'Anything Goes' Brings Broadway Musical Classics To Statesmen Theatre

VIENNA, VA — While some local high schools will have wrapped up their spring theater season in April, others like George C. Marshall High School are preparing for May programs. This year, the Statesmen Theatre will present "Anything Goes" as its spring musical on May 1 to 2 and 8 to 10.

The musical, based on the Broadway classic by Cole Porter, takes the audience aboard the luxury ocean liner S.S. American. Saniya Desai stars as nightclub singer and evangelist Reno Sweeney, who is traveling from New York to England. Her friend Billy Crocker, played by Jacob Lee, stowed away on the ship to be near his beloved, Hope Harcourt, played by Dena Talebnejad and Evie Richardson. However, Hope is engaged to the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (Joan Alfaro/Shahrad Valizadeh).

Joining the love triangle on board are Public Enemy #13, Moonface Martin (Anson DeVinney/Maya Pedan) and his sidekick-in-crime Erma (Sophia Shelton). Through elaborate disguises, tap-dancing sailors and good old-fashioned blackmail, Reno and Moonface join forces to help Billy to win Hope's heart. The musical includes hits like "Anything Goes," "I Get a Kick Out of You," and "You’re the Top."

"Anything Goes" is directed and choreographed by Statesmen Theatre director Ahmad Maaty, with music direction by Tiffany Powell. Desai, the lead, is a YoungArts award winner.

The performance schedule is as follows:

Thursday, May 1, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 2, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 8, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 9, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 10, 2 p.m.
Saturday, May 10, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $7 for a group of 10 or more students and seniors. Marshall High School is located at 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA. For more information and tickets, visit www.statesmentheatre.org.