Reviews: Anything Goes at Oakton High School
Written by Lucy Baboyian of Annandale High School
All aboard! No lifeboats needed for this ride, because Oakton High School's Anything Goes does more than just stay afloat. With a tidal wave of delightful dance numbers, delicious vocals, and de-lovely design, this dazzling spectacle reminds us that when romance tangles and chaos takes the helm, anything really does go.
Originally making a splash at the Alvin Theatre in 1934, Anything Goes features the iconic music and lyrics of Cole Porter, and a book by P.G. Wodehouse and Guy Bolton. Though the script has been refreshed over the decades to smooth out its more dated elements, the show's sparkling quality remains timeless. The story unfolds aboard the SS American, voyaging from New York to London, where young Wall Street broker Billy Crocker schemes and sings his way to win the heart of his true love, the already-engaged heiress Hope Harcourt.
Reno Sweeney, brought to life by Meera Ayyar, was nothing short of a showstopper. With crystal clear vocals and effortless control, Ayyar made even the most extravagant numbers look like a breeze. Her magnetic stage presence and alluring chemistry with everyone she encountered made her a consistently captivating force. Opposite her, John Poncy's Billy Crocker served as the narrative's perfect anchor. Poncy masterfully balanced sincerity with the right hint of zaniness and self-aware pretension to suit the musical's playful, Old-Hollywood tone. Poncy's dancing, however, is where the performance truly shines. He seemed to glide across the stage, each step and turn of his head precise and polished, making even the most complex sequences look natural. Nowhere was this more evident than in "De-Lovely," where his charm and fluid movement paired splendidly with Leah Graham's Hope Harcourt. Graham brought a graceful warmth to the role, and together, the pair's chemistry added a sweetness to the show's chaotic love affairs.
Meanwhile, below deck, the supporting cast served up a plate of comedy gold. As Moonface Martin, Romain Dairay embraced every inch of the character's absurdity. Wielding a pitch-perfect mob-boss accent, bold physicality, and hands moving a mile a minute, Dairay was a consistently hilarious force. At his side, Savannah Day's Erma was a bona fide scene-stealer. With razor-sharp comedic delivery and a delightfully exaggerated whiny affect, Day was impossible to take your eye off of. Together, the duo was vivacious-- propelling the comedy full steam ahead all night.
Behind the scenes, the technical elements proved just as spectacular. Lighting, led by Leo Mossoff, Jackson Tolman, and the lighting team, was a standout from the start. Starting the production with a bang, game-show-esque blinking lights framed the stage in a burst of excitement. Furthermore, glowing portholes within the ship added a clever, immersive touch. The true standout, however, came in the form of a strip-lit black curtain that transformed into a breathtaking starry sky, casting a romantic glow over the show's quieter moments.
Costumes, designed by Audrey Inde, Kara Duble, and the costume team, embraced full luxury. From Reno's shimmering pantsuits and dramatic robes to Billy's sharply tailored suits, every look was simply resplendent. Hair and makeup (Audrey Inde, Kara Duble, and team) completed the picture with expertly styled wigs and intentional color palettes, from the sultry, bold reds of Reno's Angels to the refined, softer tones of the debutantes. Together, these elements created a cohesive visual language that elevated the production from entertaining to truly captivating.
With its irresistible flair, dynamic performances, and exquisite design, Oakton High School's Anything Goes sails confidently into every moment of chaos and comedy. When a cast and crew commit this fully, the destination hardly matters, because the journey itself is simply the top!
Written by Gigi Okey-Eboh of Centreville High School
Step aboard the S.S. American, where passports are optional, romance is inevitable, and chaos is basically part of the cruise schedule. Get ready to sail the high-seas with Oakton High School's production of Anything Goes.
Written by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman, with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, this 1987 revival of Anything Goes is a classic musical comedy set aboard a glamorous ocean liner sailing from New York to London. This voyage follows a ship full of stowaways, socialites, and schemers whose romantic entanglements and stolen identities quickly turn smooth sailing into full-blown chaos on the high seas. As passengers navigate love, fresh starts, and a few unexpected detours, the crew finds that anything truly goes.
Reno Sweeney's (Meera Ayyar's) performance was defined by her strong chemistry with the entire cast and a confident, period-accurate vocal style. Her cadence and delivery felt intentional and authentic, helping ground the character in the show's world while still allowing her larger-than-life personality to shine. Vocally, she was especially impressive in "Blow, Gabriel, Blow," where her powerhouse voice filled the space with ease. Beware of Public Enemy #13! At the heart of the comedic energy was Moonface Martin (Romain Dairay), whose consistent accent even while singing and committed physicality made him a constant source of entertainment. His exaggerated movements, especially in "Be Like a Bluebird" when he embodied a bird himself, and fully realized character choices made him extremely memorable. Romain's presence on stage never allowed the energy to drop, as his performance continuously added momentum to the story.
The ensemble maintained strong character work and impressive cohesion throughout the production. Their synchronization was especially clear in large tap numbers like "Anything Goes," where precise timing and unified movement created a polished stage picture. Even in the background, they stayed fully engaged, supporting the leads while adding personality to each scene. A standout was the Purser (Gabriel Ayala). His comedic presence added consistent humor throughout the show. In "The Gypsy in Me," he brought playful energy when interacting with instruments in the background, leaving his mark on the audience.
Costumes led by Audrey Ihde and Kara Duble effectively captured the glamour of a 1930s ocean liner. From handmade halter tops and showgirl outfits to Billy Crocker's many disguises, each costume supported character and storytelling. His transformation into an elderly woman was especially clever, with intentionally outdated clothing used to emphasize age in a subtle but telling way. Every character had multiple costumes that were both visually stunning and practical for movement, including Reno Sweeney's impressive twelve costumes and a rapid 15-second quick change. Props led by Cameron Filson, George Rocca, and Phoe Britton were equally impressive, with detailed pieces like a 3D-printed Tommy gun and a smoke-emitting cigar adding realism to the world of the ship. The boiler room/jail cell stood out for its craftsmanship, using painted PVC pipes painted to resemble aged metal and rust, creating a convincing industrial environment.
In the end, Anything Goes proves that love, luck, and a good tune can carry you through even the most outrageous situations. Oakton's production sailed smoothly through classic comedy, mistaken identities, and timeless time steps that kept audiences entertained from start to finish.