Normalcy Returns As Anything Goes In Successful BHS Musical

On By Branford Buzz
Anything Goes the musical was a success at Branford High School in March 2022

By Ariel Cobden and Madison Cook

The Branford High School Performing Arts program recently completed a successful production of “Anything Goes,” performing in front of a full live audience for the first time in two years. 

“Theater is back and better than ever,” Director Colin Sheehan said. 

In the play, Reno Sweeney (Isabella Rarick 22’) sets sail on the S.S America for a get away aboard the finest ship around with her sidekicks her “Angels” by her side and bumping into familiar faces Billy Crocker (Liev Spitalnik 23’), Moonface Martin (Nick Colombo 23’), seen with Erma(Layla Richmond 23’). As most musicals do, there was conflict, love, and constant drama featuring Hope Harcourt (Jade Baccarelli 23’), Evelyn Oakley (Casey Maymon 23’), Eli Whitney (Nick Schettino 23’), Mrs. Harcourt (Ava Dombrowski 23’). There were 32 student cast members.

For the first time in BHS history the cast of Anything Goes brought the crowd to their feet for a standing ovation at the end of Act one’s breath taking tap closing number, “Anything Goes,” for four consecutive nights. Typically the standing ovations occur at the end of the production, not after the first act.

“The last 2 years were so greatly impacted by the pandemic,” said Music Director and Set Designer Mike Martone. “The quality of the experience truly got taken away, which is what made this show that much more special.”

Branford High School Performing Arts was able to put on a production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ last year. The auditorium was at half capacity, with masks required for performers and spectators, as well as many other guidelines due to the pandemic. The production of Sweeney Todd in 2020 was canceled because of the pandemic.

This year ‘Anything Goes’ was able to have full capacity and masks were optional. This made this year’s production that much more special for the cast, crew and community. 

In addition, the cast raised $4,646 to benefit UNICEF-Ukraine by spreading awareness during performances of the need to help the war-torn country.

There was so much lost time from the last two years as the theater community struggled in the pandemic, and finally a glimpse of normalcy, causing the audience, cast, crew, teams and volunteers to bring 110% this year from missing this fulfilling experience. 

Nick Colombo who portrayed the role of ‘Moonface Martin’ said that, “After 2 years of not being on the BHS stage I finally got to open on the BHS stage.” 

Due to ticket sales starting at 50% capacity, and not until later switching to 100% capacity weeks before the performances, the number of people in the audience was limited compared to past years. It also limited the show’s overall budget. Many set pieces and costumes were reused and repurposed to match these restrictions.

“This heavy dancing show had a lot to offer and maintain, causing the vision of the set to change to incorporate these major important dance numbers.” Martone said.

This audience favorite tap dancing classic musical was a fun challenge for the cast and crew. Only about 10% of the cast had any previous dance experience, Martone said.

“Something I learned and improved on in this production was more tap steps” Dylan Keeley said.

Considering that not a lot of the cast had previous experience, getting four standing ovations in a row was a huge accomplishment for everyone involved.

Editor's Note: Ariel Cobden (student director) and Madison Cook (Virtue-Angel) were both heavily involved in this year's production of "Anything Goes."