Veteran Director Clare Cooke and her artistic team have selected the cast for the Marion Palace Theatre’s summer production of Anything Goes, which sets sail in mid-July.

"With this production of the ‘Tony Award-winning Best Musical,' the audience can look forward to an outstanding cast and energetic dance numbers to the timeless music of Cole Porter,  along with wonderful costumes, sets and scenery," states Cooke.

In Anything Goes, the magical score of Cole Porter brings life to the age old boy-meets-girl story as it unfolds aboard an ocean liner whose guests include everyone from the rich and famous to evangelists, criminals and nightclub singers.

The audience will enjoy the storyline while recognizing classic show-stopping tunes including “Friendship,” “De-Lovely,”  “Blow, Gabriel, Blow” and, of course, “Anything Goes.”

The artistic team’s selection for the Palace production features Johnny Steiner as the goofy, “broken-down broker” Billy Crocker, Kristi Wink as the infamous nightclub singer Reno Sweeney, Megan Withrow as the pristine American debutant Hope Harcourt and Nathan Haubert as Hope’s quirky fiancé Sir Evelyn Oakleigh.

This Broadway musical would not be complete without its villains. John Garnes II as public enemy number 13 Moonface Martin and Emily Yaksic as his sassy sidekick Bonnie plot to stir up trouble on the S.S. American.

Supporting cast members for this production include Sharon Gale as Hope’s mother Mrs. Wadsworth T. Harcourt, Bruce Cudd as the ritzy stockbroker Elisha J. Whitney and Doug Ford as the respectable Bishop Henry T. Dobson.

Reno’s not so angelic “angels” include Mandy Myers as Chastity, Amanda Sterling as Charity, Christa Johnston as Purity and Kim Bradshaw as Virtue.

This ocean liner will set sail with an entertaining crew. This cruise features Brad Bebout as the Captain, Jon Baldauf as the Purser and Scott Persinger as the Steward.

Also aboard the ship are “reformed” Chinese gamblers Ching, played by Kelsey Hoffman, and Ling, played by Mary Lewis. Others onboard include Brian Shaw as the Reporter, Ryan Swartz as the Cameraman, and the Night Club Angels:  Ann Schertzer, Charlotte Baird, Joni Carlson and Stacy Hoch.

Cooke summarized her thoughts on this year’s cast.

“They are a strong cast.  Together they bring decades of experience to the stage.  Some are returning veterans and have appeared together for years.  Many are new to the summer musical scene.  But together, they are one very talented group of people who will present a Broadway-worthy production of Anything Goes.”

Show producer Scott Hoffman shared the importance of community support for an endeavor like the theatre’s summer musical.

“For over 30 years, the summer musical has been the largest fundraiser for the Palace Theatre. The money raised helps keep ticket prices low for other shows, and pays salaries and other costs.  Importantly, the money we raise stays here in Marion, to benefit Marion.”

“It’s about more than just money, however.  Each summer musical advances the Palace’s mission of promoting community theatre, and providing a place where aspiring actors, musicians, dancers and theatre professionals can be nurtured and begin their careers.”

“The Marion area has sent many of our children to colleges and universities for careers in singing, acting, dance and theatre production and management.”

Hoffman explained that additional community support comes in the form of hands-on participation.

“This year’s set, a large cruise ship, is being constructed by Baldauf Construction, a long-time supporter of these shows.  Jeff Baldauf and his employees are already working on the shell of the ship.  Then, Don Wolfe and his set team will turn it into a cruise ship.  It will be one of the most spectacular, and expensive, sets we’ve seen on the Palace stage in years.”

“Jeff Baldauf’s commitment to the show is just one example of how the entire community comes together for these productions.”

Hoffman is inspired by this community’s power to make an impact.

“Time and time again, whether it’s feeding the hungry, walking for a cancer cure, building a house for Habitat, or staging a musical as a fundraiser, the people of Marion and Marion County come together to help.  We are all proud of Marion and the great things happening at the Palace and throughout our small town.”

Many are already on board to serve as supporters of this year’s summer musical. They include show sponsors Smith Clinic and Marion Area Health Center and costume and set sponsor OhioHealth.

Additional contributors include Allen Mills, Urso Construction, and Patron Party supporters Dr. Robert & Nancy Crowell, Dr. Scott & Pam Drew, Allen & Sharon Gale, Dr. James & Anne Hering, John Scharer Insurance, and Jerry Wilson Construction.

Hoffman concluded with an invitation.  “Be part of the community.  Offer up your skills.  Advertise in the program.  Contribute your time and energy.  And by all means, go see a show!”

Tickets are available for purchase through the Palace Box Office. A $37 patron ticket includes special reserved seating, a complimentary program with the names of patrons included inside, and access to the Opening Night After-Show Dessert Buffet Party in the May Pavilion with the cast and crew.
Opening Night is Saturday, July 11 at 8:00 p.m. and performances continue on July 17 and 18 at 8:00 p.m. and July 12 and 19 at 2:00 p.m. Adult tickets are $19 and $22. Seniors (ages 62 and older) and full-time students receive a $2 discount. Children ages 10 and younger may purchase tickets for just $12.

New this year, the May Pavilion will host a buffet by The Warehouse prior to each show. It starts at 12:30 p.m. before the 2:00 shows and 5:30 p.m. before the 8:00 shows. Reservations are required.  Tickets are $15 per person.  The meal includes pasta with three sauces, chef carved roast beef, red skin potatoes, skillet green beans, soup and salad, and cheesecake with fresh fruit.  A cash bar will also be available before the Friday and Saturday performances.

Reserve seats and purchase buffet tickets by calling the Palace Box Office at (740) 383-2101 or visiting the Palace website at www.marionpalace.org today. Patrons may also visit the “Featured Event” section for more information about this and other upcoming Palace events.

Cast also includes:
ADULT CHORUS:
Marianne Allen, Sandy Azaroff, Jordan Carlson, Linda Fargo, Julya Faulkner, Kelsey Frazzini, Andy Harper, Judy Little, Mary Murphy, Heather Nephew, Cori Osborn, Karley Rasmussen, Dylan Richards, Alison Roth, and Luke Stewart.

CHILDREN’S CHORUS: Kaitlyn Albert, Olivia Brazell, Delaney Carlson, Morgan Collins, Casey Cooke, Danny Davis, Zoe Fox, Franklyn Harrington, Aubree Hoch, Evan Hoffman, Abby Hughes, Miranda McConnaughey, Katie Murphy, Nikolas Petrovski, Sydney Randall, Sydney Schertzer, Olivia Schertzer, Kadi Vermillion, Ashley Watkins, Audrey Watkins, Mallorie Watts, Brady Wink, Sadie Wink, and Tanner Wink.