WHS Cast Gets Onboard for Performance of "Anything Goes"

By Darcie Fisher for Westwood High School

Reno Sweeney, Billy Crocker, Moonface Martin and Hope Harcourt will soon be setting sail on the S.S. American when Westwood High School students bring the hit musical “Anything Goes” to the stage.

Senior Maddie McDaniels plays Reno Sweeney, a former evangelist turned nightclub performer whose pal Billy Sweeney has stowed away on board to be near the love of his life – the engaged Hope Harcourt.

“There’s this really great group of people on the ship,” said McDaniels. “And it was set in a time when they were going to get away on this boat and really enjoy life instead of focusing on the historical chaos. We’re playing people having fun and we’re also having fun with our best friends while doing it.”

Photo courtesy of Terris Jones. High school actors rehearse on the set of the musical, "Anything Goes," with the ship, S.S. American, as the backdrop.

Cast members say they are excited to bring such a classic musical to life.

“‘Anything Goes’ is one of those classic shows,” said Senior Sonali Gopal, who plays Evangeline Harcourt. “It’s so well loved in the theater community. It’s different than the shows we’ve done in the past, so this is a new challenge and that’s what makes it exciting.”

The cast & crew is made up of 60 students and is directed by Jim Howard, Westwood High’s public speaking and technical theater teacher.

“We always look for a show that has great parts for the ensemble,” said Howard. “We know that kids who end up with leading roles are excited and happy, but there’s got to be great engagement for the ensemble kids. Also, do we have the pool of kids to fill the roles? You don’t do ‘Hamlet’ if you don’t have a Hamlet in the building.”

Photo courtesy of Terris Jones. The cast of Westwood High School's upcoming production of "Anything Goes" prepares for four upcoming performances in mid-March.

Cast members say there is something in this show for everyone.

“I think I can pretty easily say the audience will be constantly laughing” said senior Lucie Sechler, who plays Passenger No. 1. “I think for older members of the audience, it will remind them of a classic theater vibe.”

Senior Brynn Garrity has been involved in Westwood theater since her freshman year and says her final performances are bound to be emotional.

“Being there freshman year and seeing those seniors, was a very emotional experience, “said Garrity. “I did cry because we have so many traditions. There are senior speeches, bowling teams led by seniors, senior gifts and so many things surrounding the seniors. I just never thought I would be there. And it’s so surreal because Mr. Howard always says to the freshman, you’ll blink, and you’ll be a senior.”

During Garrity’s freshman year, COVID forced Westwood High to take part in virtual plays which the community watched online.

“What’s incredibly special about these seniors is that they were the ‘COVID freshman,’” said Howard. “People talk about all the awful things about COVID. We were fortunate enough to do theater all the way through. And so as much as providing theater opportunities helped them take care of them, in many ways they took care of me. Truly theater is what got us through those times.”

“Anything Goes” takes place March 14th and 15th at 7:30 p.m. and March 16th at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.westwoodstage.com

Thanks to Darcie Fisher and Westwood High School for sharing this news with Westwood Minute.