A boatload of fun

Get on board with Starr’s Mill

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
lbianchi@thecitizennews.com

“Anything Goes,” the classic Cole Porter musical takes place in the late 20s on a steamliner heading for England. The story weaves together several characters lives, including nightclub singer Reno Sweeney, her pal Billy Crocker, Crocker's debutante-love Hope Harcourt, Moon-Face Mooney, and Public Enemy No. 13 who slips onto the ship to avoid the FBI. Hilarity ensues when a case of mistaken identity complicates the passenger’s trip to Great Britian.

Written by Guy Bolton, P.G. Wodehouse, Howard Lind

say & Russel Crouse. “Anything Goes” opened at the Alvin Theatre on November 21, 1934 with Ethel Merman in the starring role. It was revived at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre with Patti LuPone in the leading role and a revised book by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman.

Director David Spearman has brought together nearly 70 Starr’s Mill students who recreate the world of flappers and floozies. “The kids love it.” Spearman said. “They laughed a lot in the read through. The jokes just never got old.”

The show includes musical backup from 14 orchestra students. “Seeing all the elements of the show come together has been great. We are polishing our performances and finishing up the technical aspects.” Spearman added. Sonya Foster, a hearing impaired teacher at the school is handling the choreography.

The two act play includes many familiar Cole Porter tunes such as “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You're the Top,” “Easy to Love,” “Friendship,” “It's De-Lovely,” and, of course “Anything Goes.”

Sharing the role of Reno Sweeney are Ali Ramsaier and Chelcie Laggis. Other cast members include Katie Culp, Stephanie Smartt, Casey McConnell and Danielle English.

The show runs November 9, 10,11 and 13 at 7 p.m. at Starr’s Mill High School’s Willie Duke Auditorium. Tickets are $7 for the public and $5 for students and seniors.