One of the key actors in the theater department’s musical “110 in the Shade” was arrested on a felony drug charge Wednesday night.
Porter Anderson, 20, had to be replaced at the last minute in the role of Jim.
Zachary Hines, the actor who filled in for Anderson, started learning his role after 10 a.m. Thursday, and within 12 hours, he had received a standing ovation after what audience members described as a fabulous performance.
Hines played Jim, the supportive, innocent brother of the star.
Originally set to play the character Cody Barnes, Hines previously played in productions of “High School Musical” and “Li’l Abner.” The performing arts major also wrote, produced and directed “Caged Birds,” according the program.
Hines took over the role after Tampa Police charged actor Porter Anderson with third degree felony possession of cannabis with intent to sell.
He was arrested around 11:30 Wednesday night at the Metro Mart gas station (900 W. Kennedy Blvd.) across from campus.
According to the Hillsborough County Sherrif’s Office, he was released on $2,000 bond early Thursday.
Anderson is a freshman performing arts major who has played in “Dreamgirls,” “Westside Story,” “Cinderella” and “The Wiz.”
The final show of “110 in the Shade” will be Sunday at 2 p.m. in UT’s Falk Theatre. UT students with IDs are admitted free. Other students and seniors are $5, and all others are $10.