SAIL AWAY: Cast members of the Mercer County Community College Academic Theater and Dance program rehearse the upcoming production of “Anything Goes,” which runs April 25-May 4 at the Kelsey Theatre on the college’s West Windsor Campus.

The Mercer County Community College (MCCC) Academic Theater and Dance program presents the musical comedy Anything Goes, April 25-May 4 at the Kelsey Theatre on the college’s West Windsor Campus.

The show follows the antics of Billy Crocker, who stows away on the S.S. American when he learns his love interest, Hope, is on board and bound for England to marry the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. When Billy borrows an unused ticket and passport from gangster Moonface Martin (a.k.a., Public Enemy 13) to stay on board, the comedy gets rolling with mistaken identities, a comical disguise, and blackmail — along with music and dancing.

This classic musical was updated in 2022 with a new book (2022) but still features Cole Porter’s iconic score, including I Get A Kick Out of You, You’re the Top, and Anything Goes.

“This is the largest cast we have ever had—a monster of a show,” said Jody Gazenbeek-Person, coordinator of the Theater and Dance program at MCCC. “It’s a mixture of students and community members, as it is important to have our production open to community members. In educational theatre, performers get a deeper learning experience because of the prestigious educational backgrounds of the production team — director, choreographers, vocal coach, designers, stage manager, etc. Also, almost everyone on the production team for Anything Goes has done a considerable amount of professional work in the entertainment industry, so this knowledge is passed on to the performers throughout the rehearsal process.”

Shows are Friday, April 25 and May 2, and Saturday, May 3, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, April 27 and May 4 at 2 p.m. at the Kelsey Theatre on MCCC’s West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. Tickets are $26 for adults and $24 for children and students.

Visit kelseytheatre.org.