by Kelly Rogge, KCKCC
Although Shaquil Reeves is relatively new to the theater, he is ready to make his musical debut in Kansas City Kansas Community College’s production of “Anything Goes.”
“I like the setting of the story,” said Reeves, who is playing Billy Crocker. “I also love my character. I like the determination he has to get his love and like seeing him go through the many obstacles he has to go through. He is a hard worker and not ashamed of who he is.”
”Anything Goes” is based on a book by Guy Bolton, P.G. Wodehouse, Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse. It tells the story of stockbroker Billy Crocker who falls in love with Hope Harcourt, a beautiful girl who he meets in a taxi. When he finds out she is sailing for England, he sneaks aboard.
Although Hope is engaged to Sir Evelyn Oakleigh, Billy works to win Hope’s heart with the help of the ship’s passengers. With music and lyrics by Cole Porter, “Anything Goes” has been a Broadway favorite since its debut in 1934. Both the 1987 and 2011 Broadway revivals earned Tony Awards including those for Best Revival of a Musical.
“Anything Goes” is at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15, 16 and 17 at the KCKCC Performing Arts Center. There is also a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 18. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for non-KCKCC students and senior citizens. The musical is free to all KCKCC students, staff and faculty with a valid KCKCC I.D.
“The biggest challenge for me has been singing because I don’t sing. I have had to learn how to sing and get into different types of characters that I am not used to. The role has really forced me out of my comfort zone,” he said. “’Anything Goes’ is a great play. If you come, you will definitely get laughs, but there are sad moments too. I think it is one of those productions that every generation will enjoy.”
Sarah Williams, a KCKCC alum and now teacher at Leavenworth High School, plays Hope Harcourt. She said musical theater has been a passion since she was a child and while being a teacher, wife and mother makes it difficult to always commit to a production, she said sometimes sacrifices need to be made.
“I wanted to be part of this production because being on stage makes me really happy and everyone should make time to nurture their passions,” she said. “I’ve really liked getting to know all of the students who are in the production. They are so talented and passionate about their crafts. Their motivation and excitement is contagious.”
The cast includes Patrick Boorman, Sir Evelyn Oakleigh; Paige Darby, Mrs. Wadsworth T. Harcourt; Sarah Williams, Hope Harcourt; Pearl Fuller, Reno Sweeney; Shaquil Reeves, Billy Crocker; Shane Gillaspie, Moonface Martin; Savannah Ferris, Bonnie; Adam Lillitch, Elisha J. Whitney; Jaziel Sandoval, Steward; Allenea Anderson, Reporter; Leah Walker, Cameraman; Bishop Henry T. Dobson, Charles Humphrey; Teng Kong, Ching; Charles Humphrey, Ling; Jamal Toliver, Purser; Brandon Johnson, Captain; Rose Vang, Chastity (Angel); Siemera Hines, Purity (Angel); Jerosan Fletcher, Virtue (Angel) and Shawnesha Clayborn, Charity (Angel).
“Hope Harcourt is a bit complex. At first, she is idealistic, naïve and somewhat of a damsel in distress. However, as the plot thickens, she grows and becomes more liberated in her attitude, yet remains a hopeless romantic. It’s a fun role to play,” said Williams, who received an associate of arts in liberal arts from KCKCC. “Cole Porter’s music just tells a story all on its own. The two love triangles in the story, and the comedy that comes with that is also very funny. It’s a cleverly written musical.”
For more information or to make reservations, call 913-288-7106.
Kelly Rogge is the public information supervisor at KCKCC.