British School take on ‘Anything Goes’
This March, a talented young cast of singers, thespians and dancers at the British School in Colombo will take the stage for the school’s latest musical “Anything Goes”. Based on Cole Porter’s 1934 musical the production will play homage to classic American theatre and Broadway which Porter was known for capturing in his works. Since its debut, the musical has seen the likes of Broadway shows and revivals and Hollywood with two film adaptations over the years.
Pix courtesy British School Colombo
In the director’s chair is Shane Meiklejohn and Shamistha de Silva Dean as musical director. For Shamistha, “Anything Goes” was the perfect choice for her young students who have been influenced by jazz and soul music. “Cole Porter is an icon in jazz and Broadway” she explains, who chose the musical wanting to showcase a style of theatre and music that local audiences are not used to seeing. Funny, relatable even after almost 80 years since its release, the hilarious script about the madcap adventures of a young Wall Street broker on an ocean liner is typical of Porter’s witty lyrics and elegant, glamorously nostalgic score. It also includes the title song which became a popular cover hit with artists like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga to name a few. These days, the young cast is getting in touch with tunes from Motown, Blues and Funk as they channel their inner swagger and with a touch of classic, old fashioned poise as they get ready to take on the challenging production.
The British School in Colombo presents “Anything Goes” on March 22 – 24 at 7.00 pm at the British School Auditorium. Tickets priced at Rs. 2000 and 1000 and will be available at Softwave Gallery and the British School in Colombo.
