This summer, the local stage will light up with toe-tapping tunes, comedic chaos, and classic Broadway flair as Black Dirt Theater announces the cast for its 2025 summer production of Anything Goes. The beloved musical, set aboard an ocean liner bound for London, is packed with mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and timeless songs by Cole Porter. With big chorus numbers and unforgettable characters, the show promises to deliver high energy, quick laughs, and catchy melodies from start to finish.
First performed in 1934, Anything Goes has become a staple of American musical theater. Its enduring popularity is thanks to Porter's clever lyrics and jazzy score, which includes hits like "I Get a Kick Out of You," "You're the Top," and the title number "Anything Goes." The story follows nightclub singer Reno Sweeney, young Wall Street broker Billy Crocker, and a quirky cast of passengers as they stir up trouble and romance aboard the S.S. American. It's a fast-paced show full of charm, wit, and old-school showbiz sparkle, and this summer's production will bring it all to life right here in Hastings.
Black Dirt Theater has officially released its full cast list, and the lineup is packed with local talent. Taking center stage as Reno Sweeney is Lindsey Letendre, who brings powerhouse vocals and charisma to one of the most iconic roles in the musical theater canon. Letendre will lead the show’s big numbers and guide much of the ship’s chaos with charm and confidence.
Maddie Froehle will take on the role of Hope Harcourt, the sweet and sophisticated debutante who finds herself caught between duty and love. Tyler Monroe steps into the shoes of Billy Crocker, a young broker hopelessly in love with Hope and willing to stow away on a cruise ship to win her heart. Monroe’s comic timing and romantic energy will anchor much of the show’s momentum.
As Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, the stuffy yet loveable British fiancé of Hope, Dan Stephans is sure to deliver plenty of laughs. Sean Jones plays Elisha Whitney, Billy’s eccentric and often inebriated boss, whose presence adds an extra layer of madcap energy to the voyage.
Sheryl Williams looks to bring sharp comedic timing to the role of Evangeline Harcourt, Hope’s domineering mother. William McDonough takes on the role of Moonface Martin, a second-rate gangster who somehow made it onto the FBI’s Most Wanted list. McDonough’s portrayal promises plenty of slapstick and disguise-driven confusion. Rounding out the featured cast is Emily Laing as Erma, Moonface’s spirited sidekick who adds plenty of flirtation and flair.
The ensemble is large and full of local familiar faces and rising talent, creating the kind of lively atmosphere that Anything Goes depends on. These performers will fill out the ship’s passengers, crew, and background characters in scenes packed with movement and musicality. The ensemble includes:
Abbie Barsness, Alex Bohacek, Alice McNeally, Alli Christner, Angie Brown, Anna Schoen, Ash Skinner, Atticus Monroe, Aubrey Henry, Bekki Lesniak, Bridget Suess, Cameryn Barger, Christine Jones, Cora Schweich, Darlene Olson, David Nicolai, DeDee Varner, Elisa Kurzawski, Elizabeth Wessinger, Emmett Johnson, Greta Westlake, Gwen Suess, Harmony Gonzales, Jenna Norgaard, Jennifer Jacober, John Mutyaba, Jordan Johnson, Jude Letendre, Kate Heesen, Kayla Sorlie, Lilly Parish, Maeve Mellen, Mark Parrent, Megan Vortherms, Michelle Braun, Mike Grandy, Olivia Jones, Olivia Rogers, Quinn Zeissler, Sara Cronk, Sarah Stoffel, Stephen Reineke, Suellen Weber, Trinity Leiser, Victoria Jones, Wanda Gelhar, and Zach Filkins.
With a cast this large and diverse, Black Dirt Theater is pulling out all the stops to create a production that feels big, bold, and worthy of its classic source material. The company is known for its commitment to community-based productions that bring people together, both onstage and off. This summer's musical is shaping up to be no exception.
Performances are scheduled for July 25, 26, 30, and 31 at 7 p.m., with additional shows on August 1 at 7 p.m. and a matinee on August 2 at 2 p.m. All performances will take place at Hastings High School, located at 200 General Sieben Drive in Hastings, Minnesota.
Tickets will be available soon on the theater's official website, www.blackdirttheater.com. With excitement already building, and a high-energy show on deck, theatergoers are encouraged to keep an eye out and book early.
Black Dirt Theater’s production of Anything Goes promises to be more than just a night at the theater. It’s a celebration of classic musical comedy, community creativity, and the joy of live performance. Whether you're a longtime fan of Cole Porter or just looking for a reason to laugh and sing along this summer, this show is ready to make waves.