BWW Reviews: ANYTHING GOES Does Everything Right and is a Real Dazzler

Cole Porter's ANYTHING GOES sails into Houston for the first stop of its revival national tour. In case a reminder is needed as to why Cole Porter was one of the great 20th century songwriters, we don't need to wait long once the lights go down and the orchestra, conducted by Robbie Cowan, transports the audience to the time of legendary classics with songs 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."

ANYTHING GOES premiered in 1934, and the story takes place around the same year. The cruise liner the SS American journeys across the pond to London. The passengers are comprised of the luxurious upper class, sailors, gangsters, gamblers, entertainers, and a stowaway stock broker. Essentially, ANYTHING GOES is chockfull of shipboard romance between young and old, rich and poor. This leads to a quirky love story that is plentiful with comedic twists and turns.

At the helm of the show, the original direction and choreography of Kathleen Marshall, is done by Sean Mcknight and Jennifer Savelli. With no fuss, no cheap frills, just pure entertainment, they steer a first rate group of actors with a good humored, energetic, tongue-in-cheek romp on the high seas.

In 2011, the rivial of ANYHTING GOES won three Tony Awards for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, Best Choreography and Best Musical Revival. At the time, however, it had Sutton Foster in the role of showgirl Reno Sweeney. The touring company keeps up the momentum with its replacement, the unwavering radiance of Emma Stratton is right on the money, as is the rest of the cast. The choreography is rousing and the overall talent makes this a well anchored production.

Emma Stratton is fantastic as Reno Sweeney, the lead singer of an all-woman singing troupe who is charged with helping her best friend Billy get the girl. Stratton's voice is resoundingly strong and clear, as she delivers her lines with a sultry lilt. Not to mention her ability to dominate the stage with fabulous singing, dancing, and acting will have you glued to her every move.

Brian Krinsky and Rachelle Rose Clark ably fill the roles of Billy Crocker and Hope Harcourt, the young lovers from different paths that desperately attempt to find a way to spend their lives together. Krinsky is strong in voice and full of heart as the unyielding stockbroker in love. He is complimented well by Rachelle Rose Clark's Hope Harcourt. Hope is the fiancée of Lord Evelyn although she is really in love with Billy. Clark gives this ingénue the much needed backbone to get what she wants.

Wishing he were public enemy number 1, Moonface Martin is brought to life by Dennis Setteducati. He is highly entertaining as the gentle, fumbling gangster who is frustrated at being rated only 13th on the list of America's public enemies. If every gangster was like him, the world would be a much funnier place. His rascally nature and comedic timing never miss a beat and cause his presence onstage to be thoroughly enjoyed.

Erma, Moonface's man-hungry sidekick, is played by Mychal Phillips. Philips is a spitfire and is the perfect accompaniment to Setteducati's Moonface Martin. Brining her own bright moments, she shines during her song and dance routine in "Buddie, Beware" and helps guide the lead characters to their eventual conflict resolution.

Lastly, there is Richard Lindenfelzer, playing the role of Sir Evelyn Oakleigh, a somewhat awkard English gentleman and future fiancé of Hope. 3 parts awkward, and 1 part clueless, his affinity for mangling American metaphors and catch phrases makes him endearing. Although loveable as a bumbling aristocrat, Lindenfelzer really shows his talent in a duet featuring the Lord's alter ego and Reno. The two of them perform "The Gypsy in Me" and earn some of the biggest laughs of the night.

ANYTHING GOES is a quirky fare with its much beloved songs coupled with exquisite dancing and a great flair for comedy. The subplots boil over and spill into one another creating a lot of mindless fun yet there are some truly outstanding moments in this production including a stellar rendition of the show stopping, full company performance of the title song "Anything Goes".

Some shows of the time period may seem outdated today, but that's not the case with this revival of ANYTHING GOES. I was one of the youngest members of the audience and this production felt fresh and fabulous just like the spirit of Cole Porter's songs. Fans of the original will certainly enjoy it, but I imagine it will pick up new fans along the way. Combine high energy, fast-paced choreography, phenomenal acting and singing along with some good laughs and you have the recipe for a fun filled night.

Full sail ahead with ANYTHING GOES. It's in town through Sunday evening and after that it's bon voyage. Make sure you don't miss the cruise!

ANYTHING GOES is playing in the Sarofim Hall of the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts though October 19th. For tickets and more information please visit http://www.thehobbycenter.org/?q=node/1272.

Photo credit: Jeremy Daniel

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