Anything Goes sets sail at New Canaan High School

"Anything Goes" presented by the New Canaan High School Theatre Department March 14, 15, and 16, at 7 p.m. in the NCHS Auditorium

Join the talented students of the New Canaan High School Theatre Department aboard the S.S. American, as they present the classic Cole Porter musical “Anything Goes,” Thursday through Saturday, March 14, 15, and 16. Performances take place at 7 p.m. in the NCHS Auditorium in NCHS, 11 Farm Road, in New Canaan, CT.

Audience members will set sail with a comically colorful cast of passengers on their journey, where nightclub singer Reno Sweeney (played by Sadie Seelert) is en route from New York to England. Her pal Billy Crocker (played by Wyatt Lysenko) has stowed away to be near his love, Hope Harcourt (played by Lucy Coutts). However, Hope is engaged to the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (played by Alessio Pantaleo).

With the help of some elaborate disguises, tap-dancing sailors and a second-rate conman, Moonface Martin (played by William Haddad), Reno and Moonface join forces to help Billy in his quest to win Hope’s heart.

The musical takes place in the 1930s and includes Cole Porter’s legendary music such as “De-Lovely,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” “Blow Gabriel Blow” and the classic title song “Anything Goes.” Rousing dance routines and slapstick humor fill the stage as the characters throw etiquette and convention out to sea in this farcical comedy.

Directed by Deirdre Alexander, with musical director Don Rickenback, choreographer Boe Wank and technical director, Kevin Gleason, the students have been working daily since early December. With the help of student stage managers, Sophia Delicata and Jesse Jordan, and supported by a team of dedicated parents, the students build the sets, sew the costumes, and create the props to present these outstanding, award-winning productions.

Special thanks to NCHS lead sponsors: New Canaan Dance Academy, April+Kelly Real Estate, Jim Stevens of Wells Fargo Advisors, and the supporting sponsors: The Studio for Performing Arts, Karl Chevrolet, Performing Arts Conservatory, Bright Ideas Tutoring, Club Sandwich, Walter Stewarts Market, Prestige Volkswagen of Stamford, Pressing Matters Cleaners, Attitude Dance & Active Wear, and New England Academy of Dance.

Shows are Thursday, March 14, Friday, March 15th, and Saturday, March 16th at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 (mezzanine), $18 (orchestra) and can be purchased online at: www.newcanaanhighschooltheatre.com or one hour before each show at the High School lobby box office. For ticket information, contact the NCHS Theater box office: nchsboxoffice@gmail.com

Pictured above: Members of the cast of the New Canaan High School Theatre Department's production of “Anything Goes,” pictured (left-right): Lucy Coutts (Senior), William Haddad (Sophomore), Wyatt Lysenko (Senior), Alessio Pantaleo (Junior), Sadie Seelert (Senior), and Kate Murphy (Senior).