The Shelton High School Theater Department put on yet another amazing musical! Located in Shelton, Connecticut, this group of talented students continues to amaze me every time I go to watch their new performances. From ‘Adaptations’ they do every fall to the musical every spring, these students have a gift for theater performance.
For their spring musical this year, Shelton High performed ‘Anything Goes’. ‘Anything Goes’ is a 1930s Broadway musical that tells the story of unconventional antics aboard an ocean liner, named the S. S. American, bound from New York to London. Billy Crocker, a Wall Street broker, is a stowaway in love with heiress Hope Harcourt, who is engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Evangelist turned nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and Public Enemy Number 13, “Moonface” Martin, aid Billy in his quest to win over Hope.
The cast was outstanding. From the main characters to the background characters, all brought something to the musical to make it just so great. I recognized a few familiar faces from past shows I’ve been too. Kate, who played Reno Sweeney, and Olivia, who played Hope Harcourt, both had outstanding voices. Two years ago, when I went to ‘Adaptations’ for the very first time, their voices really stood out to me. Now, over the past two years, both of them have just gotten even better. They definitely have a gift and I’ll say it, they’re going places for sure.
The duo of Billy Crocker, played by Ben, and “Moonface” Martin, played by Roberto, was very outstanding. They both brought so much to their character which made them stand out to me. They really played off of each other whenever they had a scene together. Just like Kate, I remember them from two years ago. Present day, I could tell just how much stronger of singers and actors they have become. I hope they know just how amazing they are.
The rest of the cast was just as amazing as the four I pointed out above. Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, played by Dimitri, and Erma Latour, played by Maya, brought tons of laughter as both had such great one liners and really played into their characters. Every single student brought something so special to this musical.
From the singing, acting, and dance breaks to the costuming, live orchestra accompaniment and set, Shelton High School really out did themselves. Directors, Katherine and Fiona, should be really proud of not only themselves but more importantly of the students who were casted and put on such an excellent show. I can not wait to see what they have in store for the 2024 ‘Adaptations’ and for their 2025 spring musical.
To the Shelton High School Drama Department and it’s amazingly talented students; *round of applause*.
Simply Ali 