ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rehearsals are underway for the next show in OFC Creations Theater’s Broadway in Brighton series, "Anything Goes."

What You Need To Know

  • Anything Goes runs through April 19

  • Kel Mitchell stars as Mooonface Martin

  • The Broadway in Brighton series wraps for the season with Jersey Boys starting in May

The cast is actors from New York City, Los Angeles and Rochester. Starring as the show’s leading man is a face that might look familiar: Kel Mitchell. 

“He’s unpredictable. He’s a gangster, on the run and he’s hiding out. There’s so many things that happen after," said Mitchell about his character. 

Best known for his roles in '90s Nickelodeon series and movies, Mitchell says he got his start in show business by doing live theater and is excited to return to the stage. 

“You get to hear the crowd and them laughing and having fun. I also love the stage because it makes you a pro, you can’t do it again," said Mitchell. 

He’s the latest celebrity to come to OFC Creations. Jodi Benson, voice of Ariel in Disney's The Little Mermaid, starred in the theater’s production of Gypsy. Theater director Eric Johnson says having these big names is a boost not only to the theater but also to the community. 

“We’ve had people come from Toronto, Pennsylvania and other states to come see these unique shows," said Johnson. “Where else are you going to see Jodi Benson in Gypsy [or] Kel Mitchell in a musical."

OFC’s theater holds under 300 people, creating an intimate setting for audiences to see these big names perform. 

“If you’ve seen Anything Goes before, you’ve probably seen it in a huge 2,000-seat theater where you’re almost looking through binoculars to see the stage”, said Johnson. “With this, you are right there. You feel like you’re aboard the ship with them."

Bringing celebrities and actors in from all over is a labor of love but Johnson says it’s all worth it for the next generation of actors.  

“We have the largest educational theater program in upstate New York. Tons of kids come through and see this show [and] get to see the celebrities on the same stage as they get to do summer camp on," said Johnson. 

And for Mitchell, he’s excited for audiences to see him bring this character to life. 

“It’s a lot of twists and turns. I  love stories with a lot of twists and turns," said Mitchell. 

Anything Goes runs through April 19. The Broadway in Brighton series wraps for the season with Jersey Boys starting in May. 

For showtimes and ticket information, click here.