Cast says 'Anything Goes' at HHS

By Meg Heaton

There is plenty of singing, dancing and romance in the upcoming Hudson High School production of "Anything Goes."

The show is a slightly, less risque version of the story staged a few years ago at The Phipps according to musical director and choreographer Beth Holmes, bit still includes all the great music like "I Get a Kick Out of You," "De-lovely," "Blow, Gabriel, Blow" and the title song.

The '30s era show was particularly appealing to Holmes and stage director Eric Betthauser because it has multiple lead characters and numerous production numbers that involve the whole cast. "It is a chance to showcase as many of the kids as we can. There is much more stage time for the smaller parts," said Holmes.

Emily Roenfanz plays the ingenue Hope Harcourt. For her, the role allows her a chance to step out of her life as a HHS senior and be somebody else for awhile.

Collin Gherty plays opposite her as Billy Crocker. For Gherty, singing, dancing and acting in a show like "Anything Goes" proves to him "that dreams can come true. I know it isn't very realistic, but if I could, I would love to do this as a profession. I think it's the energy of it all that appeals to me."

Luke Hawley plays Moonface Martin and says the role fits his personality. "I get to clown with this one, and I get to be the center of attention and make people laugh. It's great."

Kathleen Dolan, who plays Bonnie, believes that the 1930s flavor of the show really adds to the fun of the production. "It was a great time for swing and music and fashion. I think there is a charm about that time that we don't get anymore."

The time frame did, however, mean that some of the jokes of the show had to be explained to the '90s decade cast but the audience should get it.

"Anything Goes" runs Dec. 2-4 in the Hudson High School performing arts auditorium. For ticket information call 386-4226.