Theater-goers

Theater-goers will get a kick out the Bigfork Summer Playhouse production of "Anything Goes" opening Wednesday, July 13.

The Cole Porter musical first opened in 1934. One of the longest-running musicals of its time, it was later adapted for film, with Bing Crosby and Ethel Merman in the starring roles.

In the Bigfork production, Jennifer N. Poarch will be featured as Rita Sweeny, the sexy evangelist turned nightclub singer.

Poarch, a native of North Carolina, is an accomplished actress with a wide array of leading female roles to her credit.

She graduated from Lees-McRae College with a Bachelor of Science degree in dance and musical theater. Since then, her love for the performing arts has allowed her to travel the country.

At the Wisconsin Northern Lights Playhouse she performed the leading female roles of Guenevere in "Camelot," Anna in "The King and I," and Josephine in "HMS Pinafore." As a member of the North Carolina Stage Ensemble she recently completed a Southwestern tour playing a multitude of roles including Laurey in "Oklahoma" and Grace in "Annie."

Just prior to her arrival in Bigfork she portrayed Belle at the Cabaret Dinner Theatre's production of "Beauty and the Beast" in Grand Junction, Colo.

Poarch is also a choeographer and choreographed "Chicago" this season for Bigfork Summer Playhouse.

When the Bigfork season ends Poarch will travel to Indiana to begin rehearsals for a Christmas show at the famous Bearcreek Resort.

She is thrilled to be cast as Reno in "Anything Goes" and says that it's a privilege to be singing the fabulous Cole Porter songs, "Anything Goes," "Friendship," "I Get a Kick Out of You," "You're the Top," and "Blow Gabriel Blow."

"Anything Goes" will continue to be offered at the playhouse, along with "Chicago," "Grease" and "Crazy for You," through August 27.

Bruce Cusker is the "Anything Goes" director. The cast includes returning summer playhouse veteran Brian Bailey (Northern Kentucky University) and talented newcomers Summer Broyhill (Florida State University), Anna Bocknek (James Madison University), Forrest Ledger (University of Montana) and Gregory Maheu (Elon University).

Michelle Thomson is the choreographer and Brach Thomson is music director. The costumes are designed by Monica Hart.

Tickets for all four musicals can be reserved by calling the Bigfork Summer Playhouse box office at 837-4886.