The talented actors and actresses on stage receive most of the credit for the Drama Department’s production, but come spring time, another crew situated just under the stage in the pit adds to the show’s success.  Each year, the orchestra provides the musical backdrop that makes the spring production possible.  This year’s musical, “Anything Goes”, depends on this group of student musicians to bring the 1920s cruiseship love story to life for the audience and the actors.  Kalena Tamura who plays Charity, one of Reno’s six angels says that “The pit really brings the show to life, and it brings a whole new level of professionalism to a high school production”.

But this professionalism doesn’t come without dedicated practice.  Starting in February, string and wind instruments combined to start learning music for the show.  With over 30 numbers to perform, the orchestra had their work cut out for them, especially considering the difficulty of the music.  Orchestra conductor Mr. McCormack and says that “The most difficult part of “Anything Goes” is the style of the early jazz that the music of Cole Porter is because it’s not music we normally listen to.”  After four hours of practice a week until April, the pit grasped the music enough to combine with the actors in the sitzprobe.  After that, rehearsals got even more intense. During “Hell Week”, they are there with the actors from 3:00 p.m. to late at night.  However, it’s all worth it in the end.

Come opening night, the musicians get to show off their hours of practice to an extended audience.  But the pit doesn’t mind that they don’t always get as much recognition by the audience.  Lead trumpeter Jeffrey Rosenthal is excited to be a part of the success of the overall production.  “Although the pit can not be seen, the music we play defines the atmosphere of the show, and sets the stage for the actors” he says.  And Mr. McCormack is glad to finally see all the hard work pay off.  “I found a recording of Cole Porter singing “You’re the Top” [a song from the musical] and I didn’t think anybody would get it until tonight [Thursday] during final dress when it actually came together so beautifully and I’m excited for it [the show] to open”.

Hear a sneak preview of the theme song, “Anything Goes”, above.

To see their performance live, go to one of their 7 performances.  Tickets can be bought online or at the door.

By: Gracie Markland