Anything Goes
at Justice High School

Reviewed on November 15, 2019

Kara Murri
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

Welcome aboard the S.S. American! Here you'll discover grandeur, intrigue, and plenty of shenanigans, and from New York to London, "Anything Goes" on this ship. Justice High School's smooth-sailing production perfectly captured the "bon voyage" spirit with remarkable tenacity and vivacity.

Since its 1934 Broadway debut, Guy Bolton and P. G. Wodehouse's "Anything Goes" has enraptured audiences with its witty lyrics and toe-tapping score by Cole Porter. Despite extensive tweaks and rearrangements throughout the years, the musical has remained a critically acclaimed classic, experiencing countless revivals and winning six Tony awards.

The iconic narrative centers around the eccentric passengers of a 1930's ocean liner as it voyages across the Atlantic, where a chance encounter leads Billy Crocker, a Wall Street broker, onto the S.S. American in the name of true love. Anchored by madcap comedy and a compelling love triangle, the audience watches as criminals, celebrities, and members of the upper crust mingle and misbehave.

"Anything Goes" calls for a large, dynamic ensemble, and Justice High School delivered exactly that. Most notable were Reno's Angels, who fluttered onto stage with a saintly air, navigated tricky tap steps, and blended their heavenly vocals into complex choruses. In the memorable number "Blow, Gabriel, Blow," the Angels dazzled as they ripped away their church choir robes to reveal shimmering leotards.

The ringleader of the Angels, Reno Sweeney, nightclub singer and former evangelist, was played by Andrea Pedemonte, who stood out as the powerhouse of the production. From the moment she strutted onstage, Pedemonte‘s flirtatious and sultry presence commanded attention. A true triple threat, Pedemonte's unfailing energy and exceptional vocal prowess astounded the audience in every number, exemplifying her character's confidence and passion with aplomb.

Sam Wells was versatile, charming, and urbane in his performance as the stowaway Billy Crocker. Paying homage to the Golden Age type, Wells' performance was aided by his crooning singing voice and old-fashioned charm. Shifting between various comic disguises on his quest for Hope's affection, Wells crafted a character that was both mirthful and moving. When combined with Viviana Luccioli as his sweetheart Hope, a playful yet tender romance emerged, culminating in a poignant, emotional duet.

As the notorious Moonface Martin, Darien Roby's impeccable New York accent and effortlessly hilarious quips were truly delightful. Despite his rank as Public Enemy #13, the audience couldn't help but adore Moonie, most especially when he revealed spectacular belting technique and shocking vocal power during his uproarious solo number "Be Like the Bluebird."

Another source of comic relief was Sir Evelyn Oakleigh (Max Belmar), Hope's thoroughly English and thoroughly oblivious fiancé. A master of caricature and physical humor, Belmar employed a pretentious accent and amusing facial expressions so that even a mere eyebrow twitch sent the audience roaring.

Each one of Justice's technical elements embodied the extravagance of the era, particularly the cohesive, eye-catching costumes headed by Zoe Greer and Naila Ohmke. Clever light design by Liv Orlando and Liv Findorff included smartly placed spotlights and thoughtful changes in color, which enhanced moments of passion with pinks and purples, and clarified the time of day with blue moonlight or an orange-tinted dawn. An extensive, luxurious set perfectly resembled the interior of an old-fashioned cruise liner, and detailed props further established the show's opulent atmosphere.

Leaving us landlubbers wildly entertained, Justice High School's "Anything Goes" was a production that was so "delightful, delicious, and de-lovely" that it was hard to say goodbye.

Erica Bass
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

Ships Ahoy! Atop the sparkly blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean sits the S.S. American, so grab your passport and prepare to board Justice High School's dynamic production of "Anything Goes."

With a book by P.G Wodehouse and Guy Bolton, and music by Cole Porter, "Anything Goes" has captured the hearts of audiences since its 1934 opening. Beloved for its quick wit and timeless heart, the show has seen various TV, film, and stage revivals, winning multiple Tony awards.

Charming stowaway Billy Crocker boards the S.S. American to win Hope Harcourt, the object of his undying affection, who is, unfortunately for Billy, engaged to the clueless British lord, Sir Evelyn Oakleigh. Fortunately for Billy, con man and Public Enemy #13 "Moonface" Martin, as well as the clever, flirtatious nightclub singer Reno Sweeny, are also aboard, and soon the group gets swept away in a wave of hilarious cons, intricate love triangles, complex tap numbers, and cruise ship chaos.

Anchoring the performance with his easy charisma and quick comedy was Sam Wells as Billy, who seemed right in his element in this Golden Age show. Wells encapsulated the poignant style of an old-timey actor, with classic charm and smooth, relaxed vocals almost reminiscent of Frank Sinatra. His ability to create chemistry with anyone was just as clear as his vibrato, as he flirted with Hope, joked with Moonface and Reno, and dazzled the crew of the American.

Andrea Pedemonte engrossed all in her flawless performance of the sultry yet earnest Reno Sweeny. Portraying Reno is no easy sailing, but true triple threat Pedemonte certainly found her sea-legs. Pedemonte brought a self-assured and scintillating attitude from the moment the train of her long red dress graced the stage, and kept her suave characterization consistent, balancing it even in her brief moments of vulnerability. She dominated in every difficult tap number and delivered a powerhouse vocal performance, with a smooth, jazzy tone and croon determined to blow even Gabriel away.

Who knew that a criminal could become the most lovable of them all? As Moonface, Darien Roby was devious and endearing, with an easy comedy so entertaining, it should be illegal. From his perfectly executed cons to his explosive vocal belt, Public Enemy #13 was #1 in the audience's heart, managing to buoy even the saddest moments with his effortless comedic timing and impeccable gangster accent.

"Anything Goes" needs a strong ensemble like a ship needs its strong crew, and Justice High School certainly cruised along. Impressive tap numbers were performed with commitment, energy, and synchronization, and amongst the sparkling white staircases of the deck, smaller ensembles such as Reno's Angels were given room to shine. The cast's supporting performances were also captivating, such as Max Belmar's Sir Evelyn Oakleigh, who epitomized a discombobulated, yet well-meaning British buffoon, bringing innocent levity through masterful physical comedy. Viviana Luccioli was also delightful as the sweet and honest Hope, the virtuous opposite to Billy's swagger.

Matching the dedicated energy of the cast were the labors of the technical crew. The costumes by Zoe Greer and Naila Ohmke captured the nautical, 1930s aura of the show, and the coordinated rainbow outfits of the Angels particularly impressed. Miniscule details became significant through Sondos Hussein, Rawan Harith, Charlie Boucher, and Alex Saouti's props, which further immersed the audience in the world of the American.

Justice High School propelled their performance of "Anything Goes" with heart, humor, and "Heaven Hops" -and did they successfully leave the audience tapping away in joy? Well, in the profound words of Reno Sweeny: "You can bet your sweet ascot!"

Jack Child
Falls Church High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

A famous nightclub singer, a notorious criminal, and a pompous British man all board a ship - for the next five days, on the S.S. American, Anything Goes!

"Anything Goes" tells the story of a Wall Street assistant named Billy Crocker who teams up with nightclub singer Reno Sweeny and Public Enemy #13, Moonface Martin, to win the hand of Hope Harcourt, a girl with whom he has a history, in marriage. It opened on Broadway at the Alvin Theatre in 1934. Since then, it has had two movie adaptations, a television adaptation, and two Broadway revivals, each of which won a Tony award for Best Revival of a Musical. Songs such as "Friendship," "You're the Top," and "Anything Goes" have become well-known staples in American culture. Justice High School's Wolfpack Theatre group did this classic show justice, delivering a performance full of well-executed dancing and strong technical aspects.

In the lead role of Billy was Sam Wells, whose antics as he toyed with different identities delighted the audience. Wells accomplished the difficult task of playing a character who is playing someone else, and he did it exceptionally smoothly. The star of the show was Andrea Pedemonte, who played Reno Sweeny. Pedemonte repeatedly proved herself to be a triple threat - she was able to belt high notes, tap dance, and portray Sweeny's pinings for Sir Evelyn Oakleigh, Hope Harcourt's fiancé, without dropping character for even a split second. Another standout was Darien Roby, who played the crooked gangster Moonface Martin. Roby kept a consistent accent, earned laughs through his understanding of comedic timing, and dropped jaws with his gorgeous voice in "Be Like the Bluebird."

The phenomenal dancing in "Anything Goes" is worth mentioning. Complex numbers were performed in sync, and numerous soloists from the ensemble had memorable moments as well. Especially remarkable was the tap dancing that was present throughout the show and was entertaining to watch.

Technical elements also helped to bring the S.S. American to life. By far the most impressive technical aspects were the costumes, designed by Zoe Greer and managed by Naila Ohmke. The costumes were period and always visually appealing. Standout costumes included the outfits worn by Reno and her backup singers, Reno's Angels. This ensemble always had costumes that were complementary but not exactly the same, keeping the visuals dynamic and interesting. Many different costumes worn by the backup singers, but most notable were the costumes during the show-stopping number "Blow, Gabriel, Blow," where Reno's angels wore bright, sequined outfits. Lighting, operated by Liv Findorff, also added a charming element to the show. Spotlights were used well to focus attention on certain characters during important moments and to project a moon on the side of the auditorium. There was also a lighting effect designed to imitate water that was projected during transitions; this made transitions more interesting to watch and served as a reminder of the setting of the show.

Justice High School gave a memorable and impressive performance of "Anything Goes." Consistently strong dancing and standout voices by principals created an altogether enjoyable experience for the audience. "Anything Goes" truly was "delightful, delicious, and de-lovely!"

Colleen McGuire
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

The ship has sailed, the waters have calmed, the port is empty. But the dazzling spectacle of Justice High School's Anything Goes will not soon be forgotten. The electrifying personas aboard the S.S. American had audience members awestruck and amused "All Through the Night".

Making its debut at Broadway's Alvin Theatre in 1934, Cole Porter's Tony-award winning musical follows the complex lives of various passengers on the ocean liner the S.S. American. Wanted criminal Moonface Martin lurks around the ship attempting to avoid any suspicion, while famed nightclub performer Reno Sweeney aids stowaway Billy Crocker in his quest for debutante Hope Harcourt. Justice's production met Porter's vision, with each cast member expressing the individuality of their character while also coming together as a strong ensemble.

Aided by a powerful belt and intense passion, Andrea Pedemonte brought the character of nightclub singer Reno Sweeney to life. Her dramatic choices effectively showcased the diva-like spirit of the star, contributing to Reno's character development with every move. Pedemonte dominated the stage with her dramatic and vocal prowess, capturing the audience's attention at every instance. Her chemistry with friend and colleague Billy Crocker (Sam Wells) was expressed through their seemingly effortless rapport, as shown in their lovable duet "You're the Top". Wells displayed the charismatic character in a way that left the audience longing for more of his classic charm, with traditional vocals that brought the show into the time period. His longing for love interest Hope Harcourt (Viviana Luccioli) was shown through the endearing "All Through the Night", the duet expressing the pair's conflicting feelings for each other.

Renowned criminal Moonface Martin (Darien Roby) had audience members rolling in the aisles at every line, his flawless New York accent contributing to his amusing character. Roby's stunning vocals commanded the theater in the humorous "Be Like the Bluebird", every note as pure and clear as the one before.

The rest of the cast helped fill out the ambience of the ship, demonstrating the individuality of each passenger while also creating a sense of uniformity within ensembles. Notably, Sir Evelyn Oakleigh (Max Belmar) brought humor into his character at every turn, with his physical humor and English accent invoking laughs from every member of the audience. The bubbly personalities and constant energy of Reno's Angels contributed to the uniformity of their ensemble, while also maintaining individuality with each specific member. The entire cast was extremely effective in telling the story, with dazzling harmonies and impressive dancing showcased in such showstoppers as "Heaven Hop" and "Blow Gabriel Blow".

The technical aspects of the show brought professionalism aboard, bringing the show into the 1930's time period with every detail. The costume department, led by Zoe Greer and Naila Ohmke, employed a remarkable attention to detail with multiple costume changes per character, each new piece contributing to the production. Each one of the costumes fit the personalities of the character extremely well, from Reno's dramatic ball gowns to the uniformity of the Angels' outfits.

Effective lighting by Liv Findorff and Liv Orlando brought another level to the show, expressing the mood of each scene. Spotlights were used to cast silhouettes of actors onto the set and accentuate different parts of the stage for dramatic effect.

Justice High School's production of Anything Goes was a "De-Lovely" experience, with impressive technical aspects that highlighted the ever-present dramatic and vocal expertise onstage. The S.S. American was teeming with talent and energy, bringing the audience aboard for the voyage of a lifetime.

Elena Auclair
Teen Theatre Company
Submitted for publication to Falls Church News Press

Final call! All aboard that's coming aboard! "Anything Goes," presented by Justice High School was a smooth sail, with scheming passengers, showy performances, and sweet love.

With music and lyrics by Cole Porter, "Anything Goes" premiered on Broadway in 1934, and was produced many more times over the years. Justice High School used the 1962 revival, which tells the story of Billy Crocker attempting to win back his love, Hope Harcourt, from Sir Evelyn Oakleigh by stowing away on the S.S. American. Aiding him in his quest, Reno Sweeney and Public Enemy #13, Moonface Martin, go 20 knots a minute to keep him from being arrested, and to see true love triumph for all in the end.

Reno Sweeney (Andrea Pedemonte) was a charismatic triple-threat performer, who commanded attention whenever she came on stage. Pedemonte's breath control during songs like "Anything Goes" was evident as she executed choreography cleanly and came back in for the final sustained note. The first-rate rapport between passengers made the repartee work, as Billy Crocker (Sam Wells) and Hope Harcourt (Viviana Luccioli) spent Act I demonstrating old-time charm, and Act II gathering sympathy in songs like "All Through the Night," where the voice of Wells evoked singers like Bing Crosby or Frank Sinatra, and Luccioli's expressions and reactions to Wells made the relationship believable.

The entire journey on the S.S. American wasn't all about the lovebirds, however. Moonface Martin (Darien Roby) and his sidekick Bonnie (Dannica Gordon) were two entertaining gangsters with hearts of gold. Roby's expressions, New York accent, and sleazy determination to see the trip through played well off of all the passengers on the ship, especially with Wells and Pedemonte, as they sang together in "Friendship," which was a perfect "blendship" of the three actors' reactions to each other and their solid harmonies. Gordon was a character the entire time, drawing laughs especially during a comedic bit at the brig, where she hung upside down and chatted easily about cigarettes. Sir Evelyn Oakleigh (Max Belmar) was a British gentleman, complete with an upper-class accent, consistent comedic timing, and gestures that emphasized his comic yet earnest role.

The actors and ensemble were clothed by Zoe Greer and Naila Ohmke in classic 1930's era outfits, with elegantly tailored suits and cute matching dresses for Reno Sweeney's Angels. There were many quick changes, especially in songs like "Blow, Gabriel, Blow," which led to a dazzling reveal on stage from choir robes to show girl sparkles. The lighting emphasized the mood of the show with cool and warm colors in the back, and blue lights like water aiding transitions, suddenly swiping to the left of the audience to create a new scene in the brig with a stark white spotlight.

Justice High School's production of "Anything Goes" never ended up in the doldrums but was a smooth sail from beginning to end. As all the passengers sang, in English or in French, this production was a "Bon voyage!"

Isa Paley
Wakefield High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

A world-famous nightclub singer, a lovesick wall street broker, an over the top Englishman, his doe-eyed fiance and public enemy number #13 all walk onto a boat…...is this the set-up to a bad joke? Actually, it's just the beginning of the sensational musical "Anything Goes," which was delightfully performed by Justice High School last night.

Originally written in 1934 by Guy Bolton and P. G. Wodehouse, and featuring an iconic catalog of songs written by Cole Porter, "Anything Goes" has been through many evolutions to get where it is today. It has been revived several times on Broadway with almost every production bringing an onslaught of changes to the show's structure and book, all of which have contributed to its enduring appeal and success, including being the recipient of six Tony awards.

Living up to its outrageous set-up, "Anything Goes" follows our cast of characters through their hilarious attempts to find love and happiness, all while not getting caught by the law.

The show's ensemble cast masterfully showcased the chaotic nature of the ship and its passengers. With incredible performances in songs such as "Blow, Gabriel, Blow" and the title song "Anything Goes," the lively ensemble brought the show to a whole new level of synchronicity and cohesion.

Playing the world's favorite night-club singer, Andrea Pedemonte displayed true triple threat magic as Reno Sweeney, with amazing acting and dancing chops and marvelous vocals such as in "I Get a Kick Out of You." As described in the show, "A man's best friend is his friend." Acting as Reno's best friends, Darien Roby and Sam Wells lit up the stage with their fantastic performances. As Billy Crocker, Wells brought the 30's to life. With smooth vocals and timing, Wells made the audience fall in love with Billy and root for him throughout his hilarious misadventures.

While he may not have been America's favorite criminal, Moonface Martin was surely the audience's. Roby's performance left the audience in stitches and in delight with his superb singing in the Act 2 number "Be Like the Bluebird." These three performers had incredible and undeniable chemistry that anchored the craziness of the show and ensured they were the audience's favorite group of ragtag pals.

As an oddly matched pair of fiances, Viviana Luccioli and Max Belmar each gave outstanding performances. As the Englishman Sir Evelyn Oakleigh who is sailing to London with his soon-to-be bride and her mother, Belmar's splashy and sharp actions brought the audience an endless supply of laughs. His strong presence and chemistry with Reno made him one of the most memorable faces of the night. Luccioli acted as Oakleigh's tender and sweet fiance, Hope. While Hope has traveled to be married, her true feelings belong to Billy, who has come on the trip in order to win her back. Luccioli was "de-lovely" as Hope, bringing a sweet and romantic side to the show with her great characterization and splendid vocals.

Creating the atmosphere of a ship is a tough task, but Justice's tech team was certainly up for it. The show's costume team (Zoe Greer and Naila Ohmke) produced stunning fashions for every character that perfectly matched the show's time period. Also, the show's lighting team (Liv Orlando and Liv Findorff) provided vibrant lighting for the fully-fledged musical numbers and effective blue and black lights for the more delicate nighttime scenes.

Whimsical, lively, and vibrant, Justice High School's phenomenal production of "Anything Goes," left the audience laughing, singing, and ready to hop on a cruise ship and lead a rousing tap number!

Emily Townsend
Flint Hill School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

The cast and crew of Justice High School's theater department sailed the S.S. American straight into the hearts of the audience in an energetic and charming production of Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse's Anything Goes.

This light-hearted musical was originally produced in 1934, with revivals in 1962, 1987, and 2011. The story follows a ship voyage from New York to London, where young Wall Street executive Billy Crocker attempts to woo the girl of his dreams, Hope Harcourt, and convince her to marry him. Complicated dynamics between friends new and old, Hope's uptight British fiancée Sir Evelyn, wanted criminal stowaways, and sailor shenanigans all contribute to the comical and complex storyline of the show.

The show's lead, Sam Wells, who portrayed Billy Crocker, had wonderful dialogue delivery, consistent vocals, great chemistry with other characters, and, overall, fantastic stage presence and energy. Wells worked particularly well with Andrea Pedemonte, who played the part of Billy's close friend, a feisty, glamorous, and lovable nightclub singer named Reno Sweeny. Pedemonte delivered several key musical numbers flawlessly, created believable relationships with her cast mates, and executed multiple costume changes efficiently. Furthermore, she dominated in the ensemble numbers, bringing another level of enthusiasm and individuality into the performance. A third standout actor was Darien Roby, who played wanted criminal Moonface Martin, an illegal stowaway who poses as a preacher. Roby graced the stage with his well-timed one-liners, excellent use of physical comedy and facial expressions, and a charming solo song in Act II, "Be Like the Bluebird," which was highly entertaining.

Notable aspects of the tech crew's involvement in the show were the costume and lighting departments. From the convincing ‘30s-style dresses of the women to the men's sharp suits to Reno's shimmering, sequined one-piece outfit, the costumes were time-period appropriate, visually appealing, and had a nice variety, which was explored through several quick-changes. The lighting department did a great job of utilizing a combination of full lights, colored lights, and a single spotlight throughout the show. One especially clever moment was when the large white spotlight was trained on the far wall, symbolizing the moon, during a romantic night-time scene.

All in all, the energy of the ensemble, the quality of the crew's work, the outstanding vocal performances, and the sophisticated level of acting made Anything Goes a show that left the whole crowd cheering.