BY SUSAN BRYANT

sbryant@tnonline.com

Orefield Middle School drama students will be performing the musical, “Anything Goes,” March 6-8 in the school auditorium.

This musical comedy, set on an ocean liner traveling from New York to London, follows nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and is filled with madcap antics, tap-dancing sailors and blackmail.

It also follows Moonface Martin, a second-rate gangster labeled “Public Enemy 13” and his girlfriend who have disguised themselves as a minister and a missionary to board the ship under their assumed identities, stranding the ship’s real chaplain back at port.

“Anything Goes” is a musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter.

The original book was a collaborative effort by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse and revised considerably by the team of Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, said Erich Joella, producer, and music director for the OMS musical.

Angelina Thompson, an eighth grader, who portrays Reno Sweeney, commented on her role.

“Reno Sweeney is a sassy, confident, and independent character who knows what she wants,” Thompson said. “She is a performer by trade. In addition to playing her confident personality, I love the songs she sings and her costumes are truly amazing.”

Thompson said she loves the theater community.

“Miss Sydney Sniezek is a great director and Mr. Erich Joella is a wonderful musical director,” she said. “We really appreciate their kindness and support.”

Finnan Schultz, also an eighth grader, who plays “Moonface” Martin, discussed his character.

“Moonface Martin is a highly confident gangster posing as a priest,” Schultz said. “Moonface and his partner in crime, Erma, are stowaways on the Luxury Liner USS American.

“Moonface and Erma are like brother and sister. They always have a trick up their sleeve.

“I love this character because he is the comic relief in the middle of a romantic story line.

“His lines are full of malapropisms, so he’s a lot of fun to play.”

Schultz said he loves working with “nice, fun, talented and interesting people.

“It is a great way to make friends and express myself,” he said.

“I also think it is pretty cool that I get to interpret the story that the author, composer, and lyricist created.

“I love being able to bring Miss Sniezek and Mr. Joella’s vision for the show to life.”

This musical is being directed by Sydney Sniezek and choreographed by Kaela Frankenfield.

“’Anything Goes,’ features romance, intrigue, and a score by Cole Porter,” Joella said. “It has had multiple Broadway productions, including the original in 1934, a revival in 1987, and another in 2011.”

Joella explained why he chose this musical.

“This show involves a large cast and crew,” he stated. “We have so many talented students at OMS and wanted to involve as many students as possible.”

“Anything Goes” will be performed at 7 p.m. March 6, 7 and 8 and at 2 p.m. March 8 in the auditorium at Orefield Middle School, 2675 Route 309, Orefield.

Tickets will be available one hour before each performance at the door.

Cost is $7 for reserved seating. Cash or check only.