Thursday was the premiere of "Anything Goes," an All City Musical at Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School. This impressive production features performances by students from Pau-Wa-Lu and Carson Valley middle schools as well as Douglas High School.
The age-old tale of boy-meets-girl and the complications which ensue intrigue every audience, and no musical puts it on stage better than "Anything Goes." Based on the book by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse, the play takes place aboard a luxury ocean liner bound for London from New York. Romance, comedy and intrigue are set against the backdrop of Cole Porter's impressive score, which features memorable tunes such as "It's DeLovely," "You're the Top" and "I Get a Kick Out of You."
Pau-Wa-Lu drama and social studies teacher Rich Garrett is directing the production. He was inspired to revive the All City Musical because, "I felt like it was necessary to provide another opportunity in this community for kids who are as passionate about the arts as I am. This seemed like a great way to pull the community together and what a great way to share my love of the theater with a broader group of students than just the ones I teach on a daily basis."
Pau-Wa-Lu music teacher David Roberson is the vocal director and Douglas High fine arts teacher James Scoggins is in charge of technical direction. Carson High School sophomore Jessica Shull choreographed the production.
"I have been lucky to have the greatest group of people offering to help me with this production," said Garrett. "From Milus Scruggs the pianist, to my friend Marshall Brodeur the drummer, to Wendy Frogget and her entire family, I'm feeling very lucky.
"Laura Jeanne Hammer has created some beautiful costumes for this show and the families of these kids have made this all work so well, and I have the most supportive principal around, Keith Lewis. Working with James Scoggins has been a treat. He is the set designer for this production and all I can say is, 'Wow, that's a mighty big set.'"
Performances continue May 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10 at 7:30 p.m. and May 4 and 11 at 2 p.m. All shows will be held in the Pau-Wa-Lu cafetorium at 701 Long Valley Road in the Gardnerville Ranchos.
Tickets may be purchased at (775) 219-3577 or rgarrett@dcsd.k12.nv.us. They may also be purchased at the door. The box office opens 45 minutes before the performance. The cost is $9 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, and $5 for children 10 and under. May 11 is a special Mother's Day performance when every mom will be admitted for $5.
Come support the All City Musical featuring the talented students of Minden and Gardnerville. This "romp on the high seas" is sure to be a treat.
Yearbook angels needed
What is a yearbook angel? With a donation of $25, you can give the gift of a yearbook to a Pau-Wa-Lu student who is unable to afford one on their own.
Art and yearbook teacher Cindy Schnaare started the program in 2007. Generous donations provided 40 deserving students with yearbooks last year.
Anyone can become a Yearbook Angel. The final day for donations is May 28.
Interested parties should contact Schnaare at cschnaar@dcsd.k12.nv.us or 265-6100.
-- Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.
