By Devyn Briones
Arts & Entertainment Editor
TCNJ Musical Theatre set sail on Kendall Hall, transforming the stage into a luxury ship traveling from New York to London on Feb. 26, 27 and 28.
With intertwined romance, comedy and plentiful disguises, “Anything Goes” follows Billy Crocker, played by Brendan Branosky, a senior special education and history major, chasing after his true love, Hope Harcourt, portrayed by Verina Belmonte, a freshman kinesiology and health sciences major, who is already engaged.
The music, lyrics and play itself were written and produced by Cole Porter, a composer and songwriter, in 1934. TMT took its audience back in time with their version, setting an old-folksy vibe.
Jonathan Wierzbicki directed TMT’s take on the musical, and it was his first production with the organization. Before working with the College, Wierzbicki has also directed “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “The Pillowman” and “The Nerd” for other productions.
Before the play itself began, the stage was set in a bar, initially setting the scene for the opening. Reno’s angels, dressed in white, 1930s styled dress, took the stage and shared laughs with the bartender.
This then set the scene for Billy and Reno Sweeney, played by Aniela Erwin, a senior English major with minors in graphic design and marketing. Reno confesses her hidden love for Billy, who has been her longtime friend, but he admits his heart belongs to someone else. Erwin expressed how she loved bringing the iconic character to life.
“Reno Sweeney is also an incredible character that still resonates today because of her ability to hold her own as a self-assured, bold woman,” Erwin said. “Getting to play out her balance of sentimentality and charisma was such a great challenge.”
Billy decides to follow the woman he desires onto a boat to London, despite the fact that she’s accompanied by Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, played by Frank Murphy, a senior art education major. Billy disguises himself as a sailor to hide from his boss while trying to convince Hope that she loves him equally as much.
Through his journey on seas, the musical includes countless performances. While it’s undoubtedly clear that each and every cast member is talented, their passion for theatre is undeniable.
“All the musical numbers were really entertaining,” said Grace Mazet, a sophomore psychology major. “The acting was phenomenal.” Mazet then stated that “Blow Gabriel, Blow” was her favorite scene. “Something about the choreography and the song itself,” Mazet said. “It all came together really nicely.”
All of the music in the show was performed by the College’s very own orchestra, allowing the organizations to come together and perform songs such as “You’re the Top,” “Easy to Love” and “All Through the Night.”
In the end, romance wins and the couples realign. Billy finds his way to Hope, while Reno and Gabriel realize their love for one another. Everyone ends up with their perfect match.
While watching the performance, the audience would have never guessed that the cast and crew had only seven days to prepare the sets, costumes and backstage shenanigans.
“We had just a week to build and paint the two story set, get costumes together, set up sound equipment and program the lights for the show,” said Lauren Diaz, a junior communications major, and co-producer for the show. “It’s so difficult to make sure all the departments are getting the time they require, especially because we have so little time as is, but we always find a way to make it work.”
With a tight timeline to pull last minute requirements and dress rehearsals, TMT did an incredible job of bringing the boat and beats to Kendall Hall stage.
Students, or any curious audience members interested in following TMT’s musical journey, can follow them through their Instagram. The organization is much more than just acting, so those who want to work behind the scenes have a place in it as well.
“Even if auditioning or being on stage frightens you, there is so much more to TMT than just performing,” said Branosky. “You can work for the props team, help build the set, be a choreographer, or even just a social member of the organization! TMT changed me for the better and I am so grateful that TCNJ has an organization as special as this one.”
