“It’s Delightful, It’s Delicious, It’s De-lovely!”

“It’s Delightful, It’s Delicious, It’s De-lovely!”

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!"

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