Steel Valley Sets Sail With 'Anything Goes'

Being a member of the pit orchestra is typically a pretty thankless job. It's time consuming, you're actually hidden from view while performing, and no one ever notices unless something goes horribly wrong. Steel Valley takes things to the next level. Orchestra members are not even named in the program. Now that's cold. And unfortunate because the orchestra actually sounds pretty good with a very challenging Cole Porter score despite looking like week fifteen in a Survivor: Steel Valley Pit Orchestra reality show.

This show is highlighted by a host of excellent performances. First and foremost, Katie Marcinko as unappreciated night club singer Reno Sweeney. Ms. Marcinko has a truly lovely voice, easily one of the best heard this season. Although her voice may be better suited to operatic pieces than the jazzy score, she does a wonderful job and carries the show vocally.

While no one in this cast approaches Ms. Marcinko's vocal ability, Steel Valley has a host of very gifted actors. Often a high school production relies on two or perhaps three actors comfortable on stage and with their characters. Based strictly on acting ability, this cast compares with the very best. Credit Director Michael Altman for excellent casting and helping these young men and women find their characters and become comfortable in their skin.

Ryan Brennan (Moonface Martin) brings energy to spare. He makes everyone on stage with him better. Bridget Shields is well cast as Emma, his detractor. Her light scorn and disgust with Moonface's antics serve to put a spotlight on them. Te Shon Farr (Mrs. Harcourt) and Zach Miller (Evelyn Oakleigh) satirize upper class mannerisms and accents to very good effect.

Liz Lengyel (Hope Harcourt) and Cory Davis (Billy Crocker) are the romantic leads in a show that really is at its finest when it's not being romantic, but both perform very well indeed.

The set is well constructed. The ocean liner setting requires a very elaborate multi-tiered set that looks good although it doesn't reach the level of some bigger budgeted high schools. The audio, however, is very well done.

WPXI
April 3, 2009