THEATER

‘Anything Goes’ taps into area youth talent

The Upton Players will make their stage debut with 'Anything Goes' at the Village Players Theatre. The production features 29 actors between the ages of 15 and 21.

The Upton Players takes its maiden voyage this weekend in Cole Porter’s Anything Goes at the Village Players Theatre.

“It’s truly a unique experience because this is the first time the Village has done a young adult show,” said director Sara Speelman. “I keep reminding the kids we are setting the precedent; we are the first. “I have 29 [actors ages 15 to 21] singing and tapping on stage. It's truly an accomplishment. Most of them have never tapped before.”

Sarah Dusseau, music director and choreographer, rose to the challenge of teaching advanced tapping to the cast.

When Speelman approached the Village board with the idea of a youth troupe, the members were immediately on-board. “It’s unique to know I have that support and they’re letting me just run wild and go crazy.”

Sailing through this voyage filled with criminals, antics, love, and song are Andrew Keller, 19, as Moonface Martin, the gangster; Lena Krukemyer, 19, as Reno Sweeney, a nightclub singer; Emily Cottle, 16, Christina Pinciotti, 18, and Victoria Pinciotti, 16, as The Angels, Reno’s backup singers; and Andrew Haugh, 19, the purser.

"Anything Goes" will be performed at 7 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Village Players Theatre, 2740 Upton Ave. Tickets are $10. Details: 419-472-6817 or thevillageplayers.org.

Greedy Gamblers

BRYAN, Ohio — A lucky poet helps gamblers hit it big at the race track this weekend when Williams County Community Theater presents The Four Horse Parlay of Casper Munch.

Casper writes silly messages for greeting cards and has a penchant for horse racing always picking the winners, but he doesn't bet. A group of unlucky gamblers discover the poet's useful talent and lock Casper in a hotel room to capitalize on his gift. Things get complicated when the gamblers get greedy and Munch's love interest comes calling.

"The Four Horse Parlay of Casper Munch" will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday through July 20 at the Little Theater off the Square, 208 W. Butler St., Bryan, Ohio; Additional performances will be at 7:30 p.m. July 18 and at 2:30 p.m. July 21. Tickets are $13 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Information: 419-636-6400 or mywcct.com.

Four Friends

ADRIAN — Four best friends reunite to save a mobile home resort and take a trip down memory lane when the Croswell Opera House welcomes The Bikinis!

It’s been more than 30 years since four best friends enter a beach talent contest in their bikinis and take home the prize, but it seems like yesterday when they come together to help a friend. This musical includes a parade of favorites from the 1960s and 1970s including “I’m Every Woman,” “These Boots are Made for Walking,” “It’s in His Kiss,” and “Under the Boardwalk.”

“The Bikinis!” will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday through July 20 at the Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Additional performances will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 20, and July 21. Ticket prices range from $15 to $35. Information: 517-264-7469 or croswell.org.

Séance Shenanigans

HURON, Ohio — A seemingly harmless séance haunts novelist Charles Condomine Tuesday when the Huron Playhouse opens Blithe Spirit.

Elvira, the novelist’s deceased wife is conjured up and decides to stick around to the dismay of his current wife Ruth who is accidentally killed. Ruth and Elvira meet on the other side and together haunt their hapless husband in this Noel Coward comedy.

"Blithe Spirit" will be performed at 8 p.m. Tuesday through July 20 by Huron Playhouse at McCormick Junior High School, 325 Ohio St., Huron, Ohio. Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, $13 for children 11 and younger. Information: 419-433-4744 or huronplayhouse.org.

Please send theater items at least two weeks in advance to jnjaim@theblade.com.