Moffat County High School students are bringing a piece of classic Broadway to Craig with their production of “Anything Goes,” a musical known for its humor, memorable songs and lasting cultural impact.

“Anything Goes” will be performed at the Moffat County High School auditorium on April 16 and 17 at 6 p.m., with performances at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on April 18.

The production, directed by choir and drama instructor Juliann Matheson, features one of the largest casts the school has produced in recent years, along with a live orchestra.

The preparation process, which has taken months, has challenged students while also inspiring them.

“With thousands of musicals published, I try to seek one that is not only entertaining for the audience, but one that can help the students understand the significance of the Broadway musical in American culture,” Matheson said.

The show, originally written by famed composer Cole Porter, is highly regarded and features songs that have remained popular for decades.

“His songs are catchy and his playwriting is extremely witty and funny,” Matheson said. “He is a master of the genre, and it is my hope that the students are coming to appreciate his contributions to American music.”

Bringing that level of performance to a high school stage requires careful planning and coordination, particularly when working with students.

Matheson said the school’s live orchestra and its high level of skill played a major role in selecting the production, as not all musical scores are written with student performers in mind.

“It is a rare and wonderful thing to have live musicians accompanying us in the pit instead of a pre-recorded audio track,” she said. “But that does present challenges as well.”

This year’s production includes more than 40 students on stage, in addition to students working as stage crew, in technical roles and participating in the orchestra.

With such a large group, Matheson said she has been deeply impressed by the leadership that has been shown by experienced students.

“I’ve seen the seniors really coaching the freshmen and helping them understand what all is involved,” she said. “It’s been really fun to watch them all come together to put on the best show for everyone.”

Senior Taya Told is among those taking the stage for the final time as she balances rehearsals, schoolwork and graduation while preparing for “Anything Goes.”

“It’s been very hectic preparing for this show,” Told said.

Told plays Mrs. Harcourt, a role that she said has allowed her to step outside her comfort zone.

“I really enjoy playing her because she is different from what I’ve played before,” Told said. “It’s really fun to play a character who is so opposite to your personality.”

She said the large cast has created both new opportunities and new challenges during rehearsals, as coordinating that many performers has required adjustments and a lot of collaboration.

“This year we have 42 kids in the play, which has upped the ante of our show and has allowed us to do things we have never been able to do before,” Told said.

Matheson said preparation for a production of this scale begins long before opening night. Planning started last summer with selecting a show, followed by administrative approval and securing performance rights.

Since January, students have spent hours after school each week rehearsing lines, music and choreography while also dedicating time on weekends to building sets and refining technical aspects of the production.

“It’s truly a lot of work,” Matheson said.

The production has also relied heavily on community support, including donations and volunteer efforts, to help construct sets and promote the show.

“We couldn’t do it without them,” Matheson said of the contributions from local organizations, parents and community members.

For Told and other seniors, the show carries an additional emotional power as well.

“It’s very bittersweet because it’s my last show with these people,” Told said. “I’ve created a family and such an amazing group of friends.”

Matheson, who has worked with many of the seniors since their early years in school, said watching them perform for the last time is both rewarding and difficult.

“It’s been amazing to be able to coach them and help them find their potential,” she said. “But it’s sad at the same time, and I will miss each one of them dearly.”

This year’s production also features student-led choreography, with senior Brylee Hampton contributing to the dance elements of the show, adding an even deeper layer of student involvement.

As opening night approaches, both students and staff say they hope audiences will come out to support the production and enjoy the performance.

“I just hope they have fun while watching it,” Told said.