By By KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER
Lifestyles & Features Editor
The Washington High School production of the hit musical “Anything Goes” opens Friday evening and runs through Sunday.
“It’s funny, and if you don’t come you’re going to miss a lot,” freshman Dylan Willoughby said of the show. He plays Sir Evelyn Oakleigh.
Willoughby said the most interesting facet of his role was learning to speak with a British accent.
“It was hard at first, but it’s getting better,” he said. “I’ll hear an accent on TV and listen to it, but it’s mostly about all the stereotypes I’ve heard.”
Senior Sarah Oswald, cast as “bad girl” Bonnie, said developing her on-stage voice has been a challenge, too.
“I am a pure-bred Southern girl, and I get picked on for my accent,” Oswald said. “Bonnie is a Yankee, and she’s feisty, but not very bright. She knows where she’s going, and she has a plan most of the time. She gets around, but she’s not a bad person either.”
Paired with Oswald for several scenes is junior Thomas Sutton, who plays “bad guy” Moonface Martin.
“I provide the humor, basically, the comic relief,” he said. “I’m the crazy public enemy who thinks he’s more notorious than he is. He wants to be bad, but he’s not.”
Sophomore Erin Stowe, who, as nightclub singer and former evangelist Reno Sweeney, has one of the more prominent roles, said the cast is ready for opening night.
“Rehearsals have been going very well,” she said. “We’ve had some rough spots, but we’re getting a lot done.”
With four costume changes, Stowe said she is having fun wearing the 1930s period, flapper dresses.
“I bought a couple off the Internet and a couple from a thrift store,” she said.
Freshman Megan McLawhorn, in her first Washington High School musical, said she’s enjoyed the experience. She portrays Hope Harcourt.
“It’s a great cast. We mesh very well,” said McLawhorn, whose previous stage roles included East Carolina University’s production of “Big River,” P.S. Jones Middle School’s “Willy Wonka Jr.” and last summer’s local Dancing With Our Stars fundraiser for Eagle’s Wings.
Another of the more experienced cast members is senior Charlie Tingen, who plays Billy Crocker.
“I think this is my 10th show,” he said, noting that he’s also appeared in such WHS hits as “Damn Yankees” and “Hello Dolly.” He is hoping for a professional career in the entertainment field, after studying musical theater in college.
“My ultimate goal is Broadway, but until then I’d do regional theater and touring companies — and be a waiter,” he said with a laugh.
Other students appearing in “Anything Goes” include York Winstead, Harley Taylor, Ashley Bostic, Kayla Bruce, Jessica Bass, Will Blake, Megan White, Elizabeth Nuckols, John Hill, Gray Peedin, Allie Evans, Lauren Gargaro, Brittany Woolard, Courtney Jennette and Chelsea Fucito. Musical accompaniment will be provided by musicians from Washington High School and Southside High School, as well as members of the community.
Faculty advisors for the show include Travis Carter, Charlotte Kassnove, Chris Stanton, Melissa Moore and Penny Paul. Paul also acknowledged the support of two additional members of the WHS faculty.
“Our principal, Russell Holloman, has really been supportive of the arts at Washington High School,” Paul said. “Earlier this year, he won an award from the North Carolina Art Educators Association.”
The stage setting, a cruise ship, is a masterpiece, Paul said.
“Charles Daniels and his construction-tech classes built a spectacular set for us again this year,” she said. “They have worked so hard and our ship looks like it could actually set sail.”
“Anything Goes” will be presented Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the WHS Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $7 each.