playbill vip

  Andrea Mashman, Director

Anything Goes has been on my “short list” of favorite musicals for quite a while.  Going to college in the 90’s meant that Patti LuPone was the queen of all things Broadway.  One of my closest friends in college introduced me to this musical at my very first college audition.  I was floored.  She was amazing!!  I sang an Amy Grant song….with my “jam box” and the cassette track backing.  Boy, did I ever learn a ton from that experience!!!  She took me under her wing, showed me the ropes, and my next audition, I sang "Blow, Gabriel."  That audition got me my first lead.  To say I have a soft spot for this show is an understatement!  It has been a bucket list for a long time, and because of my amazing team, we have built a BIG BOAT.  And it’s amazing!!!  Words cannot express how rewarding it has been to get to put this show together!  I would be completely missing the boat if I did not take the time to thank David Barker and Michael Kessler.  Some people use the term “work husband” to refer to their co-workers….these guys are my “work brothers.”  They tease me mercilessly, support me always, and constantly make me want to be a better person, teacher, and director.  They are my rocks – I am truly grateful to both of you!  I wish there was a bigger word than “gratitude” or “thanks” for the AMAZING Musical Board that works tirelessly for this project.  April, Meghan, Alli, Jon, Tara, Diane—thank you for the countless hours organizing, working, and volunteering for this enormous project.  Thank you for learning to speak fluent “Mash,” for having my back when I get grumpy, for keeping me grounded and accountable, and for reminding me of all the good in the world.  I am forever grateful to all of you!  To our volunteer lead build crew who work full-time jobs, then come up to school every night and lead our students to create this amazing set – Danny, Mark, Matt, Bernie, Darrin, Bruce, Ryan, Jay -- guys—I am so lucky to get to work with such a great group of incredibly committed parents who give willingly and freely!  I am so thankful that you ignore my bad moods, can interpret my random thoughts, and build incredible, detailed sets!  We are blessed to have you as a part of our musical family!!! To my husband, who says about 100 times from October to January, “I understand, it’s musical season” – Thank you.  Your quiet strength gives me a great sense of security.  I am so thankful for you.  Thanks also to our administration, our bookkeepers, and all the people who help launch this amazing project. 

Get ready to set sail with an amazing show!  The deck has been secured, the cast is first rate, the binnacle is secured, and we are ready to leave the harbor! We have worked so hard to make sure we are in ship’s shape for you, our amazing audience!  We are ready to pull the anchor and set course for an amazing show!  We have swabbed the poop deck, scrubbed the mizzenmast, and have a clean bill of health!  It’s time to shove off! All aboard!!!