In 1934, Anything Goes first debuted on Broadway. In 1962, there was a revival that added many of Cole Porter’s other songs. In 2012, there was US tour. And now, in January of 2024, the Porchlight Musical Theatre version opens!
Billy Crocker sneaks onto a ship in NYC bound for London. He is trying to win the heart of Hope, who is engaged to Lord Oakleigh. Reno Sweeney is in love with Billy. In addition to this love triangle, there are many more great storylines in this ensemble musical.
This production is very fun. Many of the songs become pop hits that even non theatre fans will recognize. The first of these is “I Get A Kick Out of You”, which was recorded by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Bublé, and many more. “I get no kick from champagne / Mere alcohol doesn’t thrill me at all / So tell me why should it be true / That I get a kick out of you”.
The next big hit is “Friendship”. This song wasn’t in the original musical, but it was added in the 1962 revival. Disney released a version with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy. “It’s friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship / When other friendships are soon forgot, ours will still be hot.”
And then there is the title track, “Anything Goes” which has been recorded by many artists including Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga in 2014. “When mothers pack and leave poor father / Because thеy decide they’d rathеr be / Tennis pros / Anything goes!”
Megan Murphy (Spamalot) is a powerhouse as Reno Sweeney. Her voice is excellent and she fully commands the stage, Jackson Evans (The Boys in the Band, Avenue Q) is absolutely hilarious as Lord Oakleigh, who may not be the best match for Hope. Steve McDonagh is so funny as Moonface Martin, the unassuming gangster who is teased for just being Public Enemy #13. Luke Nowakowski is great as Billy Crocker. Gabriel Solis and Ciara Hickey are absolutely hilarious as the mischievous kids running around the ship raising hell.
With a great cast and set, excellent music, and fantastic costumes, this is a production not to be missed!
See the program here.
Cost of a ticket: $73.50 (House Level Back)
PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It +
Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Half Price > Go for Free > Don’t Bother
Get tickets now for Anything Goes at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts through February 25th!
Quinn Delaney
PlaylistHQ 