management by Barbara Tiernan, Costume Design by Ronald R. Green III, Lighting Design by Alison Weinberger, Sound Design by Don Hanna, Musical Direction by Christopher McKee. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 218-2810 or visit www.cmpac.com.
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