BWW Reviews: ANYTHING GOES Delivers Laughs at Kennedy Center through July 7

It may not be 1934 anymore, but ANYTHING GOES, running now through July 7 at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., proves that classics just get better with age.

The Roundabout Theatre's national tour of the upbeat musical features music and lyrics by the legendary Cole Porter, with original book by P.G. Wodehouse (of "Jeeves and Wooster" fame), Guy Bolton, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse; and new book by Timothy Crouse and John Weidmanand. The show is fresh from Broadway, where it had an impressive run and won the 2011 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical.

Director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall won the 2011 Tony Award for Best Choreography in ANYTHING GOES, and it's clear that her award was well-deserved. Viewing the show, I felt transported back in time, particularly during the impeccably choreographed title number, "Anything Goes," which features an ensemble tap routine that produced lengthy applause and cheering from the audience.

Anyone familiar with Cole Porter songs or P.G. Wodehouse stories might guess that the show's storyline is far from downbeat - expect lively tunes and a lighthearted plot involving mistaken identities, scheming, misunderstandings and romance. The show would probably warrant a PG rating - there are some suggestive remarks and themes, but the overall feel is family-friendly.

Rachel York steals the show with her masterful portrayal of Reno Sweeney, a modern woman who's been around the block a few times, but the one man she really cares about is in love with someone else. The old phrase "triple threat" came to mind as I watched her performance, as her acting, singing and dancing were all equally wonderful. Fred Applegate costarring as Moonface Martin Garnered plenty of laughs, particularly during the scenes he shared with York.

The principal cast also includes Josh Franklin as Billy Crocker, Jeff Brooks as Purser, Joyce Chittick as Erma, Alex Finke as Hope Harcourt, Dennis Kelly as Elisha Whitney, Vincent Rodriguez III as Luke, Marcus Shane as John, Sandra Shipley as Mrs. Evangeline Harcourt, Edward Staudenmayer as Sir Evelyn Oakleigh, and Chuck Wagner as Captain.

ANYTHING GOES shows its age a bit when it comes to a plot device that involves some Asian stereotyping. While the humor involved was not cruel, in my opinion, I overheard one audience member expressing surprise that that particular scene was not omitted from the revival of the show. However, the show's 1934 creation year cannot be ignored, and it is worth mentioning that it might well have been difficult to rework the plot without including the scene.

I found myself humming some of the show's tunes as I made my way through the Kennedy Center's parking garage, and a fellow show-goer remarked, "I can't stop humming either!"

If you decide to view this gem of a show, you just might find yourself humming too.

ANYTHING GOES runs in the Kennedy Center Opera House now through July 7, 2013. Performances will take place Tuesday through Sunday evenings in the Opera House at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 1:30 p.m. There will be an additional performance on July 3 at 1:30 p.m. There will be no performances on July 4. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at the Kennedy Center box office, online, or by calling Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600. Patrons living outside the Washington metropolitan area may dial toll-free at (800) 444-1324 or visit us online at www.kennedy-center.org.

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