Anything Goes, West’s annual spring musical, is scheduled for April 6, 7 and 8 in the auditorium at 6:30 p.m.
This musical, the story of a group of people on an ocean liner in the late 1930s, incorporates all of the shenanigans and romances they encounter on their trip.
According to theater teacher Kelly Cooper, the show provides several large roles rather than one or two like some other musicals, providing the opportunity for more cast members to feature their talents.
Anything Goes is being directed by Cooper, choreographed by dance teacher Resi Dolbee, and vocally coached by chorus and orchestra teacher Tiffany King. King is also the director for the pit orchestra.
Cooper believes the acting of the cast will surprise audiences.
“This show is my favorite one that we’ve done in the past because it has a lot of great comedic elements to it, a fantastic storyline, high and low comedy combined, so it appeals to all audience members,” Cooper said. “Something is constantly coming up, keeping the action flowing and the conflict rising until you reach the climax. It’s just a very fun show to watch.”
Kasey Marsh, a senior, is taking on one of the lead roles, Reno Sweeney, described as an “evangelist turned nightclub singer” in the script of Anything Goes. Marsh enjoys dancing, singing and acting all in one event. She is also excited about the tap dancing in this musical.
“My favorite part is getting to work with new people and having a new experience and getting to play a different character every time I do a show,” said sophomore Travis Pressley, who plays Billy Crocker, businessman Elisha Whitney’s young assistant. His character is in love with the debutante Hope Harcourt, who is played by sophomore Katie King.
The cast of Anything Goes figures out how they will act on stage and where to put in comedic elements during the read-throughs and rehearsals. They memorize their lines, choreography and music while working as an ensemble.
“There’s nothing out there that teaches them more about working as a group and pulling off something than the arts,” Dolbee said. “That’s what’s important about keeping them in schools — that kids really get to develop their talent and work as a team.”
Students are encouraged to come to see the performances in order to pay off the $2,000 that is spent on the scripts as the musical is not being funded by the school. Tickets are $5 for students and $8 for adults.
“This is such a kind, conscientious group that I just want to see them succeed,” Cooper said. “They’ve been so much fun to work with. It’ll just be fun to see them pull it all off, and just knowing that they did a job well done.”
By: Graham Grush
