Latest news with #AnythingGoes
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Top Hat review – ravishing musical taps immaculately off the silver screen
It looks like there may be trouble ahead in the first tripping moments of this silver screen musical adaptation. Several performers slip and fall during the ensemble opening number – Puttin' on the Ritz. The show is stopped, the stage mopped up (its wetness apparently caused by unexpected condensation), and then the show really does proceed to put on the ritz. Adapted by Matthew White and Howard Jacques, its drama of mistaken identity faithfully follows the 1935 movie starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers but it has more Irving Berlin tunes, each more divine than the last. Phillip Attmore plays Jerry Travers, the avowed bachelor and Broadway star whose head is turned by the independently minded fashion model Dale Tremont (Lucy St Louis). She, in turn, mistakes him for the older, married Horace Hardwick (Clive Carter) and the whole thing plays out like an American Restoration drama but with added tap dance and swing. It is ravishingly directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, who was behind the winning 2021 revival of Cole Porter's Anything Goes at the Barbican theatre in London. The twinkly eyed Attmore brings sublime tap all the way through but especially in the titular Top Hat, White Tie and Tails, complete with an immaculate dancing ensemble. There is incredibly silky singing from St Louis in songs such as Wild About You and Better Luck Next Time, and the central couple have a natural chemistry on stage. Meanwhile, Horace and his wife Madge (Sally Ann Triplett, very amusing) bring anti-marital comedy, some of it predictable but entertaining nonetheless. Horace's British valet, Bates (James Clyde), who refers to himself in the royal 'we', is a dryly comic highlight, as is Italian fashion designer Alberto Beddini, hammily played by Alex Gibson-Giorgio. It is a show that is extremely easy on the eye with gorgeous ostrich-feathered costumes (designed by Yvonne Milnes and Peter McKintosh) and a revolving art deco set (also designed by McKintosh) which gestures to the elegant opulence of the film. Some of the costumes honour the film too, especially Dale's silk and feather dress during her duet with Jerry in Cheek to Cheek. Choreography goes from natty, bouncing tap to smooth, floaty numbers, and the latter have a swirling, romantic quality while the ensemble give the illusion of a far larger chorus line. Like Crazy for You, which played at the same theatre in 2022, this show seems raring for a London transfer. It stretches on for too long, and is not quite as spectacular as that musical, but the whole thing oozes style and wit. Heaven. At Chichester Festival theatre until 6 September
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Stage Notes in shipshape for 'Anything Goes' this weekend
Jul. 22—WATERTOWN — When the classical musical comedy "Anything Goes" was updated for contemporary sensibilities three years ago, Stage Notes founder Ticia K. Aumell, and her husband and co-director Kyle Aumell, knew they had to launch it one day. "We knew it was just a matter of time before Stage Notes would add it to our list of productions," Ticia said. "We have the largest group of students we have ever had, so a big musical with lots of roles and an ensemble fits us this year." Stage Notes will present "Anything Goes" Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Dulles State Office Building auditorium. "Anything Goes" premiered on Broadway on Nov. 21, 1934, at the Alvin Theatre, where it ran for 420 performances, becoming the fourth longest-running musical of the 1930s. The music and lyrics are by Cole Porter. The original book was by P.G. Wodehouse, Guy Bolton, Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse. The book was revised by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman. "Anything Goes" is a musical set aboard the ocean liner S.S. American, where nightclub singer Reno Sweeney is traveling from New York to England. Her friend Billy Crocker stows away to be near his love, Hope Harcourt, who is engaged to the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. The story unfolds with a series of romantic escapades, misunderstandings and comedic antics among the eccentric passengers, culminating in a lively and entertaining journey filled with Cole Porter's classic songs, such as "You're the Top," "It's De-Lovely," "Anything Goes" and "I Get a Kick Out of You." Stage Notes has 31 students in the production, representing eight different high schools: Alexandria Bay, General Brown, LaFargeville, Liberty University online, Lowville, Lyme, South Jefferson and Watertown. Proceeds from "Anything Goes" will support the David Simmons Scholarship Fund through the Northern New York Community Foundation. The scholarship supports students from Jefferson County who participated in the performing arts during high school. "In this way, it will help extend the support and encouragement David shared with arts and theater students during his life," Ticia said. "The first scholarships will be awarded this year, with recipients being announced soon." Simmons, known for teaching self-worth and confidence, died in September 2023 at the age of 60. The self-taught, volunteer choreographer began a 26-year, 50-show relationship with Watertown High School and its Select Choir in the fall of 1988 with a production of "Guys & Dolls." He also shared his choreography skills with Stage Notes, He's credited with raising Stage Notes to a "triple arts program" — offering training that combined the disciplines of acting, singing and dancing. 'pivotal' performances Stage Notes is a nonprofit youth theater group for exceptional theater students founded in 2009 by Ticia. Proceeds from its shows have allowed the nonprofit to donate thousands of dollars to local community groups. The organization's motto is "Performance With a Purpose," and the benefits it brings to its performers also go well beyond the stage. For example, Mia Mouaikel, who graduated in June from South Jefferson Central School, plays main character Reno Sweeney in "Anything Goes." This will be the fourth Stage Notes show for Mouaikel, daughter of Cyril and Dr. Marlene Mouaikel. "The experience has been great for my leadership skills, and I've brought in a lot of those skills to other areas of life, like the clubs I'm in and organizations that I'm a part of," Mouaikel said. "It's also taught me a lot about just being a team member. It's great to work with a large group of people from different age groups and to collaborate. It's definitely helped me with every aspect of my life throughout high school. It's been very pivotal." In the fall, Mouaikel will attend Cornell University, Ithaca, to major in biology. "I will also be pursing a theater minor," she said. Mouaikel's character, Reno, is a charismatic nightclub singer and former evangelist. Reno is clever, funny, persuasive and extremely confident. "It's very comedic," Mouaikel said of "Anything Goes." "Pretty much every scene, including the songs and dances, are full of comedy and very witty jokes." Shipbuilding The set for this year's musical is a "big build," Ticia explained. "Our team is very excited. They are building the deck of the S.S American on the stage. Each production brings its own needs. For 'Guys and Dolls' we used backdrops with set pieces to enhance the scenes. Last year, for 'The Prom,' it was the first time that we delved into the world of projections, while also having set pieces to add to the scenes. This year, we are excited to be building a static set after several years of smaller set pieces." The Stage Notes Orchestra returns for the show. It's made up of professional musicians, music educators, Stage Notes alumni and exceptional high school musicians. Andrea Wischerath, a recently retired instrumental music teacher from Watertown High School, coordinates the orchestra. Josh Marra, Stage Notes alum from 2022 (middle son to Ticia and Kyle), returns this summer as "Anything Goes" choreographer. He is studying television and film arts at Buffalo State University. Guest choreographer is Lisa Boulter. "Lisa has been teaching the students how to tap dance and helping with the big dance numbers in the show," Ticia said. "It's been a thrill to be working with her. Lisa choreographed 'Anything Goes' at Watertown High School for Russ Faunce back in 1987, with Kyle and I both in the production." A few years later, Boulter starred as Reno Sweeney in a Watertown Lyric Theater production of "Anything Goes." "I was one of her Angels (backup singers)," Ticia said. "Kyle and I couldn't do this show without Lisa involved. 'Anything Goes' and Lisa go hand in hand in our hearts. It's a thrill to have her working with our students and on our team this year." Collin Zehr, vocal music teacher at Thousand Islands Central, is new to the Stage Notes production team this year. "He brings refreshing, youthful energy and ideas to Stage Notes," Ticia said. "Just one of many examples is that he appointed three social media ambassadors to help with our marketing of the show. It's fun to watch the students engage with Mr. Zehr and to watch him support their ideas on how to make their peers interested in what we are doing." nonprofit mission Stage Notes shows are held at the Dulles State Office Building auditorium. However, increasing rental fees by the state for use of the space has hampered what Stage Notes can give back to the community. For example, in 2023, Stage Notes paid $1,641 to use the theater for rehearsals and show weekend for "Guys and Dolls." Last summer, the nonprofit paid the state $5,641 and used the building for less time than the previous year for its "The Prom" musical. "Stage Notes students are fortunate to have amazing supporters who value it, not only for the entertainment we bring to our community, but also the education in theater and philanthropy that is the cornerstone of our organization," Ticia said. She said that Stage Notes students are obligated to fundraise, as they learn the challenges of financially supporting a nonprofit organization and advocating for the arts. "The annual sponsorship campaign is our biggest fundraiser, and this year our students raised over $32,000 for our budget," Ticia said. "Stage Notes is incredibly fortunate to have a community that chooses to support our students and our mission, as we receive no other outside funding." Stage Notes budgets, on average, approximately $1,000 per student for its productions. "So our students have made it possible for us to pay for the show by opening night, ensuring that ticket sales can go back into the community, fulfilling our motto of 'Performance with a Purpose,'" Ticia said. Ticia has a self-commitment of 20 years in managing Stage Notes. "Anything Goes" marks its 17th season and its 19th production. "The freshman class this year will be our seniors in our 20th season," she said. "We're already thinking about what that will look like, and it's fun to know the students who will be celebrating that milestone with us." All aboard The cast of "Anything Goes": Reno Sweeney, played by: Mia Mouaikel Reno's Angels: Kelsee Donato, Frances Weir, Hazel Coughlin and Felicity DelGranado. Hope Harcourt: Finley Swartz. Evangeline Harcourt: Lillian Exford. Lord Evelyn Oakleigh: Rhett Beuttenmuller. Elisa Whitney: Andy Merryman. Billy Crocker: Jack Bickel. Moonface Martin: Trey Urf. Erma: Mia Kelly. Spit: Arianna Dyer. Dippy: Willow Terrell. The Captain: Camden Haynes. Purser: Ira Blauvelt. —Brady Horton plays the bartender, an FBI agent, newspaper photographer, the "young swell," a sailor and is a featured dancer. —Aiden Cain also plays the above roles, with the exception of the bartender. Rev. Henry T. Dobson: played by Leon Kelsey. Featured passengers and dancers: Natalie DiFabion and Julianne Goodenbery. Featured passenger: Michaela Adsit. Featured passenger and old lady: Isabella Davies. Passengers: Madison Bennett, Jade Coughlin, Lucy Johnson, Nevaeh Kelsey, Abigail King, Evangeline Lane, Noelle Voss and Paige Widrick. Solve the daily Crossword
L'Orient-Le Jour
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Carole Samaha: I wanted a project as ambitious as my work with the Rahbani family
She has been the most discussed figure in the national entertainment scene's inner circles in recent months. A prolific interpreter of both sugary pop and passionate patriotic anthems, and an actress with a delicate filmography, Carole Samaha has made her mark with the momentum of a new millennium under the guidance of one of the founders of modern musical theater in Lebanon. The feminine embodiment of Mansour Rahbani's final elegant fantasies, the actress — one of the few divas in the variety scene to successfully merge a popular repertoire with the image of a poised artist — now, at 53, embarks on a long dreamed-of, ardently desired journey toward lightness. Alongside her concerts and recording sessions, Samaha, known for her often firm stances on pan-Arab societal changes, has also devotedly cared for her husband, who battled cancer for nearly a decade (and passed away just days before her widely discussed comeback), and watched over her young daughter who remains in Egypt, where Samaha spends most of the year. Discreet about her feelings and grief, Samaha returns to the stage this scorching July as part of the prestigious Beiteddine Festival, with "Kello Masmuh" ("Anything Goes"), an ambitious adaptation of a Broadway show by Roy al-Khoury, who two years ago also helmed the Arabic version of Chicago. Samaha answers L'Orient-Le Jour's questions. The general public first discovered you on Mansour Rahbani's stage a quarter of a century ago. Today, you're reconnecting with your first love, more than 15 years since your last musical. Why now? I've wanted to return to the stage like this for quite some time. After all these years away, I wanted this comeback to be both innovative and different from what I've previously done. The public has a rather serious idea of me, probably because I've often played intense roles throughout my career. Roy introduced me to "Anything Goes," a comedy with vaudeville elements, full of lightness — precisely what I needed right now. When I met fans or people in the industry, they often told me I was missed and that I should return. But I kept saying I couldn't find a project ambitious enough since my collaborations with the Rahbani family. My return had to be demanding, worthy of the expectations. I was impressed by Roy and Nayla's [the producer's] vision, and that's how a trusting partnership began. This project was unfortunately postponed several times due to instability in the region, particularly the war that hit Lebanon in the fall of 2024. How did you get through that period? Like all my compatriots, I lived through those months anxiously — maybe even more so, given my rather complex personal situation. At the September 2024 press conference, I was very worried about my family's well-being. I was juggling rehearsals in Beirut for the show with trips back and forth to Egypt to be with my family. This year, as everyone now knows, was especially tough for me, as if all burdens were loaded on my shoulders. To make matters worse, I had just released an album barely a week before the war in our country escalated. During war, artists' work is, of course, put on hold — and believe me, there's nothing fun or restful about that. Talking about those frustrations, which unfortunately, too many of Lebanon's cultural figures endure, how did you manage to stay apolitical despite the anger caused by the situation? Over time, you learn, with difficulty, to channel that anger you mentioned into something more constructive than simply sharing your emotions online. If all this had happened 10 years ago, I probably would have sunk into a kind of despair. Today, I believe that age and experience can help ease the pain and wounds, showing that getting angry only hurts oneself. I wrote and composed a lot in the fall, and that helped me. Because I refuse to stop creating, to stop reinventing myself and fighting. Your husband passed away just a few days before the big opening of the show, barely more than two months ago. Did you ever consider, even for a moment, stopping everything? Postponing a second time, after all we'd gone through as a team, just wasn't an option. That would have meant outright cancellation. I am someone who keeps her promises and commitments. Most importantly, I don't carry this project alone: Behind me are dozens of people — producers, dancers, musicians — who have poured their hearts and souls into it. Cancelling would have been a massive blow to everyone's energy, motivation and finances. You experienced a similar loss and dilemma — whether or not to take the stage — after your father's death. I lost my father in 1996, just three days before a show's opening. At the time, I didn't tell anyone except maybe two actors in my troupe. I was not yet famous, no one really knew me, so naturally, the news didn't make headlines like it did recently. That's how I handle things: I ask myself if stopping would help me get through hard times. My body can't bear pain forever. I allow myself to cry, to let it all out, as long as I make myself a promise to rebuild quickly afterward. On a lighter note, regarding 'Anything Goes,' a show revived many times in the US, you said you've never watched previous adaptations. Was that to avoid being influenced by an acting style that's not your own? That's how I've continuously operated. When I know another artist has already performed a role, I do everything I can to avoid watching or analyzing those performances, so I don't unconsciously compare myself to them. It's not about pride or vanity; it's the certainty that each actor must deliver something unique. I can't — and don't want to — copy another actress. I want to share my vision of the character. And I think that's what the public deserves. When your fame crosses borders and you're making an anticipated comeback, does the pressure to do well spoil the joy of being back on stage? To be completely honest, I'm more afraid of reappearing on TV than on stage. That scares me more because I'm not in a position to control everything: post-production, editing, cuts — your image and work are ultimately out of your hands. In the theater, the actor is more responsible for successes or failures. Once the lights come up, you're no longer dependent on others. Your last TV appearance was as Sabah in the biographical series ' Al-Shahroura. ' Did that make you want the distance you mentioned? One thing's for sure: I won't take on more biopics. I was brave enough to take on this role, especially since I missed acting a lot and wanted a challenge. I did it, but it doesn't mean I'll do it again. Today, I'm fully focused on my music and upcoming performances... ...which will be at Beiteddine. How does it feel to be there for the first time after last year's obstacles? This festival is a powerful symbol, an internationally renowned event that embodies the bravest parts of our nation. Over time, it's proven itself: Only the best of the best perform at its legendary palace; its programming and organization have preserved the event's authenticity and splendor. I can't wait to join the orchestra and audience. Be many! After five performances at Casino du Liban in May 2025, the musical 'Anything Goes' ('Kello Masmuh') will be staged on Wednesday, July 23 and Thursday, July 24, as part of the Beiteddine Festival. Tickets are on sale at
Scottish Sun
17-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Scots podcast host James English has trial date set as he's accused of domestic abuse against pregnant ex
The defence has also previously stated that they may call up to nine witnesses 'ABUSE' CLAIMS Scots podcast host James English has trial date set as he's accused of domestic abuse against pregnant ex Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SCOTS podcaster accused of domestic abuse had his trial set today. James English, 42, is claimed to have carried out the offences at a flat in Glasgow's Argyle Street between July 2022 and November 2023. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A case management hearing was held at Glasgow Sheriff Court today Credit: PA Among the 19 allegations is that English attacked the woman, who is a model and influencer, while she was pregnant. He is also claimed to have kept control of aspects of her life, including her money and contact with loved ones. English, of Larkhall, Lanarkshire, shot to fame after he starred in reality TV show Glow. He is also the host of the Anything Goes podcast, which has more than 700,000 subscribers on YouTube. English was excused from attendance today at a case management hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court. He was represented by his lawyer, Calum Weir, who pleaded not guilty on his behalf. Prosecutor Siobhan Currie told the court: "This case is one which has grown arms and legs. "However, I think we are at a stage where we should fix a trial and a full set of dates. "There are one or two things still outstanding." The hearing was told that the Crown are awaiting a statement from a police officer based in Wales, as well as body camera footage. Denise Richards Accuses Husband Aaron Phypers of Domestic Violence Miss Currie added: "The complainer intends to make an application that she wishes to give to give evidence from a court in Wales." The hearing was informed that a trial would have to be set for a request to be officially made by the alleged victim. Mr Weir stated that he is not prepared for trial due to "outstanding material" but agreed for a trial to be fixed. Sheriff Bernard Abblett set a three-day trial for October this year, with a hearing also taking place in September. English had his bail continued meantime. A previous hearing was told that English gave a "no comment" interview to police officers. The defence has also previously stated that they may call up to nine witnesses. Court papers allege that English isolated the woman from her friends and family. He is claimed to have repeatedly contacted her by telephone and sent her threatening and abusive text messages. Another allegation says English repeatedly shouted and swore at her and uttered offensive remarks and threats of violence towards her. It is further claimed he criticised her choice of clothing and controlled what she wore. English is also accused of repeatedly accusing her of being unfaithful. An allegation of violence includes kicking her on the body, causing her to fall off a bed and striking an item of furniture, seizing her on the body and pinning her against a wall. English is also alleged to have searched her belongings for evidence of infidelity and monitored and interrogated her mobile phone for evidence of infidelity. English is claimed to have seized her by the neck, compressed it and pinned her against a door when she was pregnant. He is further alleged to have seized her on the head and pressed his thumbs into her eyebrows, to her injury when she was pregnant. Another claim is that English controlled the amount of money she had access to and repeatedly threatened to withdraw her access to it. English is stated to have driven her on a number of occasions to a train station and, on attending there, drove her home. It is claimed he also provided her with expensive gifts and money and thereafter demanded that she return them to him. English is alleged to have repeatedly threatened to remove a child from her care. Another claim is that English repeatedly criticised her abilities as a mother and refused to let her breastfeed in public. English is alleged to have repeatedly demanded that she delete her social media platforms and restrict her use of social media platforms in an attempt to restrict her financial independence. Another violence claim is that he seized hold of her by her hair and pulled her downwards, which caused her to lose her balance. A further allegation says he struck her on the face with an open hand.
The National
17-07-2025
- The National
Scottish podcaster James English has domestic abuse trial date set
James English, 42, is accused of carrying out the abuse at a flat in Glasgow city centre between July 2022 and November 2023. Among the 19 allegations English has been accused of, one of them is that he attacked the woman while she was pregnant. He is also alleged to have isolated the woman from her friends and family and to have controlled the clothing she wore and her access to money and social media. READ MORE: Edinburgh-based kiltmakers enters administration after 18 years English, of Larkhall in Lanarkshire, is a former reality TV star and is the host of the Anything Goes podcast, which has more than 200,000 subscribers on YouTube. At a case management hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday, English had his attendance excused, STV News reports. English was represented by his lawyer Calum Weir, who pleaded not guilty on his behalf. Prosecutor Siobhan Currie told the court that it was at a stage to set a trial date. Sheriff Bernard-Abblett set a three-day trial for October this year, with a hearing also taking place in September. English had his bail continued in the meantime. The hearing was told that the Crown is awaiting a statement from a police officer based in Wales, as well as body camera footage. A previous hearing was told that English gave a "no comment" interview to police officers. Among the allegations, English is also accused of repeatedly shouting and swearing at the woman and uttering offensive remarks and threats of violence towards her. READ MORE: Shamed teacher and dad-of-three who groomed pupil avoids jail Another allegation of violence includes kicking her on the body, causing her to fall off a bed and strike an item of furniture, seizing her on the body and pinning her against a wall. A further allegation claims he struck her on the face with an open hand. It is also claimed that English repeatedly threatened to remove a child from her care, criticised her abilities as a mother and refused to let her breastfeed in public. The defence has stated they may call up to nine witnesses.
