South Elgin High School presenting 'Anything Goes'
Come get a kick out of some musical fun amid the high Atlantic seas.
South Elgin High School presents "Anything Goes" beginning at 7 p.m. today in the school's auditorium. A lighthearted show full of sailors and silliness, this production is ready to set sail.
"We've had a lot of fun with this show," said director Carrie Crowe. "It's a large cast, but everyone gets along so well.
"Anything Goes" follows love-struck passengers and second-rate gangsters on an ocean liner headed for London from New York. Although it debuted on Broadway in 1934, the show still brings laughs to audiences today.
"This show has more humor than anything we've done before," said senior Kristin Frischolz, who plays heiress Hope Harcourt. "It's definitely been a good experience."
Over the past four years, South Elgin High has been building up its drama program and is starting to see results. While last year's production of "The Music Man" had a cast of 60, "Anything Goes" has 85.
"Each year we are seeing more and more new people coming to audition," said Crowe. "It's exciting to help develop all this raw talent."
One of those students is senior Antonio Richmond, a former football player who now graces the stage as Public Enemy No. 1,3 Moonface Martin.
"When my friends heard I was trying out for the musical, they were like, 'What? Are you any good?'" Richmond said. "But I love making people laugh and wouldn't give it up for anything."
Many of the cast members have become more serious about their dramatic talents, taking it upon themselves to become involved in more community theater and summer drama workshops. The effort is visible on stage.
"My seniors who started these shows as freshman have really matured," Crowe said. "It's been wonderful to watch."
Audiences will also enjoy watching all the fun, along with hearing familiar standards such as "I Get a Kick Out of You" and "You're the Top."
In rehearsals since Thanksgiving break, the cast is excited to show off all their hard work.
"It's been challenging, but so worth it in the end!" said Frischolz.
"Anything Goes" runs today through Saturday with shows at 7 p.m., and an additional 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. South Elgin High School is at 760 E. Main St. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. For tickets or details, call (847) 289-3760, ext. 3470.
Rachael Abell, Lauren Alvarez, Arielle Azarias, Chelsea Baker, Brian Batt, Michelle Bautista, Vicki Beaudet, Alex Blue, Brittany Blue, Katie Brumball, Rebecca Brunner, Christina Casas, Niveta Chandrasekar, Megan Clark, Jennifer Contraras, Jackie Cotton, Israel Cruz, Katie Cummins, Lehman Davidson, Kristina Dehlin, Stephanie Diedrick, Patrick Dowd, Mikey Escalante, Arianna Favia, Esther Fiebig, Alison Fielder, Kelsey Fitzpatrick, Caitlin Flink, John Ford, Melanie Forsberg, Allie Frascone, Kristin Frischolz, Becca Giammanco, Itzel Gomez, Danny Granzow, Tori Hartwell, Deandre Hendricks, Macy Hernandez, Marissa Hopkins, Taylor Isham, Amanda Jachec, Jenna Jensen, Kaety Jentzen, Demitri Kaplantzes, Kendel Kirk, Rachel Kohn, Becky Kozuch, Tom LaGambina, Tommy Larsen, Diana Lewis, Amanda Little, Ricky Lopez, Brook Maril, Jasmine Nammari, Julia Negrete, Melanie Nelsen, Chelsea Niesley, Caleb Noffsinger, Jennifer Nguyen, Shannon Ochoa, Jennifer Oswald, Aida Palma, Danielle Piraino, Melinda Potter, Kelly Reilly, Jean Reyes, Antonio Richmond, Erin Rossini, Anna Roth, Heather Schutte, Paula Smiech, Jessalyn Solorzano, Ken Swan, Simon Telhe, Ashlee Thiede, Lauren Tokarewich, Jordan Tuin, Felicia Vaughn, Emily Waldron, Stefani Wood, Morgan Yachinich.
What: "Anything Goes"
When: 7 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday; additional show at 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: South Elgin High School, 760 E. Main St., South Elgin.
Tickets: $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors.
Call: (847) 289-3760, ext. 3470