WESTFIELD – The Westfield Theatre Group’s production of “Anything Goes” at the Westfield Women’s Club on 28 Court Street opened Friday night, and will run through Saturday, April 16. The musical comedy features some of the great classics by Cole Porter, including the title song, “You’re the Top,” “It’s Delovely,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” and “Let’s Misbehave.”
For the Westfield Theatre Group, it’s a reprise of the show which they last performed in 1993. Some of the former players are back, including Rock Palmer of Westfield, who is reprising the role of “Moonie.” Palmer said he is “double thrilled” that his wife Carol is also featured in the play as Mrs. Harcourt.
Producer Shelley Haber of Westfield was also involved in the first production, and is thrilled to be “at the helm” again this year. Haber is celebrating 25 years with the theater group this season.
Another reprise of sorts was serendipitous. Nineteen-year-old Caitlin Odell, a sophomore at Westfield State University heard about the show from family friend, artistic director Drew Gilbert. Odell auditioned and got the part of Chastity, the angel. When she went home and told her mother Jackie Odell about it, she discovered Jackie had played the part of Virtue the angel in the first production 23 years ago, when she was Caitlin’s age.
“I lived in Westfield growing up. This was my home away from home,” Jackie Odell said.
For Caitlin Odell, who has danced and performed all her life with the Hackworth School of Performing Arts in Easthampton, this is her first show at the Westfield Theatre Group. Recently, she performed at Exit 7 in Ludlow as the Fairy Godmother in “Shrek the Musical,” and Kristine in “A Chorus Line” in 2015. She was unfamiliar with this play before she auditioned for it.
“It’s fun,” she said, “a real high energy show.”
“Anything Goes” has been entertaining audiences throughout the world since 1934.
“Sometimes a classic is a classic for a reason,” writes Drew Gilbert in the program. Describing the play as having lighthearted charms, good humor, incomparable melodies, beautiful storytelling and wonderful dancing, he adds, “It provides a beautiful escape, a few hours to laugh and be thoroughly entertained.”
The play run is through April 16, with shows Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday matinees on April 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $12 for seniors, students and military, with group rates available. Reservations may be made online at: www.westfieldtheatregroup.com or by calling 413-572-6838. Seating is first come, first served, so it is suggested to arrive early.
Tonight’s performance is a special benefit for the Carson Center, and all tickets for that performance must be obtained by contacting them at 413 568-1421 ext. 312.
