New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Shelton High drama club staging ‘Anything Goes!’
SHELTON — Shelton High’s drama club, some 100 strong, had just dominated the award season in 2019, capturing Best Musical for its production of “Chicago” at the Sondheims.
Then the pandemic hit, and the curtain closed on the drama club for two years and its numbers cratered into the 30s.
That didn’t stop the club’s talent from rising to the top once the shows returned, capturing Best Musical for “Seussical the Musical” in 2022 and nine Sondheim nominations for “Rock of Ages” last year, winning for best costume and best direction. It is that success that has helped grab more talent as the club prepares for its spring production of “Anything Goes.”
“We have 60 kids now ... we’ve grown back since pandemic,” said longtime club advisor Joe Sedlock. “The students involved in theater love to perform for the people in Shelton — but more importantly, they love hanging out with each other and become solid lifelong friends.”
“We are growing each year little by little,” added Katherine Sedlock, Joe’s daughter, who has extensive experience both on stage and behind the scenes as director with the high school’s drama club. “I’m especially excited for the growth in stage crew participation.”
The club will show off its ever-growing talented crew when it presents “Anything Goes” from March 14 to 16. Each show will be at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at Showtix4U or at the door the night of the production.
“My favorite thing about performing is opening night,” said Olivia Jansen, who will play Hope Harcourt in “Anything Goes.”
“The excitement and adrenaline that spreads through the cast before the curtain opens is unlike any other feeling. Hearing the audience’s reactions to the lights, set, songs and dances is so rewarding and so much fun,” she said.
Junior Ben Souza, who will play Billy Crocker in the spring production, said he enjoys the shared experience between the audience and actor while performing.
“There is nothing better than sharing your art and getting a positive response,” Souza added. “Being able to emotionally connect with people through your art form is a very special thing and my favorite part about performing.”
Director Katherine Sedlock said the success of earlier shows carries on with each new performance.
“I feel like SHS drama is and has been so successful because (the students) take great pride in knowing the productions are high quality and earn recognition from the awards,” she said.
Sedlock, who has been on the Shelton High stage as either performer or director since the age of 7, said the students practice six days a week, 16 hours in all, in preparation for the shows.
“Even on the toughest rehearsal days, they know that they are appreciated and belong,” she added. “I also believe the success is due to the dedicated adults that devote their lives to the production.”
“Anything Goes” is set aboard the ocean liner S. S. American, where nightclub singer/evangelist Reno Sweeney is traveling from New York to England. Her pal Billy Crocker has stowed away to be near his love, Hope Harcourt, but the problem is Hope is engaged to the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh.
Kate McPadden plays Reno Sweeney, with Roberto De Santis as Moonface Martin, Dimitri Mysirlidis as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, Jansen as Hope Harcourt, Maya Giampaolo as Erma Latour, Jack Schafler as Elisha J. Whitney, Riley Prescott as Mrs. Evangeline Harcourt and Pippa Kekacs-Cordes as Cheeky Harcourt.
“I can’t wait for the audience to see this show because it’s such a good time for anyone watching,” said Jansen, who has been with the club since her freshman year and has performed in “Suessical the Musical,” “Rock of Ages” and the past three productions of Adaptations.
“I’m particularly excited for this show because playing Hope has been such a learning experience,” Jansen added, “especially vocally, given that I’ve never played a role in a classic musical like ‘Anything Goes.’”
Jansen said the entire cast has been working so hard to put together a great show.
“The audience can expect to see something new this year, because ‘Anything Goes’ is unlike anything we’ve done so far,” Jansen said. “This musical is a classic, which is very different than ‘Rock of Ages’ and ‘Suessical.’ They can expect to see an amazing set, fun tap numbers and overall, a great show.”
Sedlock and the performers also say they hope that yet another successful production will help to draw in more students interested in working on stage or behind the scenes.
“I would tell anyone who’s interested in performing to absolutely join drama club because it gives everyone a space to do what they love,” said Jansen. “We have such a positive environment in our drama club, and everyone supports each other which makes rehearsals and shows so much fun.”
Souza said for those interested in performing — this club is the place to be.
“We have such an incredible theater community in Shelton that has been built up through the years,” Souza added. “From the amazing performers and directors to the hardworking volunteers, and to our dedicated audiences — we have a program at our school like no other,” Souza said. “SHS always guarantees a great performance for the audience and a memorable experience for the performers.”