The latest Box in the Wood Theatre Guild production, the Cole Porter musical “Anything Goes,” has signs of deja vu and passing the torch to the next generation.
The show, which debuts July 18 at the Mielke Arts Center, is directed by Jake Schertz, a Shawano resident majoring in theater at Carroll University in Waukesha. He acted in the show directed by his aunt, the late Joanne Cowen, at the Mielke 10 years ago.
There are a few differences between the show performed in 2003 and the revival version Schertz is directing.
Some of the songs are cut, such as ‘Ain’t Misbehavin,’” Schertz said. “The newer version opens with a bar scene, whereas the original didn’t.”
Also, this year’s show will feature a pit for the musical accompaniment. Schertz noted the 2003 show had to make do with a piano.
“This just takes it to the next level,” he said.
Although the show is not officially being done in memory of Cohen, Schertz said he has felt her presence as he took the reins for this production.
“This is my first big production with everything — costumes and lights and sound,” Schertz said. “It’s going really good. We have an amazing cast, an amazing production team, an amazing crew. I couldn’t be happier where we are at this point.”
Long viewed as a popular show for school and community productions, “Anything Goes” takes place aboard an ocean cruise liner leaving New York and heading to London. Schertz describes it as a “tale of star-crossed lovers with some raunchy comedy and some twists and turns of mayhem.”
Reno Sweeny, an evangelist turned nightclub singer played by Faith Fuller, helps a young Wall Street banker turned stowaway named Billy, played by Michael Brunner, to win the heart of Hope, a young heiress played by Alivia Nordeng. Hope is on her way to London to meet her fiance, Sir Evelyn Oakleigh, played by Jesse Goers.
Georgi Ritter, who portrays Virtue, has the role her mother played in the 2003 show, although that happened completely by happenstance.
“It feels like I have to be exactly as she was,” Ritter said. “It’s a really fun part and a really fun musical to be in.”
Schertz first wanted to try his hand in directing in 2011, when Box in the Wood produced “Aida.” He said he turned to a friend and said he wanted to be in the director’s chair next year.
“Little Shop of Horrors” was already reserved as the musical for summer 2012, but Schertz became the stage manager for that production. He was able to get the director’s chair for “Anything Goes” after preparing his proposal last summer.
“We’re here to create long-lasting memories for people, no matter what they are,” Schertz said.
The show will run Friday through Sunday for two weeks, wrapping up July 21.
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