BWW Reviews: ANYTHING GOES a First-Rate Production at the Ohio Theatre

Cole Porter's classic musical comedy, ANYTHING GOES, sailed into the Ohio Theatre during its revival tour, transporting us to a 'De-Lovely' time of legendary Broadway standards such as "I Get a Kick Out of You", "You're the Top", "It's De-Lovely", "Blow, Gabriel, Blow", and of course, "Anything Goes".

Winning three Tony Awards in 2011, including Best Musical Revival, Best Choreography, and Best Leading Actress (Sutton Foster), the revival remains a first-rate production with nonstop, fresh and fabulous entertainment.

Sean McKnight and Jennifer Savelli savor the rollicking, fast-paced tone of Tony Award-Winning choreographer Kathleen Marshall's original version. With colorful costumes, swift movement, and catchy tunes, you are swept away to the high seas on a glorious and zany adventure.

Quirky twists and turns make ANYTHING GOES a good old-fashioned comedic love story of the 1930's set on a cruise liner headed to London. Comprised of luxurious upperclassmen, hunky sailors, delightful dames, gamblers, stowaways, and more, it's a light and refreshing feel-good story that makes for a de-lovely evening.

Emma Stratton as Reno Sweeney maintains classic charm with a modern day appeal. Her infectious smile, unwavering radiance, effortless dancing and powerful voice anchor her as the dominant standout of the show.

Brian Krinsky displays a boyish charm as Billy Crocker, who combines just enough swagger and charisma that make him "Easy to Love." His "De-Lovely" duet with Rachelle Rose Clark (Hope Harcourt) is graceful and reminiscent of "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing" from Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS.

Dennis Setteducati is thoroughly enjoyable as "Moonface Martin" who wishes to be Public Enemy Number 1, but has to settle for Number 2. He delivers perfect comedic timing to drive the momentum and keep the show highly entertaining. Mychal Phillips plays Erma, Moonface's sidekick, who performs a strong "Buddie, Beware."

Richard Lindenfelzer portrays the endearing and hilarious Lord Evelyn Oakleigh who earns the biggest laughs of the night in his duet with Emma Stratton, "The Gypsy in Me".

Set design by James Kronzer and Jeremy W. Foil is non-impressive but effectively portrays the period. Enormous kudos to the stellar orchestra led by director Robbie Cowan with Michael Gibson's orchestrations and Bill Elliott's additional orchestrations. They cleanly project sharp, crisp brass tones, and bright sound which perfectly compliment the cast and alone can keep this show afloat. The captivating Entr'acte certainly deserved its own standing ovation.

If you're looking for a fresh and entertaining timeless musical with impressive talent, catchy tunes, and effortless dancing, then jump aboard ANYTHING GOES before it sails away. Now playing at the Ohio Theatre through February 8, 2015.

Tickets for ANYTHING GOES start at $28 and can be purchased at the CAPA Ticket Center (39 E. State St.), all Ticketmaster outlets, and online at www.ticketmaster.com. To purchase by phone, please call (866) 870-2717. Orders for groups of 20 or more may be placed by calling (614) 719-6900.

For more information, visit www.anythinggoesthemusical.com.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Daniel

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