Masquers to perform musical

Cole Porter's "Anything Goes" is first for Soap Lake theater group

SOAP LAKE — In the 25 years that Masquers Theater has been producing plays in Soap Lake, they have never done a musical.

"We didn't want to do it until we could get it right," artistic director Beverly Hasper stated in a recent release about their newest production. which opens Friday. "Now that the new Jolly Theater is going, and we have some new bells and whistles, we are ready for a large cast musical."

The Masquers' presentation of Cole Porter's "Anything Goes" features a cast of 28, and many more behind the scenes, and will play for five weeks at the Soap Lake theater.

"I've wanted to do this show ever since I did it at Big Bend," director Randy Brooks said, referring to the 1977 production featuring actress Edie Adams.

The set was designed by Randy Johnstad, technical director and facilities manager. The colors used to create the atmosphere of a luxury cruise ship in the 1920s or 1930s match those used in the theater. "So once you walk in, you're on the ship," Brooks said.

Karen Kinch, choreographer and leading lady, is visiting from Alaska where she now lives to play the role of Reno, a nightclub singer with a good heart and open mind. She travels with her entourage of "Angels," and sings the first song, "You're the Top," with Joshua Matheson, who plays Billy, a man without a ticket. The story goes on with Bob Jasman playing a gangster, and Cheri Barbre playing his sidekick. Eric Suitter plays a stuffy English gentleman, and Stephanie Moore plays his bride-to-be, or not to be.

Nancy Connelly, the music director, leads the orchestra consisting of Mary Walker on piano, Wayne DuVall and Lacie Goeden on trumpets, Helen Fancher on bassoon and Elliot Smith on clarinet.

Other actors in "Anything Goes" are: Tere Ovenell, Eric Van Woert, Marta Von Grey, Patric Connelly, Peter Heilman, Danielle Boss, Katie McMains, Diana Johnson, Cherie Kendall, Jessie Adamson, Darryl Pheasant, Don Long, Jack St Marie, Brendan Brooks, Josh Vorderbrueggen, Michael Slate, Charlotte Blanchard, Tamarin Brooks, Shirley Achurra, Becky McMains, Jean Adamson and Ed Adamson.

Tickets are $12, and showtime is 8 p.m. on Oct. 21-22, 28-29, Nov. 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19. Sunday matinees are at 3 p.m. on Oct. 30 and Nov. 6. The Oct. 22 performance is sold out.

Call the Masquers for reservations at (509) 246-2611.