by Mark G. Auerbach
It’s taken some eighty-plus years since Anything Goes’ maiden voyage to Broadway, introducing Ethel Merman, and a cache of Cole Porter hits. Now, after countless productions (one recently in Westfield), two Tony Award winning Broadway revivals, and two film adaptations, Anything Goes finally sails into Goodspeed Musicals, America’s living history museum of musical theatre on the shores of the Connecticut River. (through June 16).
Stephen DeRosa, Rashidra Scott and David Harris in the Goodspeed production of Anything Goes. Photo by Diane Sobolewski
East Haddam, CT 06423
(860)873-8664
I got a kick out of Goodspeed’s production. Anything Goes, with its deluxe book by Guy Bolton, P.G. Wodehouse, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, revised for the Lincoln Center revival by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman, is loaded with Cole Porter hits, from the title song to “Blow Gabriel Blow”, “You’re The Top” and “I Get A Kick Out of You”. Porter’s music sparkles, and his lyrics are loaded with innuendo. You won’t have any difficulty following the plot–a group of madcap folks sailing from New York to Europe, with evangelist turned nightclub singer Reno Sweeney (the Merman role) leading the pack.
Michael O’Flaherty’s musical direction and Dan DeLange’s orchestrations bring out the zing in Porter’s music, and Kelli Barclay’s dance numbers just sizzle. The Act I finale, “Anything Goes”, is a genuine showstopper with taps for days. The second act’s “Blow, Gabriel, Blow” stops the show as well. Daniel Goldstein’s staging is brisk, and Wilson Chin’s clever shipboard sets give Goldstein and Barclay plenty of interesting spaces for staging. Ilona Somogyi’s costumes dazzle. Brian Tovar’s lighting is superb, as are wigs and hair designs by Mark Adam Rampmeyer.. Jay Hilton’s sound design balances the orchestra’s brass with the singers’ sass.
Rashidra Scott is Reno Sweeney in the Goodspeed production of Anything Goes. Photo by Diane Sobolewski
East Haddam, CT 06423
(860)873-8664
Rashidra Scott, Goodspeed’s Reno Sweeney, has big shoes to fill in a role originated by Ethel Merman, and subsequently played by musical theatre heavyweights like Patti LuPone, Leslie Uggams, Sutton Foster, and Rachel York. She’s got a big, pleasing voice that never turns to the brash, and she’s got good comic timing,and graceful dance steps, not to mention being tops at taps. David Harris, the Australian musical star, is smooth as Billy Crocker, easy on the eyes and the ears, and Stephen DeRosa s Moonface is hilarious. Hannah Florence is sweet as the debutante Hope; Desiree Davar is a sultry Erma. The other principals and ensemble are terrific.
Special mention must be given to local shelter dog, Trixie, who plays the canine principal role of Cheeky. It’s a nice reminder that the Bill Berloni-trained mutt follows in the footsteps of another Berloni mutt, Sandy, in Goodspeed’s and Broadway’s subsequent productions of Annie..
Anything Goes is pure pleasure, and a most welcome addition to Goodspeed Musicals’ list of 50+ years of greatest hits.
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Goodspeed Musicals presents Anything Goes. Music and lyrics by Cole Porter. Original Book by Guy Bolton, P.G. Wodehouse, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. New Book by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman. Directed by Daniel Goldstein. Music direction by Michael O’Flaherty. Choreography by Kelli Barclay. Scenic design by Wilson Chin. Costume Design by Ilona Somogyi. Lighting Design by Brian Tovar. Sound Design by Jay Hilton. Wig & Hair Design by Mark Adam Rampmeyer. Orchestrations by Dan DeLange. Cast: Rashidra Scott (Reno Sweeney), David Harris (Billy Crocker), Stephen DeRosa (Moonface Martin), Desiree Davar (Erma), Hannah Florence (Hope Harcourt), Denise Lute (Mrs. Wadsworth T. Harcourt), Benjamin Howes (Sir Evelyn Oakleigh), Kingsley Leggs (Elisha J. Whitney). Patrick Richwood (Purser). Through June 16.. Goodspeed Opera House, East Haddam, CT. For tickets: 860-873-8668 or www.goodspeed.org.
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Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and the Yale School of Drama. He’s worked for arts organizations and reported on theatre for newspapers and radio.
