Have
you ever wondered what singing and dancing would look like on a ship? Well,
Cole Porter had the same thought and brought that idea to the Broadway stage. Anything Goes is a lively and entertaining
Broadway show that originally opened on November 21, 1934. Cole Porter wrote
and composed many of the infamous songs like “Anything Goes”, “Blow Gabriel
Blow”, “You're the Top”, and “I Get a Kick Out of You.” The
creative lyrics rhyme frequently and always leave you guessing for the next
phrase. The catchy lyrics and tunes stay with the audience for days after a
show. The voice behind those songs was none other than Ethel Merman. Even
though the Sirius XM Broadway channel always praises her talent, I cannot stand
her booming voice with an overkill vibrato. Thankfully, the show starring Ethel
Merman closed a year later.
Unfortunately, the show opened again with a
successor with a voice similar to Merman’s. Patti LuPone
played Reno Sweeney for two years and nearly doubled the number of shows. Critics
had the same opinion of her as I have now. Many disliked her portrayal of Reno
because of her lack of diction and lack of dance skills. The beautiful lyrics
were all jumbled together – which is a theatre no-no. Even though she went on
to play other leads, like Mrs. Lovett in “Sweeney Todd”, she was never loved
for her portrayal of Reno Sweeney. Once again, the show closed and didn’t
return to Broadway for two decades.
Finally, the show returned in 2011 for its
final revival (as of right now). In my opinion, this show had the “dream cast”
which is a phrase coined by the fabulous musical “Les Miserables.” Sutton Foster captured Reno Sweeney with more
grace and talent than anyone before her. Having seen her on the New York stage,
I can say she truly inspired my love of this musical. Her dancing was
absolutely flawless and her singing was superb. Her cast mates also made the
experience unforgettable. Her most famous costar was Joel Grey as Moonface
Martin. I was very pleasantly surprised when I saw his name on the playbill
because he originated the role as the Wizard of Oz in my all-time favorite
musical, “Wicked.”
Even thought the show had stellar casts, Anything Goes seemed to open and close for no reason. This musical is a money maker and always seems to be revived when Broadway needs a pick-me-up. The final note I’d like to leave you with is this: it’s always a “grand night for singing!"
Even thought the show had stellar casts, Anything Goes seemed to open and close for no reason. This musical is a money maker and always seems to be revived when Broadway needs a pick-me-up. The final note I’d like to leave you with is this: it’s always a “grand night for singing!"
