'Anything Goes': Trinity theater to perform early December

Nov. 18—DICKINSON — Trinity Catholic High School theater students perform their rendition of Anything Goes from Dec. 2 to Dec. 4. The show is a comedy featuring the wonderful music of Cole Porter. Audience members will recognize classic musical tunes such as Friendship, De-Lovely, You're the Top and I Get a Kick Out of You.

Trinity junior Max Lefor will be playing Billie Crocker.

"Being in Drama at Trinity is a special and unique experience that brings students out of their comfort zone," Lefor said. "My character loves life and knows what he wants. It has been so much fun learning the songs and choreography."

The story takes place on the S.S. American, which is traveling from New York to England. Those traveling onboard include Billy Crocker, a young Wall Street assistant, a famous nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and public enemy no. 13, Moonface Martin. Billy wishes to win the love of Hope Harcourt, a debutante. However, she is engaged to her charming fiancé Lord Evelyn Oakleigh.

"Max Lefor comes to the stage with such enthusiasm and has been a great leader for the underclassmen," Director and THS English teacher Janel Schiff said.

The cast is composed of Trinity students ranging from grades 7 to 12. Several of the actors are seasoned veterans, having sharpened their skills during previous shows such as

Newsies

and

Fiddler on the Roof.

Schiff said it's been a joy for her to watch senior Hazel Emter, who brings a wealth of dance experience to the stage.

"This is my eighth musical at Trinity. I have enjoyed every role from playing teenage Fiona in Shrek to this role as Hope. I have grown as a person and an actor," Emter said. "My character faces a moral dilemma of whether to follow her heart or please her mother. The musical is so entertaining. It's given students an opportunity for growth, such as learning more about dance."

Schiff also praised seniors Thomas Martin, who plays Moonface Martin, and Kylie Zeller, who portrays Reno Sweeney.

"Directors hope they make the right casting decisions allowing for character development. Thomas knows every word and movement contributes to his portrayal of Moonface," Schiff said. "Kylie has fantastic stage presence and brings such life to this comedic role."

Zeller said she cherishes the bonds she's built during her time in the theater program.

"The best thing about Drama is that we are not just cast and crew but family. I have been able to watch the younger classmen come up and grow into their roles," Zeller said.

Anything Goes originally premiered in 1934 on Broadway, where it ran 420 performances. Several revised versions have followed, including the latest version in 2011. The show won the Tony for Best Musical Revival and the production ran for 521 performances.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. The play has a runtime of approximately two hours. Admission is $5 for students and $10 for adults.