After three raving reviews of Cannon Falls theater productions, readers might be aware that I’m a bit obsessed with the Cannon Falls Drama Department. Though I might be a little biased, in my opinion, this year’s musical was its best one yet. Originally, I didn’t have high hopes solely for the reason that I had never heard of the show, “Anything Goes,” but, it pleasantly surprised me. Little did I know, I had already heard multiple tunes from the show. A  Tony Bennett album that I became obsessed with over the summer features the title song “Anything Goes,” and when Reno Sweeney, played by Carley Norton, began singing, it was all I could do not to sing along with her.  

Norton along with Bryson Felton as Billy Crocker, stole the show not only with their acting, but their phenomenal singing as well. I was already aware that Norton could sing as she has had numerous prominent roles in the shows, but Felton was a surprise. The typical Cannon Falls musical features Felton as a part of the chorus, but this year he was front and center and the reason for that was obvious.

The wonderful singing didn’t stop with those two though, Hannah Singewald, as Hope Harcourt, was phenomenal. Her high range paired perfectly with Felton’s voice as they sang “It’s De-lovely”. Singewald and Felton played two star crossed lovers who had never really been in the same place in the same time, until they both found themselves on the S.S. American. The only problem? Hope Harcourt was engaged to be married to Sir Evelyn Oakleigh (Ben Gibson). While trying to win Hope over, Billy encounters a myriad of problems, including being mistaken for a wanted criminal.

Overall, the show was fantastic. This talented group of students never fails to astound me. While this will be the last ever Cannon Falls Musical I will get the privilege the review, I can’t wait to watch these young actors pursue their passion and further their talent.