No matter the square footage, performer Derrick DeVonne King fills the stage. His statuesque height and powerful voice command the room, even in a space as grand as the Landers stage. DeVonne King can nearly cross the boards in three leaps and when he begins to sing, the show stops.

He is currently delighting audiences tapping and twirling aboard the S.S. American in ANYTHING GOES. The goofy, big hearted, musical classic featuring songs by Cole Porter is a favorite among audiences, but it is especially tender to DeVonne King who is reprising his first role ever at Springfield Little Theatre – a tap-dancing sailor.

“I’m proud of myself because I don’t tap on the regular and it’s been years since I’ve pulled it out the bag,” DeVonne King acknowledged. “To get the chance to rewind time for a bit – it’s a bit of an evolution for me. A complete circling of things is rare.”

This production marks DeVonne King’s 45^th SLT production. He expressed his gratitude to the show’s talented creative staff including director Chyrel Miller, guest artist and tap choreographer Felecia Black, assistant director and choreographer Logan Scott, music director Billy Gower, production stage manager Isabelle Christian, and assistant stage manager Aiden Harman. Much of the world has changed since his 2002 SLT debut, but the lively, crowd-pleasing songs of ANYTHING GOES are timeless.

“SLT repeats shows regularly, and for this show to pop up half my lifetime later, and I’m still blessed to be physically able to complete the same track as I did half a lifetime ago, but now with all the experience I have behind it? It’s been wonderful,” DeVonne King reflected.

Growing up in a musical family, DeVonne King discovered his vocal talents in a gospel choir as a child. In high school, he studied both band and choir. As so many lives are changed, it was an educator who redirected his path toward a career in musical theatre. He was recruited by a beloved teacher and mentor to join the speech and drama team.

DeVonne King went on to complete his MA of Musical Theater Performance from Oklahoma City University in 2002. His mother had recently relocated to Springfield and recognizing that nearby Branson offered professional opportunities, DeVonne King soon followed. He was eager for stage time and searched audition notices.

“As soon as I got here, I looked up SLT,” he recalled. “My need to perform actually drove me to search out and discover SLT.”

Although DeVonne King has had the opportunity to revisit some of the titles he has previously performed, the majority of his catalog has been a wide variety of unique shows. Some of his biggest roles have been in SLT debuts. In 2005, DeVonne King starred as the Beast in SLT’s first ever production of DISNEY’S BEAUTY & THE BEAST. Led by Education Director Lorianne Dunn, the show was a turning point for the theatre in terms of production scope and scale.

Two years later, DeVonne King stunned audiences as “Horse” in THE FULL MONTY. It was another smash hit for SLT that opened the community to what’s possible on stage in the Ozarks. He recently revisited that role in 2022. Often cast in high energy, demanding roles, DeVonne King says he has a consistent method for mastering the material.

“I always have to learn the music first. I have to learn all the dancing without singing anything. Then, depending on the date of production, I force myself to bind the two together. Singing and dancing at the same time is not easy!” he laughed.

When he reflects on the most meaningful performances, personal connection, spiritual themes, and artistic style are top of mind for DeVonne King.

“There is little that I can compare to playing Jesus in GODSPELL when Lorianne Dunn is your choreographer and director,” he smiled. “It was my first lead at SLT. GODSPELL, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND and CHILDREN OF EDEN were the closest I’ve ever felt to a cast. The synergy of every cast is different, but there is nothing more special when a cast has been brought together and are emotionally led by the director. That’s when I find the most wonderful moments of what we are capable of. That’s when SLT really shows how amazing the stage can be.”

DeVonne King is now a part of the fabric of SLT. He has dedicated so many hours and so much sweat and effort to delivering unforgettable performances. When he goes home each night, he says it’s the relationships he takes with him that really count.

“I am not a social person. SLT is half of the reason relationships exist in my life,” DeVonne King recognized. “This community has given me people who I will look after and who will look after me ‘til I transition from this earth. [That is] probably the most beautiful thing SLT has done for me.”

“I have always hoped to be an example to children of broken backgrounds that your performance dreams can happen if that remains your passion in your life,” he shared. “This community has represented family to me, helped save me from myself, given me a personal theatrical home few rarely find. We are very fortunate to have SLT. So long as I have any ability to sing, dance, or act, I feel it important to give back to my community. I don’t have money – this is what I’ve had to give. The talents God has given me.”

Although ANYTHING GOES marks DeVonne King’s 45^th show, it is far from his last. “I always intend to be involved with SLT in any capacity that I can because – simply – it matters,” he said. “The arts properly and freely represented in society will always matter.”

Get your tickets now to Springfield Little Theatre’s 91^st season finale, ANYTHING GOES