Arkansas to Set Sail with ANYTHING GOES

Beginning August 9, 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.

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.

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!

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 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.

Photo credit: Charlotte Hammonds