LEONIA, N.J.—SummerStage at Leonia opened its 20th anniversary season last week with Cole Porter’s classic musical “Anything Goes.” Performances continue through Aug. 4, at the historic Civil War Drill Hall Theatre in Leonia, N.J.
Since its Broadway debut in 1934, “Anything Goes” has become one of America’s best-loved musicals. Set on a trans-Atlantic passenger ship, it tells a wildly comic tale of gangsters, debutantes, saloon singers and host of fallen “Angels.”
Porter’s iconic score consists of such American songbook standards as “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “It’s De-Lovely,” “Easy to Love,” “Friendship,” and of course the tap-danced title tune.
Perry Award-winner Ray Yucis of Paterson returns for his 13th season to direct a large company of performers from Leonia and other north New Jersey communities, as well as singers and dancers from New York City.
Yucis is joined by nationally-ranked choreographer Tabitha Boulding, owner of Tate Dance Academy in Teaneck, who has staged the show’s energetic tap and jazz routines. Frequent music director Carolyn Russo of Lincoln Park leads an orchestra of professional local musicians. Set design and construction is by Michael Moat of Brick, N.J., who has helped to build many Broadway shows. Executive Producer Dr. Frank Livelli has once again recruited New York and Los Angeles-based lighting designer, Coby Chasman-Beck. Chasman-Beck has assisted on the Broadway productions of “Hello, Dolly,” “Tootsie,” and others.
“We are thrilled to have such outstanding talent in our SummerStage family,” Dr. Livelli stated. “It is a joy to collaborate with them to create an unforgettable experience for the audience.”
“It’s a joy to work on a show like this where everything is about providing laughs and a toe-tapping good time for our audience,” says director Yucis. “And listening to all those great Cole Porter tunes each night has made rehearsals a delight.”
“Anything Goes” will be performed at the air-conditioned Civil War Drill Hall Theater (130 Grand Ave., Leonia) through Aug. 4.
Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Tickets are $28 for adults and $25 for seniors/students. Tickets can be purchased by phone at (201) 944-4300; at local Leonia businesses Soloist Music, Pacicco Jewelers, and Pooch Parlor; or via the website at www.leoniasummerstage.org.
“As one of Bergen County’s finest summer community theaters, SummerStage at Leonia has been producing exhilarating, high quality shows for audiences around the New Jersey and New York region for the past two decades,” say show runners. “The cast, crew and production staff is comprised of volunteers with a passion for the performing arts. From day-time lawyers to students, every individual brings talent and creativity to the stage.”
SummerStage at Leonia is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization which cultivates a love of the arts, and nurtures education in the cultural arts—theatrical, musical, and visual—in Leonia and in our greater community. Past productions include “Les Miserables,” “South Pacific,” “Annie,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Annie Get Your Gun,” “The Sound of Music,” “My Fair Lady,” and many other classics.
Photo courtesy SummerStage at Leonia
