The Players Theatre Company will open its new theater season with the Cole Porter musical “Anything Goes.”
Shows are at the Owen Theatre in downtown Conroe Sept. 8-24.
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Set aboard a 1934 ocean liner, nightclub singer/evangelist Reno Sweeney is enroute from New York to England. Her pal Billy Crocker has stowed away to be near his love, Hope Harcourt, who is, unfortunately, engaged to the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Joining the love triangle, are Public Enemy #13 Moonface Martin and Erma, his sidekick-in-crime. With their help, some elaborate disguises, tap-dancing sailors and good old-fashioned blackmail, Billy may yet win Hope’s heart.
Josh Marchant returns to direct for The Players. His last show to direct at the Owen was “Seussical” in 2018.
“The Players have always felt like home,” he said.
Marchant began acting with Christian Youth Theater at 14 and has been involved in Conroe’s theater community ever since.
“Anything Goes is just a fun, goofy, lighthearted show with beautiful music and nostalgia,” he said.
When he was asked to direct “Anything Goes,” he replied “It would be an honor.”
“It’s such a breath of fresh air where we can leave our baggage at the door and for two hours laugh together and cry together,” he said.
The crew includes Shari Wojta as assistant director, Veronica Amendola is the vocal director, Mieka Phillips is the choreographer, Edi Ottosen is the stage manager, Jamie Hawley is coordinating costumes and set design is by Ari Kogut with support from The Players veterans like Mark Wilson and Roger Ormistion. Lighting design is by Ali Nauret and Philip Harris is in charge of sound.
David McKnight is Billy Crocker, Tim King is Elisha Whitney, Laurelyn Korfhage Jankowski is Reno Sweeney, Isabel Flanery is Hope Harcourt, Joan Hodges is Mrs. Harcourt, Jonathon Duttweiler is Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, Mark Doreza is Moonface Martin and Jordan Arnold is Erma.
Visit The Players Facebook page for the entire cast list.
“Laurelyn is a triple threat (as Reno). She sings, she dances the house down and her acting is so charming and beautiful. When she’s on stage you can’t not watch her,” he said.
David McKnight was most recently in “Sweeney Todd” in the spring.
“He has the voice of a songbird. He opens his mouth to sing and you just melt in your seat,” he said.
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“Anything Goes” is appropriate for all ages. Tickets are currently available by calling the box office at the Owen Theatre at 936-539-4090 Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. or online at www.OwenTheatre.com. The box office is also open two hours before each performance and the theatre is located at 225 Metcalf Street, Conroe.
“Anything Goes is a good season opener because it’s a showstopper,” said Rebecca McDowell, longtime Players volunteer. “It’s something that audiences know and love. Taking something familiar and putting a fresh perspective on it will be exciting for our patrons.”
Also this season, “Leading Ladies” is Oct 20 through Nov. 5 and “Holiday Inn” is Dec. 1-17.
The new year kicks off with the psychological thriller “Wait Until Dark” Jan. 26 through Feb. 11, 2024.
Then there’s a new show for their repertoire, “The SpongeBob Musical” March 15-31, 2024. The fantasy themed “Into the Woods” is a Stephen Sondheim musical. This one is set May 10-26, 2024.
The final show of the season is the comedy drama “Butterflies Are Free,” June 21 through July 7, 2024.
Visit The Players Facebook page for more on the season.
