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Arts & Entertainment

'Anything Goes' at Dakota High School

Dakota High School prepares their production of Cole Porter's 1934 musical, "Anything Goes," for performances April 14-16.

When Cole Porter wrote the music and lyrics for Anything Goes, chances are he couldn't have imagined today's teenagers listening to his tunes on strange devices called iPods.

And nearly 80 years later, while Broadway is yet again staging a performance of the hit musical that debuted in 1934, students at a high school on 21 Mile Road are putting their own spin on a timeless piece of musical theater.

Cassady Temple is a sophomore at . At just 14 years old, she has landed one of the starring roles.

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As Reno Sweeney, Temple is singing lead on such revered classics as I Get a Kick Out of You and Let's Misbehave.

And songs that date back to the 1930's aren't hard for the young actor, even if they are new to her.

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"I hadn't heard them until this year, but I'm in love with them now," she said.

Temple's co-stars Marcie Herbert and Jacqueline Schmitt, both juniors, agree. They also gushed over the play's song and dance numbers.

Vocal Director Todd Moses said he often hears the kids singing the songs in the hallways.

Herbert, who has appeared in Dakota musicals before, also said the play's sense of humor is a refreshing change.

"This musical's comedy is aimed at a more adult audience," Herbert said.

Moses said that was the point.

With a kid-oriented production last year and the serious-minded Les Miserables the year before that, Moses and the rest of the production team sought a play with a fresh attitude.

"We wanted to contrast the last couple years of musicals," Moses said.

Anything Goes director and choreographer Kelly Schmidt said the show's huge dance numbers, numerous characters and demanding singing leads were choices that best represented the talent level of the students.

"We wanted something to utilize everybody's talents," Schmidt said. "I just wish there were more roles to fill."

Also a math teacher at Dakota, Schmidt is in her seventh year directing a Chippewa Valley School production and said this batch of students is extra special.

"These kids are the most respectful I've ever worked with," she said.

The young actors, Schmidt added, take the production seriously.

On their own, with no prodding from the production team, the students have decided to throw their own Spirit Week. In the days leading up to the premiere, students are synchronizing clothing to show solidarity in anticipation of their big night.

The students also took the time to visit local businesses, selling advertising spots in the playbill to raise some much needed funding for the production.

And now, just days away from it all being over, the work that started in January is about to pay off. The production has afforded the students the opportunity to see first-hand what their hard work can accomplish.

Something not lost on the young actors.

"It's been really stressful," Temple said. "But a good kind of stress."

The Dakota High School production of Anything Goes premieres Thursday night at 7 p.m. with repeat performances Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets are $10 and available at the door.

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