Luanda Lia de Hilster has been cast as Reno Sweeney in the University of Central Oklahoma’s upcoming production of Anything Goes, marking another major milestone in her fast‑rising musical theatre career. A true triple threat, Luanda brings the rare combination of powerhouse vocals, sharp comedic timing, and commanding dance ability that the role demands. She will be double‑cast alongside her fellow Musical Theatre roommate, Brooklynn Snyder, making this production a special collaboration between two performers who have grown and trained together throughout their time at UCO.
Anything Goes is a classic Cole Porter musical known for its high‑energy tap numbers, witty dialogue, and iconic songs such as I Get a Kick Out of You and You’re the Top. Set aboard an ocean liner in the 1930s, the show blends romance, farce, and show‑stopping musical comedy in a way that has made it a staple of American theatre for nearly a century. Adding to the significance of this production, Anything Goes has been selected as the featured musical to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Mitchel Hall, making it a landmark event not only for the cast but for the entire UCO community.
At the center of the story is Reno Sweeney, a bold, charismatic nightclub singer whose confidence, humor, and star power drive much of the show’s energy. Reno is a role that demands vocal strength, dance versatility, and a magnetic stage presence — qualities Luanda has demonstrated repeatedly in her work at UCO.
This casting follows her recent success as Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, where she delivered a standout performance that showcased her comedic instincts and emotional nuance. Taking on Reno Sweeney offers Luanda a new opportunity to lead a major production while bringing her signature blend of precision, personality, and professionalism to one of musical theatre’s most beloved characters.
Now entering her senior year in UCO’s Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre program, Luanda continues to build an impressive portfolio of roles that highlight her range and readiness for the next level.
