Welcome to Notre Dame Prep’s production of Anything Goes.
“Night and Day,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Begin the Beguine,” “Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall in Love,” – these are just a few of the nearly one thousand songs that Cole Porter wrote during his lifetime. The opus of clever, funny and thoroughly romantic songs that came from Porter’s pen have made him one of the most significant contributors to the great American songbook.
Among these many hits are the songs in this year’s spring musical, Anything Goes, which opened on Broadway in 1934. Running for 424 performances, it was one of the longest running shows of its decade, despite the impact of the Great Depression. It certainly has lasted the test of time – Porgy and Bess is the only other 1930’s musical that is still regularly performed.
Anything Goes has been revised twice since its opening. Each revision involved character changes, script updates and the borrowing of musical numbers from other Porter productions, a practice that the composer himself often engaged in. Tonight’s production, the 1962 version, incorporates several songs that were originally from other Porter shows: "Take Me Back to Manhattan" (from The New Yorkers, 1930), "It's De-Lovely" (from Red Hot and Blue, 1934), "Friendship" (from DuBarry Was a Lady, 1939), and "Let's Misbehave" (from Paris, 1928).
A show like this is not possible without the tireless efforts of many people behind the scenes. My sincerest thanks to: the producer, Meredith Gifford, for her countless hours of work; our assistant producers, Lisa Macks and Jama Lintol, Joe Martin and the pit orchestra for making Cole Porter’s music come to life; Ally Kaufmann for her wonderful choreography and vision; Ms. Ellie Frazier for directing the music; Jurgita Bentsen, our costumer, for her artistry and dedication; Larry Brinser and the members of the set crew for launching the S.S. American; our brilliant student directors, Maddie Allard, Matt DiCaro, and Mikaela Crute. Finally, to all the parent volunteers who have helped in so many ways.
It has been my great pleasure working with so many talented students and all who have helped make this production possible. Thank you for your patronage and I hope you enjoy the show.
Bon Voyage!
David Fazzini
Director
