South Jersey Stageworks' ANYTHING GOES Featuring Alix Vitarelli

The creative team consists of Nancy Gibbins (Founder/Director), husband David (co-founder/Music Director), son Michael Gibbins (Director), daughter Emma Gibbins (Director/ Music Director) and daughter Julia Gibbins (Choreographer).

The story line for this 1930's famous Cole Porter musical is in place. A nightclub
Reno and Billysinger, Reno Sweeney (Sarah Todd), was once an evangelist but has, shall we say, switched careers. Billy Crocker (Zach BillyTaglioli) is a hustler who is connected to a Wall Street type, Elisha J. Whitney (Kahlil Wyatt). Also aboard the ocean liner where virtually all of the action occurs is Hope Harcourt (Alix Vitarelli), engaged to Brit Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (Mike Dugger). Her mother, Mrs. Evangeline Harcourt (Alexis Rodriguez), is another one traveling from New York City to England. Moonface Martin (Kirk Slingluff), Public Enemy Number 13 but that number could drop, is evading the FBI; hence, he is disguised as a member of the clergy. He and Erma (Sara Rabatin) have mutual, um, interest and the mad capped fun begins.

A talented cast ages 16 to 26 rarely miss a line, a dance move or a comedic opportunity. This is fine example of Community Theater with a modest budget at its best! Performing at the Pine Hill NJ Middle school stage, which is fairly huge, with homemade sets that are clever and functional and this troupe puts in a delightful "De-Lovely" performance. Todd's Reno is simply impressive with powerful vocals and Tagliloli is terrific as Billy! Their duet "You're the Top" is top notch. Erma's "Buddie, Beware" is a surprising delight and Moonface & Reno's "Friendship" is a scene stealer. The ensemble cast is equally up for the challenge as they accompany Reno with a rousing "Blow, Gabriel, Blow" and of course "Anything Goes".

We'd like to spotlight Alix Vitarelli who plays Hope Harcourt. This young local South Jersey talent has certainly done her personal 'due diligence' in the world of musical theater.

Pati Buehler: Alix, you obviously got the 'theatrical' bug early in life. Tell us about Headshotwhen you knew you wanted to pursue this choice and who has helped you along the way.

Alix Vitarelli: I started doing theatre in elementary school and I always felt like the stage is where I belonged. I did competitive cheerleading for 10 years, and danced for 5 years when I was young so I never really had to ease myself into performing for people. Stage fright was a short lived concept for me. I knew this was something I definitely wanted to continue doing (on a grander scale than my 6th grade production of "Alice in Wonderland") once I started branching out and doing shows in the community in the beginning of college. I have to say that in a way I've been spoiled with support, so when I did decide to really delve into theatre, my family provided so many resources for me to succeed; everything from my Mom-mom Chris being my rehearsal accompanist before auditions, to my Aunt Linda sending me to NYC Masterclasses, or my Mom-mom Phyllis sending me to voice lessons. I have such an incredible support system and that isn't always the case for people who say to their family "Hey, I think I want to be an actress."

Alix attends Rowan University where she is actively involved in their arts programs. Among her many local theater credits are playing the lead role of Millie Dillmont in Hammonton Theater Arts production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and Claudia in "Nine". In addition Alix has been involved in choreography and stage directing in local children's productions including StageWorks Productions.

PB: With a total of 7 years of vocal training and 5 years of dance it's plain to see you have been serious about your goals. What advice can you give young people who are hoping to follow a career in the arts?

AV: All those years of training sound scary and intense, but not once have I felt like I was doing this because I had to. I have loved every second of it, because it's my passion, and if it's your passion too, you have to go for it. Now, I'm not saying the first time you hear "Defying Gravity" and love it you should buy a train ticket move to New York... But if you have a passion for theatre, music, or any of the arts...pursue it! Don't be discouraged by people telling you no. That's the big thing. So many people will tell you no, but you have to take that "no" and let it push you to prove them wrong. Also, please don't ever tell yourself that you're done learning...We are never finished learning!! Work hard for it, and if it's really what you love, it won't feel like work at all.

PB: What are you currently focusing on and where do you hope to see yourself in the future?

AV: Right now I'm pretty focused on finishing up my degree at Rowan. I'm a senior in the Music Education program with a concentration in Vocal Performance. People always wonder why I don't major in Musical Theatre, and I'm constantly reminding my family that teaching is another passion of mine. I want to provide all of my students with the same love for music and the arts that was instilled in me in school. If it wasn't for my music teachers growing up, I wouldn't have discovered my real passion for performing, and I want to be able to do that for my students. Other than school, I'm constantly auditioning for shows. People laugh when I say this, but it's been years since I've had more than a week or two between shows. My life is all music and theatre, and really not much else. I give voice lessons, and offer audition coaching for kids looking to branch out like I did, and that's pretty much it! I'm your regular theatre nerd!

ANYTHING GOES- remaining shows play at the Pine Hill Middle School -1100 Turnersville Rd. Pine Hill, NJ - Thursday August 4th, Saturday August 6th Tickets $15 Available at the door. For more information about South Jersey Stageworks remaining summer shows "Seussical the Musical" and "Disney's The Aristocats" visit: www.southjerseystageworks.com

Photos: Zach Taglioli (Billy), Sarah Todd ( Reno Sweeny), Anything Goes Cast: Headshot: Alix Vitarelli (courtesy Alex Vitarelli) Production photos credits: John Jabolonwski

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