Cedarcrest Musical "Anything Goes" was Everything Wonderful!
By: Leanne Christensen , RSD
If you have been anywhere near the Cedarcrest High School campus in the past few months, you could not have helped hearing and feeling the excitement surrounding the upcoming musical presentation of "Anything Goes".
Not only were there preparations for a musical, but also for Art and Floral compositions on display, and a full dinner being planned as well. Students, parents, staff and community members from Cascade Community Theater had been hard at work, before school, after school and on weekends, creating impressive works of art, practicing lines, music, and building an incredible set which included . a two story ship, with two flights of stairs a railing and a deck! All of their many hours of labor paid off and then some, when this charming production was presented on April 23rd, 24th and 25th to nearly "standing room only" crowds each night!
All guests were welcomed at the entrance to the CHS commons area which had been transformed into an impressive Art Walk, showcasing dozens of inspiring paintings, sculptures and drawings by Cedarcrest students including stunning floral designs. A dining room area was fashioned in this area as well, inviting guests to a sit down dinner prepared by the Riverview Food Services staff and organized by the RHYTHM Music Boosters, while numerous student volunteers were on hand to seat and serve the guests.
After each performance comments such as."Never underestimate the quality of talent that exists at this school !" "I have been to many performances at CHS over the years, and this was by far my favorite!" " Wow, the set, the singing, the music. our school rocks!" Not only was this the school's first musical this year, it was the very first musical EVER at Cedarcrest.
Praise for all involved was shared by Drama teacher Michelle Rountree, "this event could not have been possible without the incredible amount of help from the students, parents, CHS staff, and community members. The students involved in the show worked incredibly hard and their efforts really paid off with an extremely successful run!
Musical director, Ryan Lewis shared "...it was wonderful and amazing. I am delighted at the growth of the students and their musical accomplishments. They have come so far in such a short amount of time, on both a vocal and instrumental prospective." It was great to have an appreciative audience and wonderful cast and crew. In this collaborative effort, over 80 students, staff, and community members came together to produce this show. It was an incredible amount of coordination and teamwork. If this had been an Arts WASL.....We would most certainly earn an "A." It was a complete success, and I can't wait for next year!!!