For a show that is 90 years old, Anything Goes is a lively option for a fun night out with friends and workmates in the lead up to Christmas.
It is the joyous choice for Theatre Hawke's Bay's end of year production at the Playhouse in Hastings, running from November 30 until December 16.
With music and lyrics written by Cole Porter for the original production of Anything Goes in 1934, the show was a box office success from the start and became one of the longest-running musicals of its era.
Its popularity has continued with many revivals over the decades, with many memorable songs woven through the P.G. Wodehouse libretto, including It's De-Lovely, I Get A Kick Out Of You, All Through The Night, You're the Top, Blow Gabriel Blow, and the great title song Anything Goes.
Set aboard the S.S. American, a luxury cruise liner bound from New York to London, the singing-dancing ocean liner overflows with wealth, sailors, a stowaway, gangsters, an evangelist, Wall Street brokers, and the most irresistible of showgirls, Reno Sweeney.
Tap dancing routines and a lot of charming Wodehouse nonsense accompany the familiar Cole Porter numbers.
Glen Pickering directs this Theatre Hawke's Bay production that boasts a 28 strong, all singing, dancing cast, with choreography created by Corinne Bowey and music direction led by Amanda Cooper. Many new faces appear on stage including Alex Richardson as Reno, she has played in the show before and is from the United States, staying on in Hawke's Bay for an extra six months after successfully auditioning for the part.
Pickering has previously directed for Theatre Hawke's Bay and, before moving back to Hawke's Bay, he was a professional actor and director.
"I love creating interesting pieces of theatre and to get the opportunity to create something for Hawke's Bay audiences again is exciting," Pickering says. "Anything Goes is an incredible musical that still remains fresh, fun and full of charm today. This production is witty, fast-paced, full of surprises. It has big characters, great songs and spectacular dance numbers. It's going to be an unforgettable night at the theatre".
Performances
Thurs 30 Nov - Sat 16 Dec, 7.30pm
Sat 9 Dec, 2.00pm
Tickets
Adults (Show only) $40
Dinner and Show $67 (Thurs, Fri, Sat only)
Senior Citizens $30 (Sat 9 Dec matinee only)
Students $20 (Wed 6, Sat 9 matinee, Tues 12 Dec only)
Booking Online
www.iticket.co.nz/events/2017/dec/anything-goes
Phone
0508 484 253 (0508 iticket)
In Person
Hastings isite, Cnr Russell & Heretaunga St, Hastings
Havelock North isite, 1 Te Aute Rd, Havelock North