When she graduated from University of Michigan, Alex Finke planned on moving to New York City and joining the throngs of other sopranos eager to grace the stage.
Finke plays the role of debutante Hope Harcourt in the upcoming national tour of “Anything Goes.”
“I’m still kind of comprehending how it feels (to be cast),” Finke said. “I’m pinching myself on a daily basis.”
Her reality will seem more real than ever at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening when “Anything Goes” opens at Wharton Center.
The musical is set aboard the S.S. American, when wealthy, Englishwoman Hope Harcourt is shipped away to face an arranged marriage, despite her onboard love interest, Billy Crocker.
“‘Anything Goes’ is fun and silly,” Finke said. “There’s missing identity and love triangles everywhere, all confusion and chaos— classic musical.”
Apart from their complicated love triangle, the show is infused with mistaken identities, tap dancing and a classic musical score composed by the late Cole Porter.
MSU Department of Theatre’s head of acting and directing Rob Roznowski said it’s the show’s music that makes it a classic go-to.
“In (the case of) ‘Anything Goes,’ what makes it timeless is the score,” he said. “You just never get tired of hearing those songs.”
The newly visited rendition of the play was directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall.
Roznowski said Marshall took a classic show and gave it a fresh take with her unique choreography.
“I think she’s got a really clever eye at finding humorous ways to choreograph,” he said. “She moves a lot of people around really well.”
Interdisciplinary studies in social science senior Joey Mastro said he looks forward to ushering opening night of ‘Anything Goes’ at Wharton Center. He said the anticipation of seeing it for the first time draws a fun and excited audience.
“As an usher, it’s a fun evening because everyone is seeing it for the first time and no one knows what to expect yet,” Mastro said.
The audience won’t be the only ones who went into the show unsure of what to expect. When Finke was cast, she said there were aspects of a professional show that she had to adjust to.
“One of the biggest differences (from college to professional) is it isn’t a learning environment anymore,” she said. “These people have amazing credits.”
‘Anything Goes’ will be featured at Wharton Center from Oct. 16 through Oct. 21.
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