NKU Celebrates 90 Years of ‘Anything Goes’ with Energetic Production at Corbett Theatre
“Anything Goes” is a classic musical and celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. The show opens Wednesday at NKU‘s Corbett Theatre. It features lively tap dances and comedic scenes that keep the audience engaged.
The story follows Reno Sweeney aboard the S.S. American, traveling from New York to London. A love triangle unfolds, filled with flirting, chaos, and blackmail.
Cody Combs plays Moonface Martin, a gangster. He enjoys his role, stating, “I just get to be crazy all the time. It’s a blast. I love it.”
The show includes challenging dance numbers that require high energy and enthusiasm. Genevieve Perrino, the director, noted the effort needed for a five-and-a-half-minute tap number.
What are the key themes that make ”Anything Goes” relevant even after 90 years?
Celebrating 90 Years of “Anything Goes”: An Interview with Director Genevieve Perrino and Star Cody Combs
As “Anything Goes” opens at NKU’s Corbett Theatre to celebrate its 90th anniversary, we sat down with director Genevieve Perrino and lead actor Cody Combs, who takes on the role of Moonface Martin, to discuss the show, its challenges, and the joy of bringing this classic musical back to the stage.
News Directory 3: Thank you both for joining us. Genevieve, let’s start with you. What makes “Anything Goes” such a timeless classic?
Genevieve Perrino: Thank you for having us! “Anything Goes” is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and incredible music by Cole Porter. Its themes of love, adventure, and even mischief resonate universally, making it a production that audiences can find relatable no matter when or where it’s performed. The vibrant score and upbeat tempo reflect the joy and excitement of the 1930s, allowing us to escape into a world of fun.
News Directory 3: Cody, you play the gangster Moonface Martin. What do you enjoy most about this role?
Cody Combs: Oh, it’s just a blast! I get to be crazy all the time, which is a joy for me as an actor. Moonface is a comical character who adds a lot of chaos to the love triangle that unfolds on the S.S. American. It’s fun to embrace the zaniness of the role, especially during the comedic scenes. The energy on stage is electric, and I just love bringing Moonface’s antics to life!
News Directory 3: Genevieve, this production features some challenging dance sequences, particularly the five-and-a-half-minute tap number. How has the cast approached preparing for that?
Genevieve Perrino: The dance numbers are definitely demanding, requiring lots of high energy and enthusiasm. Our choreographer has worked tirelessly with the cast to ensure they not only master the steps but also convey the joy and exuberance that “Anything Goes” is known for. They’ve put in countless hours of practice, and I’m so proud of their dedication. That tap number is a real showstopper, and I can’t wait for the audience to experience it live!
News Directory 3: This performance marks the return of live shows at Corbett Theatre after a renovation. How has that revitalization affected your approach to this production?
Genevieve Perrino: The renovations have given us a fresh and vibrant space to work in, which has energized our cast and crew. We are excited about showcasing our talent in a new environment, and the upgraded facilities allow us to delve deeper into our creative processes. It truly feels like a rebirth of live theatre at NKU!
News Directory 3: Before we wrap up, what are you most looking forward to once the curtain rises?
Cody Combs: I can’t wait to hear the audience laugh and react to the show! There’s nothing like the thrill of live performance, and I’m looking forward to sharing this experience with everyone.
Genevieve Perrino: Similarly, I’m eager to see how the audience connects with the characters and the story. “Anything Goes” is all about joy, and I hope our production brings smiles and a sense of festivity back to our community.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Genevieve and Cody! We look forward to a fantastic run of “Anything Goes” at NKU, from November 20-23. Tickets are available at nku.edu/tickets.
This performance marks the return of live shows to Corbett Theatre after a year and a half of renovations. While the show was initially set for Nov. 15-23, it will now run from Nov. 20-23.
Tickets are available at nku.edu/tickets.