Student cast brings energy, enthusiasm to 'Anything Goes'

Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Theatre and Dance said, "Welcome aboard!" with their opening night production of "Anything Goes," which features music and lyrics by Cole Porter. The musical features numbers like "I Get a Kick Out of You" and "It's Delovely."

A crowd of 265 was on hand to join the cast on the luxury liner the S.S. American in the 1930s. The confines of a ship bring together characters from all walks of life, including a young, beautiful debutante (Sami Gross) and her worrisome mother (Hannah Moore), a mobster who hides his ways beneath the frock of a priest (Kyle S. Morr), and a love-seeking stowaway who is a master of disguise (Zach Wachter).

"I like the tap dancing," Cindy Halter of Cape Girardeau said, "and what always amazes me is the orchestra. They are great!"

Thanks to a grant from the Missouri Arts Council, the Department of Theatre and Dance was able to bring in special guest designers for the set and costumes.

James Miller and Patrick Atkinson, both professors at the University of Missouri-Columbia, were brought on to work on costume design and set design, respectively. Atkinson had worked with the Department of Theatre and Dance previously in 2006 on the production of "Romeo and Juliet."

Southeast freshmen Elaine Quitos and Nikki Frey, both enrolled in Dance Appreciation, enjoyed the performance. This was the first Department of Theatre and Dance performance they've seen since coming to Southeast.

"I really liked 'Anything Goes,'" Quitos said, referring to the last number in the first act. Both Quitos and Frey said they were impressed with the performance put on by their peers.

The production runs through Sunday and is being performed at the Bedell Performance Hall on Southeast's River Campus. Performances are 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, at 8 p.m. Friday and at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets may be purchased at the River Campus box office in the Cultural Arts Center, 518 S. Fountain St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays or by calling 651-2265. Tickets also may be purchased at any MetroTix outlet, online at MetroTix.com, keyword "Anything," or by calling 800-293-5949.