What do you get when an heiress, a stowaway, a gangster, and a nightclub singer board a cruise ship? Those who see the spring musical at Lampeter-Strasburg High School (LSHS) will discover that "Anything Goes."

With music and lyrics written by Cole Porter, "Anything Goes" is about a group of people on an ocean liner traveling from New York to London. Stowaway Billy Crocker, played by senior Weston Weaver, sneaks on board because he is in love with heiress Hope Harcourt, played by senior Brooke Smith, who is engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, played by senior Paul Becker. With the help of nightclub singer Reno Sweeney, played by senior Cassie Meck, and gangster Moonface Martin, played by sophomore Aiden Flory, Billy sets out to win Hope's affection.

"Cole Porter has this knack for making hysterical comedy, wonderful side characters, incredible music, and witty lyrics," explained LSHS musical director Kevin Ditzler. "It really is just the perfect time to enjoy one of the best musicals ever created because it's timeless but of its time at the same time."

"Anything Goes" will be the first musical LSHS students perform in front of a live audience since 2020. Several cast members expressed their excitement for the live performances.

"It's always so fun to see what a new show and a new cast can bring," commented Aiden. "You can't really get experiences like this anywhere else. Live performances are something that you can remember really well, and seeing the actors in front of you, I feel, is way more special than just seeing them on a screen."

"Come and support our music department," said Cassie. "It's a fun, high-energy show, and aesthetically pleasing. I remember last year in 'Godspell,' we would just end the scene, and it was quiet because no one was here, so I'm looking forward to the applause and support."

"This is the first live performance since 2020, so it's super exciting to be all back together again," stated Brooke. "We definitely want people to come out to support our live productions."

Although Ditzler is the director, he noted that it is truly a democratic process between himself, choreographer Jo Carole Dodson, vocal director Erik Welchans, and pit orchestra conductor Robert Shaubach. "It's always been this fun process of four people coming together and just hashing out a musical and having a great time," said Ditzler.

All showings will take place in the Performing Arts Center auditorium at LSHS, 1600 Book Road, Lancaster. Performances will occur at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 3; Friday, March 4; and Saturday, March 5, with a matinee showing at 2 p.m. on March 5. Tickets can be purchased at the door prior to each performance or online by visiting https://bit.ly/AnythingGoesMusicalTickets. To view a virtual playbill, visit https://bit.ly/AnythingGoesMusicalPlaybill.