Audiences will Delight in Endearing Romantic Comedy
November 17 – 20, 7:30 p.m. in the Dragonetti Auditorium
Sing along with Cole Porter’s classic musical “Anything Goes” as the Department of Music, Performing Arts & Music Technologies at County College of Morris (CCM) presents a revival filled with student talent.
The comedic show, which first premiered on Broadway in 1934, has been reimagined several times, toured the U.S. and the United Kingdom, and was made into two films. It remains a favorite among school and community performing groups.
Set aboard an ocean liner bound for London from New York, “Anything Goes” tells the story of provocative nightclub singer Reno Sweeney who is secretively in love with Billy Crocker, a stowaway who has his sights set on a wealthy heiress. Hope Harcourt is, regrettably, engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, and Crocker enlists the help of the ship’s performers and fellow passengers to win her over.
The show’s Director Marielaine Mammon, chair of the Department of Music, Performing Arts & Music Technologies, is eager to show off the cast and crew of 38 people from around northern New Jersey. Jaclyn Lenox, of Bridgewater, stars as Reno Sweeney. John De Luca, of Netcong, who portrays Billy Crocker, shines alongside the glamorous Lydia Girardy, of Long Valley, who plays Hope Harcourt. Other supporting characters include Dover’s Jacob Wood as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, Jon Wade, of Flanders, as Moonface Martin, and Roxbury’s Eric Tayler as Elisha Whitney.
Mammon says they choose the 2018 revival version of the script, because the original version did not have the contemporary sensitivities of newer interpretations. “It’s important for the students to understand the context and the lyricism of Cole Porter and why we are still singing these songs,” she says.
The story is full of life and humor, something Mammon says audiences are craving, and the cast of “Anything Goes” is delivering. “The tap numbers are exquisite – the entire company participates in a few numbers,” she says. “The world needs a little shot of energy and that’s what tapping does.”
Performances of “Anything Goes” will be held November 17 – 20, 7:30 p.m. in the Dragonetti Auditorium in the Student Community Center on CCM’s campus, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. General Admission is $15. Tickets for CCM students, alumni, children under 12, and seniors 62 and over are $10. For more info or to purchase online visit https://bookstore.ccm.edu/current-shows/.
Masks are required for everyone who comes to campus and social distancing guidelines are in place.
To learn more about the Department of Music, Performing Arts & Music Technologies at CCM, go to https://bit.ly/CCM_Performing_Arts/.
