Anything Goes Notes
There are few musicals that have captured the hearts of Americans like “Anything Goes.” The story has thrilled audiences for 80 years and the music has crossed over into the mainstream, being sung by legends like Frank Sinatra. “Anything Goes” is one of the earliest classics in the genre, all the more impressive since musical theater was in its infancy when it was written.
The music was written by Cole Porter (d. 1964) who also gave us such shows as “Kiss Me, Kate” and “Paris.” His output was vast and his fame spread quickly. He worked with all the big names of his time, like Irene Bordoni, Grace Kelly, Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, and Noel Coward. One of his most famous collaborations was with Ethel Merman, the original Reno Sweeney. Cole Porter was also somewhat of a “local” boy, having resided for many years in Williamstown. He actually wrote the score for “Anything Goes” while visiting with friends in Newport. Before opening on Broadway in 1934, the show played a preview period in Boston.
“Anything Goes” as we see and hear it today has undergone many transformations throughout its history. The libretto was originally written by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse. But knowing its inadequacies (and following a tragic boat accident at the time), it was heavily revised by the director Howard Lindsay and his new writing partner, Russel Crouse. The script has since been revised three other times (1962, 1987, 2011). We are performing the newest available version from 1987. The history of its development could fill a book. Here are just a few highlights.
“There’s No Cure Like Travel” and “You’d Be So Easy to Love” were cut from the original and restored in 1987. “Friendship,” “The Crew Song,” “Goodbye, Little Dream, Goodbye,” and “It’s De-Lovely” were actually written for other Porter shows. “Buddie, Beware” was originally written for Reno to sing about her man problems and “Gypsy in Me” was a vehicle for Hope to let loose and not Sir Evelyn as we have it today. And if you’re wondering what “Heaven Hop,” “Where Are the Men?” and “Let’s Step Out” sound like, you won’t hear them here. They were cut either in 1934 or 1962.
Over the years, “Anything Goes” has been an opportunity to highlight the best of each generation of theater artists from directors to actors. Reno has been played by Patti LuPone, Elaine Paige, and most recently by Sutton Foster. In the 2011 Broadway revival, Moonface Martin was portrayed by the legendary Joel Grey, who was 79 years old at the time. It has also been a vehicle to highlight up-and-coming stars. Laura Osnes who played Hope in the same production has gone on to star in two Broadway shows since then.
Certain shows are forgotten and there’s usually a good reason that they don’t stand the test of time. Others survive to delight new generations of audiences. “Anything Goes” is 80 years old this year. And, as you will see tonight, it’s a keeper. We’re also proud to present this show 25 years after its last STM production (April 7-8, 1989). We especially welcome these drama alums to our gym this weekend.
- Rob Lepage
