After putting on the dramatic spring musical “Aida” last year, Cherry Hill East Theater is inviting the community to set sail on a more laid back journey aboard the S.S. American.
This year, Cherry Hill East is putting on the spring musical “Anything Goes.” The show opens on Feb. 27 and runs through March 8. The show has two casts, with the red cast and the white cast performing alternating shows.
“Anything Goes” is set in the early 1930s. The main character, Billy Crocker, spends much of the story trying to win the affection of Hope Harcourt, who is engaged to be married. Crocker and Harcourt are just two of the many passengers on the S.S. American, where nearly the entire show is set. The show features lots of laughs, singing and dancing.
Play director Tom Weaver said the show has a completely different tone than last year’s spring musical.
“It’s a good family show,” he said. “We’re turning our attention to comedic farce.”
Many in the cast are excited to jump into a comedy. Junior Samantha Mautner, playing the role of Hope Harcourt in the red cast, said the tone of the show really lifts the mood of the cast and crew.
“A lot of it is very funny,” she said. “There’s a lot of comedy.”
The comedic tone of “Anything Goes” doesn’t mean the performance is all fun and games. The cast has faced a number of challenges in rehearsals thus far.
Junior Jack Tremper, playing the role of Crocker, said his character is different than roles he has played previously.
“It’s less of a character,” he said. “It resembles someone more in real life.”
The cast has spent a lot of rehearsal time on the show’s dance numbers. Junior Jacob DeBlecourt, playing the role of Moonface Martin in the red cast, said the dancing in “Anything Goes” is different than what they’ve been asked to do before.
“This year, there’s more focus on structured dance,” he said. “It has to look a lot tighter.”
Some cast members who had experience in tap dancing were excited to hear about the numerous tap numbers. Senior Richard Kirby, playing Moonface Martin in the white cast, was excited to hear about the show, as tap dancing is one of his loves. Junior Alexis Rebock, playing Evangeline Harcourt, also felt the show fit into her strengths.
“I love tap dancing and I love to do comedic shows,” she said. “It was fun to have a change.”
One of the toughest parts of rehearsing the tap numbers was the number of people in them. Most of the play takes place on a set dressed as the deck of a ship. With more than 50 people moving at one time at some points, it can be difficult to maneuver.
“It’s always a challenge when everyone comes together,” said junior Katie Aylesworth, playing Hope Harcourt in the white cast.
“You have to pay attention that you’re not jumping off the side of the ship,” said junior Avi Matan, playing the role of Lord Evelyn Oakleigh.
Weaver is very excited about the dancing numbers. He thinks many in the audience will be excited to see tap dancing on stage.
“I think that will really jazz the audience,” Weaver said.
The set itself will also immerse the audience. The ship most of the play is set on has two levels. Unlike most plays, the orchestra will be on stage, sitting on the upper level of the set.
“The orchestra will be part of the acting staff,” Weaver said. “Everyone will be dressed in costume.”
The cast and crew hopes to fully immerse the audience into the singing, dancing and fun the show depicts.
“Anything Goes” will be performed on Feb. 27, Feb. 28, March 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. There will also be matinee performance on March 1 and 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Tickets are free for seniors with a gold card.
To purchase tickets, visitwww.chetheater.com or call the box office at (856) 424–2222 ext. 2019.
