Brief Review of "Anything Goes"

The musical, Anything Goes (Revised Version--1962), currently on stage at the Princess of Wales Theatre until August 25th, under the direction of the Roundabout Theatre Company, allows theatre goers to experience a boat cruise set in the early 1930s. While the tap dancing (which involves the cast of this show moving to a soundtrack that represents tap dancing sounds) and musical numbers like “Friendship” and “The Gypsy In Me” can be somewhat entertaining, the "Othering" scattered throughout this romantic comedy should not be taken lightly. As the title of this musical suggests, literally “anything goes” during this theatrical production, including explicit racial stereotyping and discrimination. Hence, the Asian characters involved in this stage show, Luke (Vincent Rodriguez III) and John (Marcus Shane) are portrayed as nothing more than gambling fools with stereotypical Chinese accents. Whereas their White cast mates, Billy Crocker (Josh Franklin) and Moonface Martin (Fred Applegate) are depicted as smarter and thus, able to outwit their Asian co-stars by eventually stealing their clothes and identities. Thus, if this musical is to be played out in 2013, the Roundabout Theatre Company might consider making revisions to this production--their Tony Award-winning Musical Revival--to avoid leaving some viewers seasick from bigotry. 

Share the Road

The following letter is my response to Robert A. King's letter, Pedestrians really, really scare me, written Jan. 12, 2013. 

Richmond Hill, a growing suburb with an ever-expanding population, has turned into a place where there are more motorized vehicles on the road than pedestrians. Due to urban sprawl, the convenience of the automobile and our hurried lifestyle, the pedestrian has become a rare sighting. Thus cars and trucks have taken over our roads and walking has become a thing of the past. For health reasons, alone, we (as a society) need to start walking again. But when vehicles speed down side streets or drag races take place on our main roads, I start to question how “safe” an activity like walking is in Richmond Hill. 

It was suggested, by Robert King, that individuals could benefit from a training program on how to be a (better) pedestrian. I agree that there are certain protocols that should be followed when using the roadways. But this argument does not take into consideration the impatient or disgruntled driver and/or the quality of driver education being offered to (new) Ontario drivers. Also, individuals may pass driver examinations, but in no way does this “pass” guarantee that the rules of the road are and will be followed. Also, identifying pedestrians as an “unaware, stupid and ignorant lot” paints all pedestrians as careless zombies when every individual (be it a driver or a pedestrian) is his or her own person and should be treated as such. 

Growing up in Richmond Hill, I was taught to be a defensive walker. By this I mean, I was taught by my parents to always be aware of my surroundings and when crossing roadways, to make direct eye contact with the driver behind the wheel. However, I cannot tell you how often I have defensively crossed a street and a driver try to run me down. Still, I am fortunate that I was able to cross the street unharmed. I do not have any dis/abilities. If I had, I may not have survived. Other times when I have accompanied a friend while driving, follow drivers have illegally swerved in front simply to race to a red light. The Town of Richmond Hill desperately needs to have a conversation about how drivers and pedestrians can learn to share the road in a co-operative and safe manner.

"A vaincre sans péril, on triomphe sans gloire." - Corneille

photos taken by melissa fockler 2012