Anything Goes in Point Loma ” as far as the Vanguard Ministry summer production of the madcap 1930s musical comedy, that is.
The elegant S.S. American, sailing from New York to London and brimming with mixed identities, ne’er-do-wells, gangsters, evangelizing nightclub singers and, of course, a wealthy heiress, is the setting for the annual production at the Westminster Theater on Talbot Street, opening Friday, July 13.
A long-running Broadway hit, “Anything Goes” “” a show chock full of familiar Cole Porter tunes “” captured the need for upbeat, happy-ending entertainment during the Great Depression. The show, according to theater lore, was one of the most successful Broadway productions of the period “” a time when the average patron could barely afford to buy a loaf of bread.
“People went to the theater to escape,” observed Susan Murphy, director of the local production. “I love screwball comedies of the ’30s. There’s nothing heavy or serious.”
Murphy said this, too, may be a time in our history when people need the same type of escape, and she promised that the local cast “” from seasoned professionals to first-timers “” delivers the right getaway vehicle.
“I chose ‘Anything Goes’ because it is so much fun,” she said. “It’s a happily-ever-after story.”
The Vanguard Ministry is an unusual community theater in that its origins go back some 40 years, when a young actor-turned-pastor arrived at the Westminster Presbyterian Church. Rev. Mikel Taxer, who retired only a few years ago, studied acting before entering the seminary, and when charged with leading the Point Loma flock, he integrated his love of theater with his love of God and his congregation by founding the Vanguard Ministry.
“Vanguard is part of our (church) outreach to the community,” said Murphy. But she quickly added that involvement is by no means limited to church members and that the summer production has become a local tradition.
Lesley Knoth Pearson of Point Loma came to Vanguard loaded with an impressive theater and entertainment background. Longtime locals may remember her father, Richard “Dick” Knoth, who, according to his daughter, “acted, did a lot of radio work, and had his own advertising/public relations firm.
“I was born and raised in the environment,” Pearson said. “Both parents were involved in the business.”
Pearson has also become part of the tradition, as the baton was handed to her upon Taxer’s retirement, and she currently serves as the director of the Vanguard board.
She also landed one of the leads this summer, playing the wisecracking nightclub singer, Reno Sweeney.
“She’s fun to play,” Pearson said. “She’s over-the-top, glittery and shiny, hands-on-hip.”
More enthusiastic about the fellowship of the Vanguard, Pearson said, “Part of our community outreach is to encourage a broader audience and audition base. In doing that, we have had an influx of wonderful new people joining the group.”
Both Murphy and Pearson extol the camaraderie that has grown between church members and nonmembers, as well as between actors and the crew behind the scenes. The most important facet of the summer production, however, is an emphasis on family.
Making the production a true family event in all regards is the primary focus, effused Ocean Beach resident Rob Hoadley. Hoadley, who plays the gruff-yet-lovable gangster Moonface Martin, commented on the impact the shows have on entire families.
“From the end of April, until the end of July we have a common focus,” said Hoadley, whose wife and two daughters (ages 8 and 14) are also involved. “It’s a real commitment.”
With the entire family working together, the Hoadleys have developed a “solid foundation; we sit and eat dinner together and have something we can all talk about.”
The Hoadleys are not alone, as many people involved have some “” if not all “” family members participating as well.
Murphy, who has been on the board for 20 years, agreed, saying, “The summer productions are meant to be wholesome and family oriented.”
So much so that creative liberty was taken with the casting of “Anything Goes,” and a children’s choir was added to the childless ocean liner.
“Not only is the whole family involved, but children are working with adults “¦ and adults are working with children. There’s not a divide,” emphasized Pearson. “We, the adults, are committed to that.”
Setting the Vanguard apart even further from other community theater groups may be the fact that the entire endeavor is virtually free of pretentiousness.
“There is very little ego in this group,” Pearson stated. “We are a hardworking group with a spiritual-ness in that people are really kind. It’s a great vibe.”
Regular patron Merrie Friberg of Point Loma declared that she wouldn’t think of missing the annual production.
“There is so much talent, the entire community should come out and support their efforts. My husband, friends and I go every year.
“The theater itself is a wonderful venue,” she added. “It’s a very intimate setting, making you feel almost as if you are part of the show.”
In summing up, Hoadley explained that one character named Hope is the only non-changing, virtuous person aboard the crazy ship, and concluded, “as long as there’s Hope “¦ anything goes.”
“Anything Goes” runs for the next three weekends, beginning July 13, with performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
A Thursday performance has been added for the closing weekend, July 26 – 29.
For tickets and information, call the Vanguard box office at (619) 224-6263.