Owosso gives this madcap, contrived, cute, sassy, romantic old show its full Lebowsky treatment, with a grand ocean liner set (Dirk Rennick, Dan Wenzlick and team) lots of flashy period-ish costumes (a team of seven) and 12-piece orchestra under the direction of Matt Meeuwse — all topped off with layers and layers of fabulous tap dancing choreographed by Taylor Engel along with Garrett Bradley, who also directed the entire production.
It was good to see local faves Amanda and Chad Dekatch together again onstage after their stellar appearances in Lebowsky’s Mamma Mia and Something Rotten. Amanda showcased her powerful vocal pipes and showgirl sass as Reno Sweeney to collide with Chad's naive, dithering British appeal as Lord Evelyn. Dante Justice was all charm as Billy, star-crossed-in-love with the precious, precarious Hope (Rachel Dahl) All of these leads had stellar voices.
The funny roles were topped by the endearing Michael Windnagle as Moonface, world’s cutest criminal — aided by wonderful, chirpy hussy Irma, well played by Sabrina Dahlgren. Hope’s ditzy, avaricious mother was well played by Anna Owens, appropriately paired with clue-less, glasses-less Eli Whitney (Steve Tikkanen.) And Brian Farnham and Matt Apostle were a gleeful and tricky pair of con men as Spit and Fred.
Anything Goes runs about two and a half hours and continues through June 18. Tickets and info at https://lebowskycenter.com/anythinggoes/