Ohpaho Secondary Students take the stage to perform “Anything Goes”

Ohpaho Secondary Students are preparing to open the curtains for “Anything Goes” on February 13. The musical, written in 1934 by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse, features music composed by Cole Porter. Anything Goes is a fast-paced comedy set on an ocean liner, where mistaken identities, romantic mix-ups, and outrageous schemes collide.

“It’s really a love story; there is a tangled web of relationships that aren’t relationships but that eventually sort themselves out through the show,” says David Froland, Ohpaho teacher and musical director. “We selected this show because we felt it would be a good fit for the students' abilities, but also one that would challenge them.”

“Anything Goes is dance heavy,” says Froland. “It incorporates jazz and tap and that’s not something all of the students have had a chance to try before. I am pleased with their creation and think audiences will really enjoy it too.”

Cyler Reid, a Grade 11 student, plays the part of Moonface Martin. “It’s a very fun role to do. Moonface interacts with a lot of different characters and it’s been fun to bounce off a lot of people.” Cyler decided to audition for the first time last year, for Ohpaho’s performance of Hadestown. He said he enjoyed being a member of the chorus last year, and “this year I was hoping for a named character. I am very happy to play Moonface.”

Kieran Giesbrecht, a Grade 11 student, is a member of the crew working as a stage manager. He says, “I think theatre is great. It gives people the opportunity to learn and grow.”

Camila Boscan, a Grade 11 student plays Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes. “It’s a different show; you don’t see this one as often. I think it’s great to dress up and act as if we’re in the 1930’s.” Also in Hadestown last year, cast in a featured role as one of the fates, Boscan was thrilled to have the opportunity to play a lead role this year. “It’s more responsibility for sure.”

Boscan enjoys the dance elements in the show, and being a part of a team. “I love being in a cast. I learn a lot from everyone. We’re like a second family. We’re all here to support each other and that’s one of the beautiful things about theatre.”

Performances are scheduled at the Maclab Centre for the performing arts at Leduc Composite High School:

• Friday February 13 at 7 pm
• Saturday February 14 at 2 pm
• February 14 at 7 pm

Tickets are available at the door, or online here.