The Whitman stage has been host to everything from African queens to undead monsters, so for this fall’s musical you’d figure that anything goes.

“Anything Goes” is a comedic love story about the antics that ensue when protagonist Billy Crocker (Bryan Eng) attempts to win back his long-lost love, the engaged debutant Hope Harcourt (Jordan Abramowitz). The show sets sail Nov. 15 to 17.

Instead of being controversial like many previous shows, “Anything Goes” is a light-hearted comedy, director Christopher Gerken said.

“I like to expose our performing arts students to many different types of theater: dramatic, thriller, classic, modern, and in this case, musical comedy,” Gerken said. “A wide knowledge base of different styles and genres of theatre provides the students and community a deeper experience and appreciation of this very broad art form.”

The musical, set during the 1930s, takes place on the S.S. American ocean liner as it carries an unusual group of passengers across the Atlantic. Night club singer Reno Sweeny (Erin Craig) tries to seduce the engaged Lord Evelyn (Lucas Weals) in order to prevent the unpopular marriage between Evelyn and Hartcourt. Meanwhile, gangster Moonface Martin (Ryan Savage) tries to escape from the law with his partner-in-crime Bonnie (Michelle Huey).

The show is more dance-heavy than many previous musicals. To teach all 36 cast members to tap dance, Whitman hired professional choreographer Melani Drummer, who has a diverse dance background.

“The tap dancing will aesthetically amaze,” producer and senior Daniel Levine said. “It will fill up the stage with tons of people dancing that will create something visually spectacular.”

Aside from the comical plot and engaging tap dancing, the technical aspects are sure to make a splash. Since the whole musical is set on a boat, the goal is to have the audience feel as if they are cruising with the cast, Levine said.

The live pit orchestra, cast and ensemble embody the energetic and enthusiastic life of the 1930s.

“A lot of the tunes are ones that the audience may recognize,” vocal director Jeffery Davidson said. “It is traditional musical theater with fun, upbeat and lighthearted songs.”

The cast is much younger than in previous years; male lead Bryan Eng is only a freshman, which doesn’t happen often in Whitman musicals.

“The level of talent the underclassmen are bringing to the program is remarkable,” Gerken said. “I’m excited to see them demonstrating their skills and I’m plotting huge plans to utilize their talents in future productions.”

The cast and crew of this musical have high expectations for opening night. For the first time in drama department history, tickets are being sold online early for convenience.

“This musical is a good end to my Whitman drama career,” senior Michelle Huey said. “It’s a really energetic show, the taping is amazing and overall it’s going to be fantastic start to the drama productions.”