Anything Goes by Willenhall Musical Theatre Company, Mill Theatre, Sedgley - review
It's "All Aboard" the SS American this week as the all singing, all dancing cast and crew of Willenhall Musical Theatre Company set sail on the high seas, accompanied by a host of Cole Porter tunes in their production of the classic musical comedy, Anything Goes.
Without a doubt one of Porter's best-loved and most uplifting compositions, the action takes place on board ship where the nightclub singer Reno Sweeney is en route from New York to England. Her pal, Billy Crocker, has stowed away in order to try and win the heart of the American heiress, Hope Harcourt, but the problem is Hope is engaged to the wealthy Englishman, Lord Evelyn Oakleigh and also has her over-bearing mother in tow.
For good measure, throw in Public Enemy Number 13, Moonface Martin, some elaborate disguises and some good old-fashioned blackmail and it isn't long before the fun starts, but in true am dram musical style, everyone lives happily ever after of course.
Willenhall MTC is the epitome of an amateur musical company, with members whose varying abilities more than cope with its requirements and the roles are perfectly cast. The ensemble numbers completely fill the venue's stage which promotes the feeling of a huge ocean going liner full of passengers, as well as ensuring the vocal performances are strong and wash over the audience with ease.
The group has a reputation for delivering quality amateur musical comedies and Anything Goes, with Captain and Director Alf Rai at the helm and effective choreography by Second Mate Lindsey Grant is no exception.
Boson and Musical Director, Phil James, heads up an impressive band who belt out the Porter favourites including You're The Top, It's Delovely, Blow Gabriel, Blow and of course the title tune, with ease.
Rachel Coleman is a feisty vocal powerhouse as Reno Sweeney with excellent delivery and comic timing, while Will Phipps is charming as Billy and grabs the opportunity to show off his dancing skills and smooth as silk voice with both hands.
Both Abbie Sellick as Hope and Megan Rai as Erma tackle their first principal roles in a show with confidence, bringing glamour and style to the piece, while at the other end of the scale, Willenhall stalwart Roger Stokes remains the backbone of the company, making an impact in his minor role as Elisha Whitney.
Dan Haddon as Sir Evelyn Oakleigh completely nails the eccentric English gentleman characterisation, offering a highly amusing comedy performance as well as a hilarious version of The Gypsy in Me and there are even more laughs courtesy Dom Napier as Moonface Martin, who seems to have a natural flair for playing the comedy gangster!
The engaging scenery and effective lighting effects certainly add to the atmosphere and you can almost hear the waves crashing alongside the ship.
Add to this a colourful, lively ensemble and it is the perfect combination of talents for a good old-fashioned 1930's musical comedy which still manages to raise a smile even today.
All in all a really enjoyable evening's entertainment which should wash you overboard.
Runs until Saturday. Visit http://wmtc.azurewebsites.net/ or call 07757 808036 for tickets.
By Alison Norton
