A shining example of classic musical theater, “Anything Goes” opens Friday, April 13, and runs through Sunday, April 15, in the Center for Performing Arts at John Marshall High School.
With epic tap dancing, a madcap book and a wonderfully unexpected and romantic happy ending, the unforgettable Cole Porter score includes “De-Lovely,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “All Through the Night” and, of course, the great title song, “Anything Goes.”
Set aboard the S.S. American, the singing-dancing ocean liner overflows with wealth, sailors, a stowaway, gangsters, an evangelist, Wall Street brokers and the most irresistible of showgirls, the brassy-but-lovable Reno Sweeney.
Tracey Filben directs this Monarch Company production. “Every show has its challenges,” Filben explains. “However, this production will be sure to entertain!” Cast members create a strong ensemble that she admits is “high energy.”
Appearing as one of the lead roles, Reno Sweeney, senior Rose Cunningham returns to the stage for her final Monarch Company performance. Ben Games is hilarious as Public Enemy No. 13, Moonface Martin. His sidekick, Bonnie, is portrayed by Alexa Jasinski. Creed Kidney brings Sir Evelyn Oakleigh to the stage and is joined by Kailey Filben as Hope Harcourt and Serena Smith as Mrs. Wadsworth T. Harcourt. Luke Utt plays investment banker Elisha J. Whitney. Hayden Thomas portrays Billy Crocker.
Other cast members include: Brayden Snider, Isabel Reilly, Amy Makara, Lewis Yoho, Brandi Hall, Aubree Gray, Brandon Neiswonger, Maddie Estep, Justice Robinson, Emily Anderson, Madi Blake, Hannah Lynch, Natalie Keim, Michaela Hall, Leah Reuschel, Jessica Jasinski, Kaitlin Wallace, Kiersten Moses, Madilynn Wysong, Savannah Wood, Savannah Soltesz, Lainey Brown and Sav Nelson.
Stage manager is Madsiyn Magers. Sound crew includes Justin Mencer, Sarah Fitzpatrick and Gage Hough. Reagan Walters is the lighting technician. The deck crew members are Abby Weed, Devon Wolfe, Serena Whitlatch, Caden Woods, Chris Allen and Elaine Waldrop.
Anna Harsh, director of the Allegro Dance Company, choreographs the production. Leslie Garrett is the vocal director and accompanist. Sound production head is Tony Wood. Lighting design is done by Jonathan Bucci. Construction head is T.J. Romick.
Curtain is 7 p.m. Friday, April 13, and Saturday, April 14; 2 p.m. Sunday, April 15.
Tickets will be sold at the door. For information, call 304-843-4444, ext. 160.
Pictured above are cast members, kneeling from left: Natalie Keim and Maddie Estep; standing, from left: Emily Anderson, Justice Robinson, Rose Cunningham, Hannah Lynch and Madi Blake.