From talented acting, expressive singing and appealing visuals, La Salle College High School’s production of the musical Anything Goes brought together both humor and professionalism for the entire community to enjoy from March 19-22.
“I hope the audience just walks away having a good time with a lot of laughs and hope to come back next year,” Conor Wisnenski, LSCHS ’27, said.
Senior lead, Grace Balkowski, portrays the fierce role of Reno Sweeney. “I think that as a senior who’s been doing the shows, I’ve done three by now, it was super fun to mentor them as we went through the whole process,” Grace Balkowski, ’26, said.
From the beginning of the musical, the audience is taken along on a very eventful boat ride, full of love, scandal and intrigue.
Stowaway, Billy Crooker, played by Elijah Diaz, LSCHS ’26, sneaks onto the S.S. America, determined to win back the woman he loves, Hope Harcourt, played by Lucy Thiel, GMAHS ’27.
Unfortunately for Billy, Hope is already engaged to another man. Billy makes it his mission to break up the couple so he can be with Hope.
Reno Sweeney, an old friend of Billy and nightclub singer, was also along the ship and persuaded into helping Billy achieve his goal of winning over Hope.
Joining Billy and Reno along this quest was also “Moonface” Martin, played by Brendan Destefano, LSCHS ’26, and Erma, played by Jenna Leary, GMAHS ’26, two gangsters disguised as a reverend and a missionary.
Billy learns their true identities, which he uses to goad them into joining his scheme.
At the end of the big number “Anything Goes,” the cast poses, portraying the ship ensemble perfectly. Grace Balkowski (center stage) leads the number, surrounded by sailors and showgirls.
After months of choreography, vocal and acting rehearsals, the cast of Anything Goes was fully prepared for two full weekends of this amazing show.
From outstanding ensemble choreography to precise tap dancing solos, not a beat was missed. Aside from dancing, the vocals the ensemble and leads provided truly made the show.
