Forever Fresh ‘Anything Goes’ Is Frothy Fabulous Fun at The Muny

Forever Fresh ‘Anything Goes’ Is Frothy Fabulous Fun at The Muny

By Lynn Venhaus

A glorious, glamorous, and grand gem of a good-time show, “Anything Goes” celebrates everything I love about musical theater – big splashy dance numbers, sophisticated songs, light-hearted comedy and dreamy romance.

And it’s everything Muny audiences have become fond of over the years, reminding us why this 106-year-old institution is a source of civic pride and family tradition in St. Louis.

With inspired choreography by Jared Grimes, sharp-witted direction by Marcia Milgrom Dodge, sumptuous musical direction by Ben Whiteley, and many shining standouts in a beguiling cast, its charms are limitless.

While Cole Porter’s beloved breezy romp has been a crowd-pleasing show five times before, since its local 1940 debut, this fresh interpretation is a spectacular introduction – or re-introduction – to one of the all-time greats of the American theatre.

It’s been 25 years since it was here. “You’re the Top,” “Friendship” and “I Get a Kick Out of You” remind us of Porter’s legendary wit and cultural impact. And that showstopping title song that closes out Act One? That’s the pinnacle every creator strives for, and Muny magic made Grimes’ vision happen with lots of happy feet and sweat equity. Kudos to sound designers John Shivers and David Patridge for the rat-a-tats and more.

From left, George Abud, Kimberly Immanuel, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Lara Teeter and Ann Harada. Photo by Phillip Hamer.

Simply put, the laugh-out-loud experience made people happy – smiles abounded, and a spring was in our step as we exited for the last time this summer of 2024. Talk about a jovial way to chase the blues away!

Not only did the weather provide a beautiful night for the season’s frisky finale, but even the super blue moon cooperated with a special moonglow. It was if we were all aboard the S.S. American, a luxury ocean liner bound for London, forgetting our troubles and being whisked away to a time of technicolor Hollywood musicals filmed on an MGM lot.

The escapist setting – as reinforced through stunning hues of azure, blue, aqua and turquoise – is 1934, post-Great Depression and post-Prohibition. It is also a period where headline-hogging criminals were treated as celebrities (Public Enemies!), and evangelists were also media darlings. Hence, some barbed social satire zingers.

The creative team’s impeccable attention to detail might be the most impressive takeaway of the evening. Each artisan’s handiwork is indelibly noted in the clever construction on every crevice of that expansive stage.

Adrianna Hicks and the company of the 2024 Muny production of “Anything Goes.” Photo by Phillip Hamer

This classic’s vitality was showcased in everything from Rob Denton’s resplendent lighting design — a thunder-and-lightning storm! — to Tristan Raines’ luxe costume design, with innovative video designer Kylee Loera’s exquisite art deco nods meshing splendidly with award-winning Edward E. Haynes Jr.’s transporting scenic design.

An extraordinary ensemble broadly delivered high-seas hijinks with the zesty cheekiness of the Marx Brothers and the grace of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, balancing lush vocals with peppy dance routines and snappy repartee. Grimes’ steps seemed to have an extra flair added to the choreography, which was striking in execution. Another special nod to production stage manager Kelsey Tippins for the show’s zippy flow.

The performers couldn’t be more endearing — as if you’re watching a marathon on Turner Classic Movies, only it exhilarates like only live theater can produce.

Credit is overdue for the casting choices by associate artistic director Michael Baxter, who worked closely with the Telsey office (Jimmy Larkin and Alex Cortinas), and artistic director and executive producer Mike Isaacson, because these are noteworthy smart decisions, everyone well-suited for the roles from chorus to principals.

The refurbished book by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman keeps the wacky framework first established by P.G. Wodehouse and Guy Bolton in 1934 and revised by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse in 1962 but erases problematic cultural stereotypes without missing a beat.

Jay Armstrong Johnson and Kimberly Immanuel in the 2024 Muny production of “Anything Goes.” Photo by Phillip Hamer

Timothy Crouse, an American journalist and writer, wrote the new book that was used in the acclaimed 1987 (Patti LuPone) and 2011 (Sutton Foster) revivals that both won Tony Awards. The Muny is using his 1987 Lincoln Center version. He is the son of playwright Russel Crouse.

Dodge, who imbued a vintage vibe like mashing up “A Night at the Opera,’ “Duck Soup” and “The Court Jester,” leaned into the comic chaos of mistaken identities and pesky entanglements. The performers obliged with quick-witted quips, silly slapstick and actual belly laughs. (Hilarity ensued with Moonface Martin and a missing dog “Cheeky” – you just must see it.)

Newcomer Kevin Chamberlin’s Moonface impressed mightily as his considerable comic gifts became apparent. A three-time Tony nominee, he has a long list of film and television credits, including as the butler Bertram on the Disney Channel’s sitcom “Jessie.”

He was a terrific scene partner for Adrianna Hicks, who sparkled as gun moll Erma. Making a vivacious debut, she was exuberant in her solo “Buddie, Beware.” Hicks played Sugar in “Some Like It Hot” and Aragon” in “Six” on Broadway.

Kimberly Immanuel personified sweet and conflicted Hope Harcourt, a debutante who has fallen for Billy Crocker, who is trying to be respectable working on Wall Street but is something of a rake. She’s an elegant dancer and polished in delivering ballads.

Jeanna de Waal and George Abud in the 2024 Muny production of “Anything Goes.” Photo by Phillip Hamer

Immanuel paired beautifully with romantic hero Jay Armstrong Johnson, who has vividly brought to life iconic roles at the Muny like Jack Kelly in 2017’s “Newsies,” Barnaby Tucker in 2014’s “Hello, Dolly!” and Billy Lawlor in 2016’s “42nd Street.”

His accomplished dancing, singing and acting skills illustrated Billy Crocker’s personality well, not unlike what you expect in Gene Kelly.

Their “Easy to Love” and “All Through the Night” were wistful and touching, while “It’s De-Lovely” showed off a merry side.

While the talent has multiple triple threats, perhaps the performer making the most of his stage time was a delightful George Abud as Sir Evelyn Oakleigh, a stuffed shirt royal who quickly warms up to American customs. His befuddled but gallant Oakleigh is reminiscent of both Danny Kaye and British comic actor Terry Thomas.

Anchoring this crisp and snappy group was Jeanna de Waal as the saucy and cosmopolitan nightclub singer-evangelist Reno Sweeney. She could belt, she could swagger, she could wisecrack – and she could spellbind with dazzling tap-dancing moves.

Last seen in the title role of “Mary Poppins” here in 2022, she revealed new strengths. And looked mighty fine in designer Kelley Jordan’s stylish blonde wig and Raines’ glittery garb. She looked and moved like Carole Lombard.

Fan favorites Lara Teeter wildly exaggerated inebriated Ivy League businessman Elisha J. Whitney and Ann Harada was swift in feigning outrage and nimble physicality as the social climbing socialite Mrs. Evangeline Harcourt.

Eric Jordan Young in the 2024 Muny production of “Anything Goes.” Photo by Phillip Hamer

Eric Jordan Young, a dandy Cogsworth in last summer’s “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” was the ship’s captain, recalling Gavin MacLeod’s Captain Stubing on “The Love Boat.”

Kristen Grace Brown, Candace Hatakeyama, Bethany Ann Tesarck and Danielle Jackman strutted superbly as Reno’s Angels – Purity, Chastity, Charity and Virtue, as did Carina-Kay Louchiey as trumpet blower Gabriel.

As the lively scallywags Spit and Dippy, Spencer Jones and Joe Capstick were a memorable addition.

Portraying sailors and other roles were C.K. Edwards, Michael Harp, Colin Bradbury, John Manzari, Cole Newburg, Lamont Brown, Alaman Diadhiou, Ryan Lambert, and Alex Hayden Miller. Lauralyn McLelland was tasked with playing “Woman in Bathchair.”

“Anything Goes” is both the icing and the cherry on top of an outstanding Muny season that’s been marked by an overwhelming sense of joy and community in every musical this 106th season.

As everyone bid adieu in a bittersweet farewell, a rousing curtain call summed up what’s singular about the Muny: it’s a communal feeling that can’t be duplicated and only happens under the stars, right here in St. Louis.

Kevin Chamberlin (left) and Colin Bradbury in the 2024 Muny production of “Anything Goes.” Photo by Phillip Hamer

The Muny presents Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes” Aug. 19 – 25 at 8:15 p.m. nightly on the outdoor stage at Forest Park. For more information: muny.org.

The company of the 2024 Muny production of “Anything Goes.” Photo by Phillip Hamer

Crowd-pleasing ‘The Sound of Music’ Delivers Comfort and Joy at Muny

Crowd-pleasing ‘The Sound of Music’ Delivers Comfort and Joy at Muny

By Lynn Venhaus

This much I know is true: “The Sound of Music,” created during the golden age of musicals — (and the reason it’s referred to as a golden period is crystal clear), is such a crowd-pleaser that it will never fall out of favor.

The Muny’s latest creation of the evergreen 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein classic drew 7,847 on opening night, and you could feel the joy in the air. With the arrival of Alpine weather in St. Louis, it was also a pleasurable experience outdoors.

By the time Bryonha Marie Parham, as Mother Abbess, finished her powerful and poignant rendition of “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” which closed the first act, the crowd leapt to its feet with thunderous applause. At curtain call, a hearty standing ovation began early and when Kate Rockwell, radiant as the sunny Maria Rainer, took her bow, the cheers were deafening.

The tension-filled book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, based on the real-life story of widowed Captain von Trapp of the Austrian Navy, his budding romance with governess Maria, who cares for and tutors his seven children, and how they flee after the Third Reich takeover of their country in 1938, provides dramatic and emotional depth.

Through this last collaboration of influential composers Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers, they’ve integrated some of their best songs — The Sound of Music boasts their most popular hits – to guarantee widespread appeal. Then, add the iconic Oscar-winning 1965 film, which cemented its place in pop culture history.

This is the 11th time in 57 years that the Muny favorite has been presented in Forest Park, and the first since 2010. The experienced creative team has honored the beloved musical by not varying from a traditional approach – why mess with a time-honored story or the lush score?  and the lush score but keeping it fresh with rising talent and new outlooks.

Freshened up with rising talent and new outlooks, Director Matt Kunkel has capably emphasized the show’s major arcs of love, faith and courage.

Music Director Ben Whiteley smoothly conducts the velvety string-laden score, reminding everyone why we know all the words and music to “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss” and the title song.

Elizabeth Teeter and Andrew Alstat. Photo by Phillip Hamer.

With many exceptional voices, the ensemble comfortably handles some of the most enduring standards in the American theater.

While some casts are more dynamic than others in Muny productions, striking a delicate balance in tone with nuns and Nazis, the women lead the way here.

And not just on stage, but behind-the-scenes. For the first time in Muny history, Shelby Loera is the lead lighting designer on a show. In 103 seasons. Bravo for breaking that ceiling!

Caite Hevner took charge of the video design and Beth Crandall choreographed the sophisticated party dances and the peppy kids’ numbers. Paige Hathaway was the scenic designer, using the new trees as a backdrop.

Costumes were designed by Tristan Raines, a familiar fashionista at the Muny, and the wedding scene finery was a standout.

As usual, the von Trapp children steal the show. You expect the actors playing Liesl (Elizabeth Teeter), Friedrich (Victor de Paula Rocha), Louisa (Amelie Lock), Kurt (Parker Dzuba), Brigitta (Jillian Depke), Marta (Abby Hogan) and Gretl (Kate Scarlett Kappel) to be endearing, but these kids are not only supremely talented but project professionalism on stage.

And they harmonize beautifully – especially their fun “The Lonely Goatherd” number during a frightening thunderstorm and the always special “So Long, Farewell.”

As the eldest girl, Teeter, daughter of local theater legend Lara Teeter, demonstrated that she is a poised and polished performer wise in years.

She has appeared on Broadway with Helen Mirren in “The Audience” and as Jane Banks in “Mary Poppins,” not to mention cute-friendly roles at the Muny, including Flounder in “The Little Mermaid” and Gretl in the 2010 “The Sound of Music.”

An accomplished dramatic actress, she can be seen as fragile Laura in “The Glass Menagerie” at the Tennessee Williams Festival in St. Louis Aug. 19-29.

With their clear confident voices, Teeter and Andrew Alstat, as Rolf, deliver a strong “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.” Unfortunately, she is saddled with an unrealistic-looking brown wig, an odd choice, which overwhelms her face.

Kate Rockwell, von Trapp children, Michael Hayden. Photo by Phillip Hamer.

Another distraction is that Michael Hayden does not fit the Captain von Trapp role as we’ve become accustomed to over the years –typically imposing and dashing. A Tony nominee for “Judgment at Nuremberg,” who also has Shakespeare credits, Hayden obviously is a noteworthy performer, but something was “off,” and he certainly didn’t click with Rockwell like Georg and Maria should. (I wondered if he was ill? There is usually an underlying reason.). He seemed tentative in spots and wasn’t comfortable with the guitar on “Edelweiss.”

In addition, his suits appeared ill-fitting and the coat of his dress uniform he wore at the wedding was way too long. This is a rare misfire from the Muny costume shop, normally known for their crisp tailoring.

He’s not the worst Captain von Trapp I’ve seen. That distinction goes to the wooden and unprepared George Peppard, yeah the guy in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” in 1982. However, I have heard that “Dallas” star Ken Kercheval tops that list in a 1993 version, where he had to use the book.

Costumes were designed by Tristan Raines, a familiar fashionista at the Muny, and the wedding scene finery was a standout.

Two bright spots are fan favorites Jenny Powers and John Scherer. The elegant and statuesque Powers glides across the stage as Elsa Schraeder, also known as the Baroness, and has a lovely duet, “How Can Love Survive?” with Scherer as Max, the cynical impresario.

The pair are an effortless match. Powers has been one of the Muny’s most durable leading ladies – as “Mary Poppins,” Morticia in “The Addams Family,” Abigail Adams in “1776,” Tanya in “Mamma Mia!” and Guinevere in “Camelot,” to name a few.

Scherer, known for his impeccable comic timing, has been in “Kinky Boots,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Spamalot” and “The Addams Family.”

Fine supporting work is carried out by David Hess as the dutiful butler Franz and St. Louis actors Michael James Reed as the imperious and threatening SS officer Herr Zeller, Leah Berry as skeptical head of the postulants Sister Margaretta, April Strelinger as stern housekeeper Frau Schmidt, and versatile Jerry Vogel doing triple duty as the officiating priest at the wedding, Baron Elberfeld and Admiral von Schreiber.

But the show belongs to the delightful Rockwell, so memorable in “Tarzan” and “Beauty and the Beast” during the past decade. She’s a bona fide star, pitch perfect as the spunky and big-hearted Maria. It’s a graceful and winning performance that easily captured the audience’s heart.

Whether it’s a fond childhood memory or a family favorite passed down through generations, “The Sound of Music” pleased the theatergoers ready to be enchanted.

Its inspiration was intact, too – go climb those mountains!

Photo by Phillip Hamer

“The Sound of Music” runs Aug. 3-9 at the Muny outdoor stage in Forest Park. Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office, online at muny.org or by calling 314-361-1900, ex. 1550.

The remaining shows of the 2021 season are Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Aug. 12 – 18), On Your Feet! (Aug. 21 – 27) and Chicago (Aug. 30 – Sept. 5). Emerson is the season sponsor. For more information, visit muny.org. 

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Jenny Powers and John Scherer. Photo by Phillip Hamer