‘Anything Goes’ set for stage at River View High School
Jadyn Cline and Morgan Lawrence practice a scene from “Anything Goes.” The River View High School Music Department will present the play at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29 in the school’s auditorium. Josie Sellers | Beacon
COSHOCTON – River View High School’s spring musical, “Anything Goes,” will take you back to the 1930s and give you lots of laughs while you travel with the students on a cruise ship from New York City to London.
“There are lots of shenanigans,” said Mary Yaw McMullen, who directs the play.
McMullen, a 2000 graduate of River View High School, is replacing recently retired Debbie English.
“Band, choir and especially musicals are my top memories from high school,” McMullen said. “I have a great relationship with Mrs. English and when I realized we were moving back here I knew I wanted to help.”
She was in River View’s first production of “Anything Goes” in 2000 so she was already familiar with the play, which will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29, in the auditorium at RVHS.
“It’s not one of the more famous musicals, but it has music people will know and fun story lines,” McMullen said.
Senior Morgan Lawrence plays the lead female in the play who is an evangelist turned night club singer.
“This is my first production at River View,” she said. “I’ve been in others at the Triple Locks when I was younger and was in the (orchestra) pit one year here, but I decided to go for it since it was my senior year.”
Lawrence described her character, Reno Sweeney, as a strong independent person who built walls around herself, but breaks through them some during the production.
“Everyone has been great to work with,” Lawrence said. “They understand that I might not know as much as others and need a little more help.”
Senior Hunter Holdsworth plays Moonface Martin Public Enemy #13.
“I’m a want to be gangster,” Holdsworth said. “I don’t make a good one though because I’m clumsy. There’s a lot of comedy in this and I enjoy the uniqueness of my character.”
Jadyn Cline portrays Billy Crocker in “Anything Goes.”
“He’s a fun loving character and his songs have great vocals that fit me well,” Cline said. “I also like that his songs have meaningful lyrics.”
The RVHS senior can’t wait to put the play on for the community.
“I like bringing joy to people,” Cline said. “We put in a lot of hard work and want people to see this. “It’s a fun interactive show and we break the fourth wall a little bit.”
Like, Lawrence, Holdsworth has enjoyed working with the cast and crew.
“Overall our music department is amazing and we have a great director,” he said.
McMullen said there are 44 students on stage, 10 in the orchestra pit, 8-10 working backstage and several adult volunteers.
“The kids have been really great,” she said. “I know it’s different working with someone else. Debbie (English) laid a wonderful foundation over the last 22 years and I’ve slowly been able to introduce new things I’ve found helpful over the years with my experiences.”
While English said she misses working with everyone, she knows the show is in very capable hands.
“I’m still going to be around though helping with the tickets,” she said. “They can’t get rid of me that easily. I love the theater.”
For tickets to “Anything Goes,” e-mail rvhsmusical@gmail.com or call the RVHS office at 740-824-3522. Admission is $5. A dinner will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. Cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children, 10 and under.
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