‘It’s De-Lovely’: Main Street Theatre Company’s ‘Anything Goes’ hits the stage this weekend
Courtesy of the Main Street Theatre Company
Prepare to set sail this weekend with the Cole Porter musical “Anything Goes” at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown.
Featuring songs like “You’re the Top,” “I Get a Kick Out of You” and “It’s De-Lovely,” the musical has endured since it first hit the Broadway stage in 1934.
Set aboard a cruise ship, the show follows misadventures of Reno Sweeney, her pal Billy Crocker, gangster Moonface Martin and a host of others as they sail from New York to England.
“It’s a golden-age musical that’s packed with heart, humor, and unforgettable music. It’s one of those shows that’s just pure fun — the story is hilarious, with nonstop laughs from beginning to end,” said John Wagner Jr., artistic director of the Main Street Theatre Company.
Seasoned performer Rebecca Kaufman Taylor takes on the role of Reno Sweeney, an evangelist-turned-nightclub singer
Taylor spent more than a decade working professionally aboard cruise ships and in Las Vegas before returning to Uniontown. When she returned to Fayette County, she decided she wanted to give back to her community.
“I am the drama director at Albert Gallatin High School, so my career has kind of morphed into paying it forward with the arts,” Taylor said. “I sit on the board at the State Theatre, and I really enjoy working with the next generation of performers.”
Part of that work is instilling in them how important the arts truly are.
“It’s a reflection of humanity, teaches lessons and allows us to walk or view others in their shoes. We need that as a species to flourish and continue to grow,” Taylor said. “The theatre is a gift and a blessing, and we are very lucky that the community does come and support us. You’re getting quality entertainment at an affordable cost and it’s important that Uniontown have its landmark in the arts.”
This weekend’s performance won’t be Taylor’s first go-around with Sweeney – she played the starring role when Uniontown Area High School presented “Anything Goes” in 1999.
The musical, she said, reminds the audience that “we’re not perfect creatures.”
“Find your true self, figure out who you want to be, be who you want to be with and be happy,” Taylor said.
Main Street Theatre presents five shows per year, including two dedicated to students under 18. The organization offers classes for ages 6 through senior in high school, and occasionally, workshops for adults.
“A lot of people refer to this place as their home,” Wagner said. “It’s a place you can come as you are, and whether or not you consider this a hobby or you’re studying it in school and want to gain experience, we’re here to offer that space and connection for people.”
Anything Goes will be on stage at 7 p.m. Aug. 1 and 2 and at 2 p.m. on Aug. 3. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children under 12. Visit https://www.mstcuniontown.org/project/anything-goes/ for more information or to purchase tickets.