School Musical: "Anything Goes"

"I Get a Kick Out of You," "You're The Top," "Anything Goes." These are amongst the few songs from Cole Porter's famous musical, "Anything Goes," which was selected to be the fall musical presentation at Groves High School. "Anything Goes" is about a young man who falls in love with a beautiful girl. When he sees his love aboard a luxury ocean liner, sailng form New York to Enlgand with her fiancee, to get married, he must divise away to break up the planned wedding. Personally, I believe this play that Mr. Rutherford and his colleagues put on, is by far one of the best selections I have seen since becoming a student at Groves.

However, the play tends to "push the envelope" as far as school regulations go. In the play, a gangster regularly flaunts and uses a gun and the use of wine and liquor is reflected. Is this an appropriate message to be sent to Birmingham School District students? Should there have been a different approach to this musical, or do you think that the "inappropriate" parts of the play could have been taken out to suit all ages! Why do you think Mr. Rutherford chose to keep it in the play? Or was he limited to being able to use only the Cole Porter original?

As I take part in the school musical playing in the pit (orchestra), I wondered if it would be a sellout play. Remarkably, there were many unoccupied seats. Could there be a reason behind this? Though this play is glowing with enthusiasm, the school charges quite a bit of money for admission. More or less, this musical seems to be a shorter play than usual. Last year, tickets were a dollar or two less for both students and adults. I wonder why. All in all, it is hard to believe that my four years in high school is coming to a close, and I may never will play in an orchestra again. I hope all the best for the future Groves High School actors to reach "the top" in the GPAC!

Incidentally, the play is very good---I know that the students worked hard to put on a good performance and hopefully this play will not offend or hurt anyone's feelings in any way! Remember, this play took place in the 1950's when segregation and racism were active. Student tickets cost $10 and adult tickets cost $12, a hefty price to pay! ☺