Beginning August 9th, central Arkansas audiences will be treated to hilarity and hijinks aboard the SS American as “Anything Goes” begins its run at The Royal Theatre, and sponsored by W.W. & Anne Jones Trust. With songs and lyrics by Cole Porter, captivating choreography, and a stellar cast, Royal Players’ production of “Anything Goes” delivers summertime fun.
Sir Evelyn, Hope, Reno, & Billy. Photo by Charlotte Hammonds
Based on the book by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse, later revised by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, the 1934 musical takes place aboard the ocean liner SS American. Along for the ride are headstrong temptress Reno Sweeney (Brooke Melton) and her pal Billy Crocker (Jake Coffman.) The two team up when Billy, a known playboy, falls for heiress Hope Harcourt (Skyla Congar), only to find she’s engaged. Reno and Billy concoct a wild plan to break up Hope and fiancé Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (Koty Mansfield.) Hilarity ensues and musical dance numbers abound as the ship makes it way from New York to London.
Bonnie & Moonface. Photo by Charlotte Hammonds
Royal Theatre’s Anything Goes is directed by Bob Bidewell who is also director of music for the production. Anything Goes features a renowned score from legendary Cole Porter, including “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “It’s De-Lovely,” “Blow, Gabriel, Blow,” and of course the musical’s main title “Anything Goes.” This is Bob’s third time to direct “Anything Goes.” He directed it in 1987 for Greene County Tech High School in Paragould and in 1990 for the Jonesboro Foundation of the Arts (Community Theatre). His love of the score, the comedic plot twists, and the overall fun of the production has brought him back again.
Reno & Angels. Photo by Charlotte Hammonds
Olivia Stephens of Conway is the choreographer. Playing in the band are Christian Waldron, pianist; Bob Bidewell, keyboard; Jake Wyatt, percussion; and Lynn Hoggard, bass.
Rounding out the cast are Jamie Partain, as Mrs. Harcourt; Nicholas Bell, Moonface Martin; Georgeann Burbank, Bonnie; Byron Taylor, Elisha J. Whitney; Matthew Burns, Bishop Henry T. Dobson; Carl McBride as the Captain; Katie McCallister, the Purser; Carson Clay, the Steward; Debbie Wright, the Reporter; Brent Compton the Cameraman; Brennon Humphry, Ching; Donovan Battie, Ling; The Angels are Izzy Hammonds, Emily Johnson, Payton Lee, Lauren Lisowe, Madeline Martin, & Makayla Shipe. Ensemble members are Lexie Ellis and Savannah Price.
Come aboard August 9th -12th and August 16th-19th. On the stage of the historic Royal Theatre (111 South Market Street, Benton, AR). Showtimes are 7pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; and 2pm on Sunday. General Admission tickets $15; Senior/Military/College students $12; High School students and younger $6. Tickets can be purchased online at www.theroyalplayers.com or www.ticketleap.com For reservations call (501) 315-5483. You can also purchase tickets at the door first-come, first served basis.
Anything Goes is presented by arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc., 560 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10022.
The Royal Theatre is Benton’s historic local theatre, located in the heart of the Historic Downtown Benton at 111 South Market Street. A 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, Royal Players is devoted to creating opportunities for the surrounding community by providing quality, entertaining, educational, and affordable programming for all ages. For more information, visit www.theroyalplayers.com