Branford High School (BHS) Performing Arts will present a rousing new production of Anything Goes from Wednesday, March 16 - Sunday, March 20 in the Cathyann Roding Auditorium, 185 East Main St.

One of Broadway's most memorable musicals, Anything Goes tells the hilarious story of a group of passengers on board the S. S. American, a transatlantic cruise ship sailing from New York to London. Billy Crocker stows away to win the love of passenger Hope Harcourt, who is engaged to the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. On board are star nightclub singer/evangelist Reno Sweeney, Public Enemy No. 13 "Moonface" Martin, and his sidekick-in-crime Erma. Together, they join the quest to help Billy win Hope's heart.

Local audiences will enjoy a wealth of references to Yale and its traditions, as well as classic songs such as "Anything Goes," "You're the Top," and "I Get A Kick Out of You." This is the first time Musical Director Mike Martone Jr. and Director Colin Sheehan have repeated a previously performed musical since taking over the program from Cathyann Roding and Toni Cartisano. The team knew they wanted to bring back a classic musical this year, having produced contemporary shows over the past few years. Anything Goes was first

performed at BHS in 1992 and then again in 2002.

Sheehan said, "Twenty years ago, I was on the BHS stage performing in this wonderful show and Mr. Martone was playing in the orchestra. It is a thrill to get to revisit this story and the classic songs with a very talented team and cast."

Anything Goes is also known for being a dance-heavy production. Paola Rarick, Choreographer and Founding Director of Studio ONE Dance Studio has been working with BHS Performing Arts for four years now.

"Dancing brings people together," said Rarick. "It bonds a cast as they go through the process of learning the steps. We love the camaraderie of the cast, and we laugh a lot in our rehearsals!"

Rarick has created a series of show-stopping numbers that are sure to impress audiences of all ages.

"You'll see a little bit of everything such as classic tap, tango, waltz, 'Fosse' style dancing, even stunts and acrobatics," she said. "Ninety percent of this cast had no dance background when we started, and yet no one would ever know. I am so impressed by their stamina to do all of this, and while wearing a mask!"

Mike Martone Jr. is now in his fifth year as the director of choral studies at BHS. Not only is he the musical director for Anything Goes, he is also the orchestra conductor and designer of the set.

"The experience of 'Anything Goes' is sure to be an amazing one!" said Martone. "We have a very talented cast with outstanding vocal ability, and fantastic comedic timing. This show is definitely going to be a treat for anyone who attends."

Tickets for Anything Goes, which is produced by Scott A. Towers and Lauren Farrell, are on sale now and can be purchased online. If you would like to attend the show in person you can purchase tickets at www.tix.com/ticket-sales/tix/6603. If you would prefer to enjoy from home, you can purchase our Livestream Tickets at www.showtix4u.com/event-details/60765.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 16 through Saturday, March 19 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 20. Cost is $18 for adults and $15 for children and seniors, plus fees. Any questions can be emailed to BHSPerformingArts@BranfordSchools.org, and feel free to follow BHS Performing Arts on Facebook and Instagram.