It’s a ‘Shore’ thing audiences will have a blast watching ‘Anything goes’

Sun City — Tickets for the Sun City Theatre Company’s fall production of Anything Goes will once again go on sale starting on Oct. 17 and on Nov. 7 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Cedar Room located in Prairie Lodge/Fountain View.

This popular musical comedy first debuted to audiences in 1934. The witty and uplifting lyrics and music that contributed to the musical’s popularity and success were written by American composer Cole Porter.

Since its 1934 introduction, Anything Goes has undergone various revisions — one in 1987 and a minor one in 2011, with the second iteration of the musical having emerged as the most consistently produced version of Anything Goes and will be the version attendees of Sun City’s production will see.

Producer of Sun City’s production of Anything Goes Karen Gienko explained that anyone who loves musicals will be sure to enjoy listening to Porter’s thoughtful compositions.

“If you are new to this show you may think about hand holding with that special someone and remember the folks dancing to the tunes on the old record player,” she said.

The plot revolves around a Wall Street broker named Billy Crocker (played by Tom VanTilburg), who sneaks onboard a ship named the SS American in an attempt to confess his feelings of love to debutante Hope Harcourt (played by Sara Tustin).

Unfortunately for Crocker, Harcourt is already set to be married to her wealthy English fiancé Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (played by Bob Geiss). Hilarity ensues as Crocker finds himself mixed up in crazy situations with Public Enemy #13 Moonface Martin (played by Mike Raimondo), who has also snuck onboard the ship disguised as a priest.

Also attempting to help Crocker in his escapades for unrequited love is his friend and Evangelist turned nightclub singer Reno Sweeney (played by Cynthia Church).

With a cast and crew of over 100 people, Gienko states that it was a challenge trying to find the best individuals to fit into each different role.

“We have so much talent within the theatre company that it does make for some difficult decisions. We are always surprised at the outcome but once you see their performance you can slap yourself on the back and say, ‘I knew they could do it,’ and we thank the Director, Rob Kaye, the Musical Director, Peter Davis, and the choreographer, Val Stroud and their assistants for bringing this script to life,” Gienko told My Sun Day News.

The publicist for Sun City’s Theatre Company Madge Motyka stated that the show is not just for Sun City residents, but for individuals of all ages who will be surprised to know that even the tap-dancing scenes are all done by seniors older than 60 years old.

“There are so many vignettes to preview that lead into the story plot. Our Director, Rob, always puts in his special spin on the show and you will see that through the performances of our cast. Watch the characters, they will tell you the story,” added Gienko.

Gienko has been a producer for the past several years in Sun City’s Theatre Company and enjoys getting the opportunity to get behind all the “glitz and glamour of a production.”

“I interact with each person in the show and it brings that closeness and gives them the confidence of knowing they can reach out to me at any time,” she said. “I love being involved with all productions and with this one, I see how our cast improves with song and dance at each rehearsal. The music is well known and we can get carried away with our own renditions and dance can bring you down. Those feet are not doing what the brain tells them to do.”

Gienko is grateful for everyone that has been involved with the production and hopes the great lines and music featured in Anything Goes will have individuals tapping their toes even after the show is over.

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