Opened: April 7, 2011
Book by: Guy Bolton & P.G. Wodehouse
Music & Lyrics by: Cole Porter
Broadway Revival Cast: Sutton Foster, Joel Grey, John McMartin, Jessica Walter, Colin Donnell, Adam Godley, Laura Osnes, Jessica Stone, Walter Charles, Robert Creighton, Andrew Cao, Raymond J. Lee, Clyde Alves, Ward Billeisen, Joyce Chittick, Nikki Renée Daniels, Kim Fauré, Josh Franklin, Daniel J. Edwards, Tari Kelly, Shina Ann Morris, Linda Mugleston, Kevin Munhall, Adam Perry, William Ryall, Jennifer Savelli, Anthony Wayne & Kristen Beth Williams
There are some shows that – with the right cast – can be played in any decade and still feel new to audiences. This is one of those shows.
When nightclub singer Reno Sweeney (Sutton Foster) and second-rate gangster Moonface Martin (Joel Grey) board an ocean liner, they stir up trouble amongst passengers. They take young Billy Crocker (Colin Donnell) under their wing and aid him in trying to win over Hope Harcourt (Laura Osnes).
One of Cole Porter’s most recognizable scores, this cast creates new classics out of theater favorites. Donnell and Osnes make quite a pair on the romantic “It’s De-Lovely.”
In the Act I finale, “Anything Goes,” Foster’s vocals soar, but even more entertaining is the tap dancing that incredibly shows off the company’s skills.
Final say: This classical piece of musical theater has aged like fine wine. ★★★★★