By: Eshaal Zaidi, Rancocas Valley Regional High School, Mount Laurel
HADDONFIELD — All aboard the S.S. American! Sailors tap across the deck, passengers scramble through a maze of disguises, and unexpected relationships develop as the voyage unfolds. Haddonfield Memorial High School’s captivating production of “Anything Goes” brought the glamorous chaos of the sea to life with infectious energy.
Premiering on Broadway in 1934, “Anything Goes” has undergone several revisions over the years, allowing the classic musical by Cole Porter to withstand the test of time while continuing to delight new generations.
Set aboard the luxurious S.S. American, the story follows Billy Crocker, a determined man who sneaks onto a ship in pursuit of his love, Hope Hartcourt, despite her engagement to the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Along the journey, Billy encounters Reno Sweeney and Moonface Martin, whose schemes and mischief quickly turn the voyage into a whirlwind of comedic chaos. Beneath its clever humor and show-stopping musical numbers, the show celebrates the thrill of taking risks and following one’s heart, even when the journey doesn’t go exactly to plan.
From its opening moments, Haddonfield Memorial’s production established a vibrant sense of energy that continued throughout the entire performance. In moments when the spotlight focused on leads or supporting actors, background performers remained fully engaged, creating a bustling environment that made the ship feel constantly in motion. The staging made effective use of levels, particularly in scenes between Billy and Hope, which added visual interest and emphasized character relationships, creating a production that felt both polished and dynamic.
Billy Crocker (Jack Laska) anchored the production with confident stage presence and charisma, making his character easy for audiences to root for. His interactions with Reno Sweeney (Gemma Vecchio) were particularly entertaining, especially during the iconic number “You’re the Top,” where their playful dynamic energized the stage. Reno’s sharp sarcasm and expressive acting choices added depth to the character, while her sharp dance technique allowed her to command attention whenever she stepped into the spotlight.
While the entire cast excelled in portraying the show’s lively spirit, several members of the supporting cast stood out in memorable ways. Erma (Hannah Cohen) delivered a standout performance with a bold character accent paired with breathtaking vocals. Moonface Martin (Charlie Hewlett) embraced the role’s mischievous charm, consistently drawing laughs from the audience. Hope Hartcourt (Rose Levine) impressed with captivating vocals and shared convincing chemistry with Billy, making their romance feel engaging and sincere.
The production was brought to life from behind the scenes just as much as it was on stage, fully immersing audiences in the world of the S.S. American. The lighting design was especially impressive, led by Chloe Kershner-Hammond and Quinn Scheidt, featuring nearly 500 cues throughout the show, with standout moments during “Blow, Gabriel, Blow.”
Lighting was also used creatively to establish physical and emotional space between characters during key scenes. The set itself was another highlight, an impressive layered ship design framed within the proscenium, designed and constructed entirely by Jamison Seng. Thoughtfully executed craftsmanship and attention to detail further enriched the ship’s lively environment, ultimately transforming the stage into a believable ocean voyage.
After a night filled with laughter, sparkling choreography, and unforgettable performances, audiences certainly “got a kick out of” Haddonfield Memorial High School’s “Anything Goes.”
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