It's delightful, it's delicious, it's de-lovely!

Emily Hawton in the role of wisecracking showgirl Reno Sweeney belts out the title song 'Anything Goes' Wednesday night at the Capitol Centre.

The reviews are in from the opening night audience of Theatre Outreach On Stage (TOROS) production of Cole Porters’ musical Anything Goes and it is a smash hit.

“Funny, witty, those kids have so much talent, love the old tunes,” were just of few of the accolades that echoed through the lobby at intermission from theatre patrons all pleased with what they were witnessing.

The cast of 56 students have spent their summer learning lines, dance steps and lyrics to big musical numbers that include favourites ‘I get a kick out of you’ ‘You’re the top’ ‘It’s De-Lovely’ and show title ‘Anything Goes’ which sees the entire cast tap dance.

Set in the ‘Dirty Thirties’ Anything Goes centres around a sure of herself wisecracking showgirl Reno Sweeney played by Emily Hawton and a lovesick stockbroker Billy Crocker played by Brad Delarosbel and their misadventures after Cocker becomes a stow away aboard the S.S. American cruise ship bound from New York to England.

With a set of pipes that easily master the difficult score Hawton, who will turn 16 years old on August 16th, proves she is a force to be reckoned with as the grade 11 Widdifield student rises to the occasion and delivers a mature performance.

Co-star Brad Delarosbel also delivers a delightful performance with his delicate vocal styles that embody the era along with his ability to have tender moments in love scenes that support his younger cast members.

Delivering a stand out performance is Roxey Size in the role of ‘Moonface’ Martin, a second-rate gangster known as ‘Public Enemy #13, Size’s comedic timing and delivery had the audience laughing from the minute she hit the stage till the curtain was dropped.

Alex Black in the role of ‘Bonnie’ Moonface Martin’s resourceful friend and Nick Boegel as ‘Lord Evelyn Oakleigh’ also demonstrate a level of maturity as young actors and deliver noteworthy performances.

"AMAZING TOROS production tonight," states Lisa Hillis-O'Kane.

"Fantastic work by all the actors, dancers and musicians and the TOROS staff rocks. North Bay youth continue to amaze me with their talent and dedication to art!"

"BRAVO!"

Sponsored by the Near North District School Board, For the past 27 years TOROS has provided the opportunity for area youth from grades 7 -12 to learn the inner workings, onstage and off, and be part of a full scale musical production.

It is worth mentioning again that a production of this size does not rely solely on the talent of the students it takes a strong technical team so we tip our hat to Director Shane Southcott and his assistant director Joshua Pride and their amazing team. Supporting the duo in their vision to deliver this dynamic production is Vocal Director Karen Schiavone, Assistant Vocal Director Nicole Glover, Choreographer Marg McDiarmid, Co-choreographer Amber McLay, Costume Designer Lynn Morrison, Band Director Mary Kennedy and Stage Manager Jesse Beam. We also tip our hats to the countless volunteers and parents who give up their summer to support the students every student through the process as well as the lady who watches every penny in the budget Producer Marla Sunstrum.

Anything Goes is a great show family show offering something entertaining for everyone from grandparent to grandchild.

The show runs until Saturday, August 10th at the Capitol Centre. Curtain time is 7:30pm sharp and 2pm sharp for the Saturday matinee Aug. 10 at 2pm.

Tickets are $17 and can be purchased at the Capitol Centre box office or online at www.capitolcentre.org.