Ready to belt out classics like “I Get A Kick Out of You,” “Blow, Gabriel, Blow,” “Friendship” and the show’s title song are lead actors in London High School’s production of “Anything Goes”: (front row, on the steps) Luke Peart, Lillian Marriott; (second row) Paul Huff, Zoey Marshall; (top row) Clay Hurley, Sara Madden, Ben Treynor; (standing at right) Seth Gillilan and Sarah Myers.
(Posted March 6, 2019)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
What’s not to like about a storyline involving a big boat, a love quadrangle, and a gangster or two?
London High School’s production of “Anything Goes” sets sail March 14-16. Show time is 7 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for students.
Set on a luxury ocean liner, this classic musical follows evangelist/nightclub singer Reno Sweeney on her trip from New York to England. Sweeney’s friend, Billy Crocker, has stowed away to be near Hope Harcourt, who is engaged to a rich Englishman, Evelyn Oakleigh. Reno, who has feelings for Billy but later falls for Evelyn, teams up with gangster Moonface Martin to help Billy win over Hope. Comedy abounds as mistaken identities and clever disguises rock the boat.
Junior Sara Madden and senior Seth Gillilan bring loads of energy to their roles as Reno and Crocker.
“Sara has been really excited to play the part from the start,” said Scott Blanton, director, “and Seth loves being on stage.”
Senior Sarah Myers and sophomore Ben Treynor are flourishing in their first forays into lead roles in a musical, Blanton said. Myers plays Hope. Treynor plays Evelyn, drawing inspiration from Monty Python for his British accent.
Senior Clay Hurley, who performed in last year’s musical and this year’s fall play, plays Captain Strong. According to Blanton, Hurley is an “energizing force” for the whole cast.
Though only a sophomore, Luke Peart is a veteran performer. He brings that solid foundation to his part as Moonface Martin. Senior Lillian Marriott, another first-time singing lead, plays Martin’s sidekick who makes fun of his claim to fame as Public Enemy #13.
Junior Paul Huff and senior Zoey Marshall play the other couple in the story–Eli Whitney, Billy’s tycoon boss, and Evangeline Harcourt, Hope’s mother.
“Eli is an older character. Paul is kind of an old soul himself, so he fits the role well,” Blanton said.
In addition to playing one of the leads, Marshall is the production’s student director.
“This is our first time having a student director. It’s exciting to have someone so capable. Zoey has provided a lot of good input,” Blanton said.
Students aren’t the only ones experiencing leadership firsts. Blanton has directed the high school’s fall play for years, but this marks his first time heading up the spring musical. He is thankful for the support of his team–Jessica Dunham, who is coordinating the music and orchestra; Jeff Gates, production assistant; and Janelle Wilson, choreographer.
“It’s been fun to work together as a production team. I feel like we’ve gelled. We’re excited about the production to come,” Blanton said.
In addition to being available at the door, tickets can be purchased in advance at http://our.show/lhsanythinggoes. For details, call the high school at (740) 852-5705.
