Muskego High School's Musical Takes The Stage

Muskego High School isn't afraid to tackle a Broadway classic for its annual spring musical. This year, students will present Cole Porter's Anything Goes from Feb. 24-27. The play tells the story of an ocean liner traveling from New York to London.

Director Matt Wanner, choir director for Muskego High School, says the choice of Anything Goes was a deliberate one.

"Last year, we did Les Miserables, which is a wonderful play, but quite a downer," he said. "We wanted to pick something that would be a little more upbeat and a little more fun this year. Anything Goes is just fun, classic American musical theatre, and it gives the kids the chance to have some fun and dance."

Auditions were held last Thanksgiving, and over 100 students tried out. The final cast was pared down to 55, and rehearsals began after the Thanksgiving break. Wanner says the group is right on track.

"This is our first week on stage, and this is where we start to find the little hiccups that need to be fixed over the next two weeks," he said. 'The kids have a fun energy once they get on the stage, and they are right on schedule for where we need to be on opening night."

Wanner expressed an appreciation for the others helping him put this play together. One noteworthy mention was the choreographer, Patti Barcus, who is working closely with student and cast member Niccola Somers to put together the dance routines for the show. Wanner says that Somers has brought a fun perspective to the dancing, and has incorporated some of her own tap experience into the position.

"She is truly a gifted choreographer, and has a keen eye for the role," he says. "I would work with her any day."

Performing Arts Center manager and technical director of the play, Steve Krause, has been designing and building the ocean liner set, which is taking shape on stage. 

While Wanner knows that Anything Goes does not bring the name recognition as Les Miserables or Beauty And The Beast, he feels that support for the play will be strong, and hopes to fill the approximately 760 seats of the Performing Arts Center for each show.

If you go:

When: 7 pm February 24th, 25th, and 26th; 2 pm February 27th
Admission: $6 adults ($7 at the door); $5 seniors and children 12 and under. All seats are reserved, so theater-goers are encouraged to get tickets ahead of time.
Tickets: Call 262-971-1790, extension 4545, 7 am to 4 pm Mon. - Fri.