OXFORD – The stage is the place where love goes awry this weekend as the Oxford Drama Club draws the curtains for its rendition of “Anything Goes.”
Showtime is at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights. Ticket prices are set at $7 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens.
Scripted during the period between two world wars, “Anything Goes” takes a light approach on love and mischief. The musical tells the story of Cole Porter, a young man who falls victim to love at first sight when he sees a beautiful blonde boarding a luxury cruise liner against her will.
Porter takes it upon himself to rescue the girl who he later learns is an English heiress that ran away from home and is being rushed back to England. With the help of Reno Sweeney – a nightclub singer who secretly admires Porter – Porter’s able to stay hidden on the ship disguised as a gangster accomplice of a minister, who is actually a gangster on the run from the law.
“It’s a play all about people who fall in love with the wrong person, but everybody falls in love in the end and gets who they want,” said Oxford student Pachari Meade who plays the part of Bonnie. “We’ve worked hard to put this together. It’s been a very tedious process, but it’s also been very rewarding.”
With a 26-member cast, and an additional five students helping behind the scenes with stage set-up, sound and lighting, the Oxford Drama Club has been rehearsing for months to make sure their show will be a success.
“They’ve all been working hard,” said Director Mike Moren, adding that there are still some bugs to work out before the big debut on Friday. “One of the biggest challenges has been working on the lines. That’s the hardest thing for the kids to learn.”
“We’re taking big steps toward this weekend,” said senior cast member Shai'nai Marte who plays the part of Reno Sweeney. “I’m more nervous than excited right now, but I think when it gets here, I'll be OK if I get my nerves out early.”
Of course there’s been no shortage of support along the way. Parents and community volunteers have chipped in to work on everything from set design to makeup. The performance also received an extra boost of support from the Norwich High School which donated many of the costumes.
“We’re fortunate for a small school to have a great show each year,” said Holly Cirello, one of the many parent volunteers offering an extra set of helping hands. “There’s a lot of heart in the music and arts department ... It's amazing what is pulled together every year with the kids. We feel so fortunate to be able to put on a mucical production every year.”