This past weekend, Sam Barlow High School’s theatre department unveiled the curtain on their opening night show of Anything Goes by Cole Porter. It was a fantastic show, and the complete dedication of every person who worked on it was very clear. But there’s more to a production like this than meets the eye.
Well before the bright lights flood the stage and the first notes of song ring through the auditorium, Sam Barlow High School’s theater department is already buzzing. In the weeks leading up to opening night, dozens of students work behind the scenes to bring the school’s latest spring musical to life, ‘Anything Goes’ by Cole Porter.
Costumes are fitted, wigs get tried on, the tech crew moves like clockwork, managing elaborate set pieces built and designed to transform the stage into the deck of an ocean liner in work that often goes unseen. Members of the cast stay well into the night rehearsing, often being the last group of students at Barlow once they leave.
The collaborative energy of it all, students say, is what makes the process special. Directors, choreographers, and student leaders guide the rehearsals with a mix of professionalism and excitement, creating a space where newcomers and seasoned performers alike can thrive. As senior cast members prepare for their final high school musical, they also mentor younger students, keeping Barlow’s theater tradition alive.
When the curtain finally rises, all that preparation becomes unmistakably clear. Sam Barlow High School’s production of Anything Goes is a lively, polished, and heartfelt performance that brings out the best of the school’s talent. From the opening number to the final bows, the cast delivers the musical’s signature humor, tap-dancing spectacle, and contagious energy.
Performers shine as they tackle Porter’s famously clever lyrics and fast-paced comedic timing. Ensemble members fill the stage with motion and personality, ensuring no moment feels empty. The choreography — ambitious even by professional standards — lands with the kind of precision that reflects months of dedication. The orchestra supports the show with warm, upbeat accompaniment that complements every scene.
Visually, the production impresses as well. The nautical-themed set, complete with railings, portals, and a cohesive color scheme, sets the mood instantly. Lighting takes the audience through the musical’s comedic plot, and costumes evoke the 1930s with flair, enhancing the show’s old-fashioned charm.
Our theatre department’s production of Anything Goes is a joyful, hilarious, and high-spirited production that showcases the school’s artistic strengths. It really shows what students can accomplish with teamwork, creativity, and a shared love and passion for the performances they’re creating. Whether you’re a fan of classic musicals or simply enjoy supporting local talent, this show is absolutely worth seeing.
Performances run this weekend in the Sam Barlow auditorium. Tickets are available at the door and online through the school’s activities page. Don’t miss the chance to set sail on a musical adventure that’s sure to leave you laughing, as the final dates are approaching — November 21st and 22nd at 7:30 pm, and a final show on November 23rd at 1:00 pm.
