The show blends music, dance, romance and comedy aboard an ocean liner traveling to London in the 1930s.
Pretty soon it’ll be anything goes at Cherokee High School as Cherokee Drama prepares to perform this year’s spring musical “Anything Goes.”
Debuting in 1934, “Anything Goes” combines high-energy music, dance, romance and comedy aboard an ocean liner in the 1930s as characters find themselves dealing with new love, unwanted impending marriages, old friends, disguised identities, criminal pasts and more as they make their way toward London.
Show director Joe Fisicaro Jr. describes the show as having a light-hearted feel and playing similar to past Cherokee performances such as “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Singing in the Rain.”
According to Fisicaro, the show plays to the strength of this year’s cast, which features a strong ensemble and members who have become strong in dance in recent years.
“We’re doing something we hope is going to bring some grandeur to the spring,” Fisicaro said.
Fisicaro recommends the show for families looking for a fun way to spend their Friday or Saturday nights, including Memorial Day weekend.
“I think this is a show that brings a lot of energy and excitement. I think kids will really enjoy it, and I think it’s a great night out, especially on Memorial Day weekend. We all assume everybody has a Shore house, but a lot of people are home and this will fill some of that time,” Fisicaro said.
Echoing Fisicaro’s sentiments is Cherokee junior Hannah Chiappine, who is set to play one of this year’s leading roles — Reno Sweeney.
Chiappine described the show as a “classic” and said the performers worked together like a family, which she believes audiences will be able to see through their performances.
“It’s a group of high school kids who are just passionate about what they’re doing on stage and give absolutely anything no matter what might happen,” Chiappine said. “It’s just a bunch really talented and motivated kids, and it’s just awesome to work in that kind of environment.”
Cherokee senior AJ Olt, set to play one of the show’s leading roles as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, also described the cast as his “way, way, way extended family,” and said audiences will be treated to a group of kids all working their hardest to put on a good show.
“It’s like a love story where everything goes wrong and then it goes right in the end. There’s all these twists and turns and then new love interests pop up and ones fade out, but in the end it’s one big happy ending,” Olt said.
Cherokee senior Kyle Kelly, who’s set to play one of the leading roles as Billy Crocker, also praised the level of professionalism and talent of this year’s cast, and described them as driven and determined to put on a great performance.
“Quite simply, it’s just a night to revel in what the 1930s were like and just fall in love with these characters. All of the cast plays them so beautifully and it’s just a really good time to digest a new story and fall in love with the stories,” Kelly said.
Cherokee High School’s production of “Anything Goes” debuts on May 19, with repeat performances on May 20, May 26 and May 27 at the school’s Performing Arts Center, located at 130 Tomlinson Mill Road.
All shows start at 7 p.m.
Tickets are available for $12 each and can be purchased before the shows at www.cherokeedrama.org. Tickets will also be available during the evening of the performances starting at 5 p.m.
Senior Citizen “Gold Cards” can only be used for the Saturday, May 20 performance.
Any questions about tickets or the shows can be directed to the box office at (856) 983–3366.
