PB High Musical Spotlight: Anything Goes!
Port Byron High School Drama Club is bringing a classic back to the stage this year with their production of Cole Porter’s musical Anything Goes, starring seniors William Cuddeback as Moonface Martin, Meggy McNally as Hope Harcourt and Jacson Reese as Billy Crocker. While the show is from an earlier era, it has a special meaning for the cast and crew: Reese’s mom Stephanie performed in the show as her first middle school musical years ago, and now she has returned to choreograph and produce the dances for her son’s final high school performance.
For these seniors, the show is also bittersweet. They’ve been part of the Drama Club for years, performing in multiple productions and building strong friendships along the way. They know this is their last show and recognize that while they will be moving on to new things there are people and things that they will miss at Port Byron. Production week always flies by, and though busy they are trying to soak it all in while tightening up these last few rehearsals before showtime.
The show is a lively mix of comedy, singing, and tap dancing. For many of the students, it’s their first time doing tap. “It was definitely challenging at first, but also really fun,” Reese said
We’ve never done a tap show before,” Cuddeback added. Noting that the dancing in last year’s production of Grease introduced them to a lot more dancing than previous shows helping to make the jump to tap a little easier.
“The songs are exciting, and the energy of the show keeps us motivated every day,” they said.
Even students who have done musicals before, including Grease last year, agree that Anything Goes offers something different.
“I like this show better,” McNally said. “It’s funnier, and the plot really keeps you engaged.”
The humor is a big draw for audiences of all ages. While younger audiences might enjoy the singing and dancing, older attendees often appreciate the clever humor and nostalgia.
The set has been another labor of love. It arrived later than expected and is being painted just in time for opening night. “We’ve been practicing on it every day,” the cast shared. “It’s been fun learning how to move around the set, up and down and all around—it really makes the show come alive.”
For William, Meggy, and Jackson, this production is more than just a musical—it’s a way to celebrate their time at Port Byron and leave a mark on the school’s theater tradition. With the mix of challenging tap numbers, memorable songs, clever lines and a talented cast and crew, Anything Goes promises to be an entertaining and unforgettable experience.
Don’t miss your chance to see these seniors shine one last time, laugh along with clever comedy and experience the energy and heart of a classic musical brought to life! Performances are 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, March 12 and 13, and 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, in the school auditorium.