"Anything Goes"

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I am a huge fan of tap musicals from the 30's, 40's, and 50's. I love the bright costumes, the bauble jewelery, the tales of wealth and glamour, and the stories - and related dance numbers - of loves found and lost. As such, you can imagine my thrill at being able to see "Anything Goes" not once, but twice - initially for a preview performance as a thank-you from a sweet house guest, and the second time as an opening night attendee, complete with after-party, thanks to a fellow theater-lover.

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I can't tell you how much I loved this show. Not only am I a lifelong fan of Joel Grey, but I've also been smitten with Sutton Foster since I saw her in the La Jolla Playhouse origination of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" when I was in high school. The chance to see the two of them together - especially Joel Grey! - was one I simply could not pass up. And they did not disappoint me. Joel Grey's "Moonface Martin" was endearing in his not-quite-bad-enough criminal endeavors, and Sutton Foster's worldly "Reno Sweeney" was a refreshing departure from the wide-eyed ingenue(s) she's made her name playing. Superbly directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, highlights must also go out to Laura Osnes' "Hope Harcourt" - last seen and loved by this particular theater-goer in La Jolla Playhouses' "Bonnie & Clyde" - with her crystal clear singing voice, as well as to Colin Donnell's eager "Billy Crocker." Definitive accolades must finally go to Jessica Stone's portrayal of "Erma," a girl who knows what she wants and has no qualms about taking it, always looking out for number one - herself.

Paul Huntley's hair and wig design brought the 1930's delightfully to life with vibrant colors and curls, while Martin Pakledinaz's costumes were drool-worthy with pin-up and flowing skirts, buckled pumps and fabulous jewels to boot. Derek McLane's scenic design was whimsically  superb, and Cole Porter's music was brought once again to sparkling life with the vocal prowess and orchestral magic of this cast and musicians. Without a doubt, this is a show worth seeing. It will put a smile on your face and have you humming all the way home, trust me on that!

"Anything Goes" plays at The Stephen Sondheim Theater, 124 W 43rd Street, (between 6th Avenue and Broadway). You can visit the box office for tickets or call 212-719-1300.