Anything Goes

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Anything Goes is a musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. The
original book was a collaborative effort by Guy Bolton and P.G. Anything Goes
Wodehouse, heavily revised by the team of Howard Lindsay and Russel
Crouse.[1] The story concerns madcap antics aboard an ocean liner
bound from New York to London. Billy Crocker is a stowaway in love
with heiress Hope Harcourt, who is engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh.
Nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and Public Enemy #13 Moonface
Martin aid Billy in his quest to win Hope. The musical introduced such
songs as "Anything Goes", "You're the Top", and "I Get a Kick Out of
You."

Since its 1934 debut at the Alvin Theatre (now known as the Neil
Simon Theatre) on Broadway, the musical has been revived several
times in the United States and Britain and has been filmed twice. The
musical has long been a popular choice for school and community Sheet music from original Broadway
productions.[2]
production Anything Goes
Music Cole Porter

Contents Lyrics Cole Porter

Book Guy Bolton
1 History P.G. Wodehouse
2 Synopsis
Productions 1934 Broadway
2.1 Original 1934 libretto
3 Characters 1935 West End
4 Musical numbers 1936 Film version
5 Productions 1954 Television version
5.1 Broadway 1956 Film version
5.2 West End 1962 Off-Broadway
5.3 1962 Off Broadway revival 1987 Broadway Revival
5.4 1987 Broadway revival
5.5 1989 West End revival 1989 West End Revival
5.6 2002 Concert 2003 West End Revival
5.7 2002-2003 London and West End revivals 2011 Broadway Revival
5.8 2011 Broadway revival 2012 National Tour
5.9 2012 US National tour 2013 Buenos Aires
5.10 2015 UK Tour 2015 UK National Tour
5.11 2015 Australian revival
5.12 2016 Regional revival 2015 Australian National
5.13 Other Productions Tour
6 Movie versions Awards Tony Award for Best
7 Television version Revival
8 Awards and nominations
Drama Desk Award for
8.1 1987 Broadway revival
8.2 1989 London revival Outstanding Revival of a
8.3 2002 London revival Musical
8.4 2011 Broadway revival
9 Recordings
10 In popular culture
11 References
11.1 Sources
12 External links
History
The original idea for a musical set on board an ocean liner came from producer Vinton Freedley, who was
living on a boat, having left the US to avoid his creditors.[3] He selected the writing team, P. G. Wodehouse and
Guy Bolton, and the star, Ethel Merman. The first draft of the show was called Crazy Week, which became
Hard to Get, and finally Anything Goes. The original plot involved a bomb threat, a shipwreck, and hijinks on a
desert island,[4] but, just a few weeks before the show was due to open, a fire on board the passenger ship SS
Morro Castle caused the deaths of 138 passengers and crew members. According to one version,[5] Freedley
judged that to proceed with a show on a similar subject would be in dubious taste, and he insisted on changes to
the script. However, theatre historian Lee Davis maintains that Freedley wanted the script changed because it
was "a hopeless mess."[6] Bolton and Wodehouse were in England at the time and were thus no longer
available, so Freedley turned to his director, Howard Lindsay, to write a new book.[4] Lindsay recruited press
agent Russel Crouse as his collaborator, beginning a lifelong writing partnership.[4] The roles of Billy Crocker
and Moonface Martin were written for the well-known comedy team William Gaxton and Victor Moore, and
Gaxton's talent for assuming various disguises was featured in the libretto.

Porter wrote the majority of Anything Goes in the Rosecliff mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, while staying
as a houseguest there.

Synopsis
Four versions of the libretto of Anything Goes exist: the original 1934 libretto, the 1962 revival libretto, the
1987 revival libretto, and the 2011 revival libretto. The story has been revised, though all involve similar
romantic complications aboard the SS American and feature the same major characters. The score has been
altered, with some songs cut and others reassigned to different scenes and characters, and augmented with
various Porter songs from other shows.

Original 1934 libr etto

Act I

Billy Crocker, a young Wall Street broker, has fallen in love at first sight with a beautiful girl he met in a taxi.
His boss, Elisha J. Whitney, is preparing to make a business deal and is going to travel to London aboard the SS
American. Evangelist turned nightclub singer Reno Sweeney will be traveling aboard the same ship. Billy sees
Reno as a friend, but she obviously has feelings for him ("I Get A Kick Out of You"). Billy goes to the dock to
say farewell to his boss and Reno ("Bon Voyage"), and glimpses the mysterious girl again. He learns that she is
heiress Hope Harcourt and, escorted by her mother, Mrs. Harcourt, is on her way to England with her fianc
Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, a handsome but stuffy and hapless British nobleman. Billy stows away on the ship in
hopes of winning Hope's heart. "Moonface" Martin, a second-rate gangster labeled "Public Enemy 13," and his
girlfriend, Bonnie, have disguised themselves as a minister and a missionary and, innocently aided by Billy,
board the ship under their assumed identities, stranding the ship's real chaplain back at the port. Moonface and
Bonnie mistakenly leave behind their leader, "Snake Eyes" Johnson, Public Enemy 1.

To thank Billy, Bonnie and Moonface let him have Snake Eyes Johnson's passport and ticket without telling
him to whom they belong. Billy cons Evelyn into leaving him alone with Hope, by convincing him he is very
ill. When he goes to get some air, Billy and Hope meet again, and it turns out she has been unable to stop
thinking about him as well ("All Through The Night"). Though Hope prefers Billy, she insists she must marry
Evelyn, though she gives no reason. Unbeknownst to Billy, her family's company is in financial trouble and a
marriage to Evelyn would promote a merger and save it. The ship's crew gets a cable from New York saying
that Public Enemy 1 is on board. Moonface admits his true identity to Billy and he and Bonnie conspire to
disguise Billy as a crew member since he is now presumed to be Snake Eyes Johnson.
A quartet of lovelorn sailors comfort themselves with the thought of romance when they reach shore ("There'll
Always Be a Lady Fair"). On deck, Bonnie lures the sailors to her ("Where Are The Men?"), then steals the
clothes of one of the men for Billy.

Hope discusses her impending marriage with Evelyn and discovers that he is not particularly pleased with the
engagement either. Billy asks Reno to help separate Evelyn and Hope, and she agrees. Billy and Reno reaffirm
their friendship, ("You're the Top"). Reno tries to charm Evelyn, she succeeds, and he invites her for a drink in
his cabin. She and Moon plot that Moon should burst into the cabin and discover Reno half-naked in Evelyn's
arms, providing sufficient reason for breaking off the engagement. However, when Moon breaks into the room,
machine gun in tow, he instead sees Reno fully dressed and Evelyn nearly undressed. Moon tries to invent some
indecent explanation for the situation, but Evelyn insists that he would be quite pleased by any rumor depicting
him as a passionate lover, especially if Hope heard it. Moon admits that the plot has failed.

The crew discover that Billy is not a sailor, and Moon and Reno create a new disguise for him from a stolen
pair of trousers, a jacket taken from a drunken passenger, and hair cut from Mrs. Harcourt's Pomeranian and
made into a beard. Reno tells Billy that Evelyn has kissed her, and she is sure she will be Lady Oakleigh soon,
since love moves so quickly these days ("Anything Goes"). Mrs. Harcourt, recognizing her dog's hair, angrily
pulls off Billy's beard and the crew and passengers realize he must be the wanted man. As Snake Eyes Johnson,
Billy is an instant celebrity.

Act II

Billy is honored by both crew and passengers as "Public Enemy Number One." He tells the Captain that Moon
(who is still disguised as a minister) is helping him reform from his wicked ways. Moon is asked to lead a
revival in the ship's lounge. The passengers confess their sins to the "Reverend", and Lord Evelyn admits to a
one-night stand with a young Chinese woman, Plum Blossom. Hope is not impressed with Billy's charade, and
to please her, he confesses to everyone that he is not really Snake Eyes Johnson. Moon attempts to compensate
by revealing that he is not a minister; he is Public Enemy Number Thirteen. The captain sends them both to the
brig. Reno restores the mood of the Revival ("Blow, Gabriel Blow").

Moon tries to cheer Billy up ("Be Like the Bluebird"). Billy doubts he will ever see Hope again; he and Moon
cannot leave their cell until they return to America. Their card-playing Chinese cellmates, imprisoned for
conning all the third class passengers out of their money, will be put ashore in England. Moon and Billy
challenge them to a game of strip poker, win their clothes, and disguise themselves again.

Billy, Moon, and Reno show up at the Oakleigh estate in Chinese garb. Billy and Moon tell Oakleigh's uncle
that they are the parents of "Plum Blossom" and threaten to publicize Evelyn's indiscretion if he does not marry
her. Oakleigh offers to buy them off and Moon gleefully accepts the cash, much to Billy and Reno's chagrin.

Billy and Reno find Hope and Evelyn, who are both unhappy with the prospect of their matrimony. Hope
declares that she desperately wants to marry Billy ("The Gypsy in Me"). Billy spots Whitney and finally learns
that Evelyn and Hope's planned marriage is really an awkward business merger. Billy realises that Oakleigh is
manipulating them all; Hope's company is really worth millions and Billy informs Whitney of that fact.
Whitney offers to buy the firm from Hope at an exorbitant price, and she accepts. The marriage is called off
since a merger is now impossible. Billy and Hope get married, as do Reno and Evelyn. A cable from the U.S.
government fixes Billy's passport problems and declares Moon "harmless." Moon indignantly pockets
Oakleigh's check and refuses to return it.

Characters
Billy Crocker a young Wall Street broker in love with Hope.
Reno Sweeney An evangelist turned nightclub singer and an old friend of Billy's.
Hope Harcourt An American debutante and the object of Billy's affection.
Moonface Martin a second-rate gangster, "Public Enemy Number 13"
Lord Evelyn Oakleigh Hope's wealthy and stuffy English fianc
Mrs. Evangeline Harcourt Hope's haughty and overbearing mother
 Bonnie/Erma Moonface's girlfriend
Elisha J. Whitney Ivy league Wall Street banker, Billy's boss.
Reno's Angels (Purity, Chastity, Charity and Virtue). (1934 original and 1962 revival / 2002 concert and 201 1
revival) - Reno's back up singers.
Ritz Quartette (1934 original) / Lady Fair Quartet (1987 revival)
Ching and Ling ("Luke" and "John" in the 1987 revival and 2002 concert) Two Chinese 'Converts' and
reformed gamblers who accompany Bishop Henry T. Dobson
Captain, Steward, Purser on the ship
The Right Reverend, Bishop Henry T. Dobson
Ships crew, Passengers, Reporters, Photographers and F.B.I. Agents
Musical numbers
Act 1 Act 2
"Overture" Orchestra
"I Get a Kick Out of You" Reno Sweeney
"(There's No Cure Like Travel)/Bon Voyage"
Sailor, Girl and Ship's Crew and Company
"All Through the Night" (in Act II in 1962, 1987,
2011 revivals) Billy Crocker, Hope Harcourt and
Men
"You'd Be So Easy to Love" (cut in 1934, reinstated
for 1987 and 201 1 revivals, as "Easy to Love" ) Billy
Crocker
"I Want to Row on the Crew" (only in 1987, called
"The Crew Song" in 201 1 revival) Elisha J.
Whitney
"Sailor's Chanty (There'll Always Be A Lady
Fair)" (not in 1962) Quartet
"Where Are the Men?" (replaced by "heaven hop")
Bonnie
"You're the Top" Reno Sweeney and Billy
Crocker
"Waltz Down the Aisle" (1934 - cut out of town)
Billy Crocker and Hope Harcourt
"Friendship" (first in 1962 revival) Reno
Sweeney and Moonface Martin (Also Billy in
1962)
"It's De-Lovely" (first in 1962 revival) Billy
Crocker and Hope Harcourt
"Anything Goes" Reno Sweeney and Company
This chart shows all songs that were performed; placement of the songs varied. Source:Internet Broadway
Database listing[7]
"Entr'acte" Orchestra
"Public Enemy Number One" Captain, Purser,
Company
"Let's Step Out" (only in 1962 revival) Bonnie
"What a Joy to be Young" (only in 1934, cut before
Broadway premiere) Hope Harcourt
"Let's Misbehave" (only in 1962 revival) Reno
and Sir Evelyn
"Blow, Gabriel, Blow" Reno Sweeney and
Company (Immediately follows "Public Enemy
Number One in 1987, 201 1 revivals)
"Goodbye, Little Dream, Goodbye" (in 1987, 201 1
revivals) Hope Harcourt
"Be Like the Bluebird" Moonface Martin
"All Through the Night" (Reprise, not included in
1987, 2011) Billy Crocker, Hope Harcourt
"The Gypsy in Me" Hope Harcourt (Lord Evelyn
Oakleigh in 1987, 201 1)
"Buddie, Beware" Reno Sweeney (Erma and
Sailors in 1987, 201 1)
"Take Me Back to Manhattan" (only in 1962
revival) Reno Sweeney
"Finale (I Get a Kick Out of You)" (replaced
"Buddie Beware" during 1934 run, replaced in 201 1
revival with a song to the tune of "It's De-Lovely")
Reno Sweeney and Ensemble
 1934 Original
Reno expresses her love to Billy in
the bar at the beginning of Scene 1,
reprised later near the show's end.
"(There's No Cure Like Travel) Bon Voyage"
The Sailors and guests board the
ship, ready to depart, singing the
"Bon Voyage" section of the song,
but with no "There's No Cure Like
Travel" portion.
Written for 1934, but cut during
rehearsals.
N/A
"Sailor's Chanty (There'll Always Be A Lady Fair)"
Sung by sailors during a scene
change, and later reprised.
N/A
Bonnie attracts a group of sailors.
Billy convinces Reno to help him
win Hope's heart (where "Friendship" Sung at the beginning of the show in
would go in the revivals). There is place of "I Get a Kick Out of You"
also an encore of the song, totaling with fewer verses.
approximately six minutes.
N/A
N/A
Sung by Reno before the Act I Finale
1962 Revival
"I Get a Kick Out of You"
The song is sung towards the end of
Act 1, when Reno realizes she is in
love with Evelyn.
Same as 1934.
"You'd Be So Easy to Love"
N/A
"The Crew Song"
N/A
N/A (however, an instrumental version of the
song can be heard in the overture)
"Heaven Hop"
Originally written forParis, Bonnie
attracts a group of sailors.
"Where Are the Men?"
Replaced by "Heaven Hop".
"You're the Top"
"Friendship"
Originally written forDuBarry Was a
Lady; Reno, Billy, and Moonface
sing about their strong bond
"It's De-Lovely"
Originally written forRed, Hot and
Blue; Billy and Hope have a romantic
moment where "All Through the
Night" was in 1934 and "You'd Be So
Easy to Love" was in 1987. They are
joined by the sailors and women of
the ship.
"Anything Goes"
Ended Act I and sung about Billy as
1987 and 2011 Revivals
Same as 1934.
The complete song is sung. ("There's
No Cure Like Travel" was written for
1934, but later cut).
Here, Billy makes an advance on
Hope. Although she turns him away,
she secretly agrees with him.
Originally written for a 1914 college
show, Paranoia. Elisha J. Whitney
prepares for a date with Mrs.
Evangeline Harcourt and sings about
his Yale days.
Same as 1934, with fewer verses and
no reprise.
N/A
N/A
Sung as a pep-talk from Reno to a
discouraged Billy.
Similar to 1962, but only Reno and
Moonface sing, and some alternate
lyrics
Sung later in the musical, near the
Act I Finale. The sailors and women
do not join in, and there is an
extended dance sequence in the
middle.
Similar to 1962, but only about Billy
when she considers marrying Evelyn.
Whereas the revivals ended the act
with "Anything Goes", the 1934
original had a scene where Hope
rejects Billy, who is posing as Snake
Eyes. Reno and Moonface try to
cheer him up with a reprise of
"You're the Top", to no avail. Billy is
the hero of the ship to everyone but
the girl he really wants.
After a marching-style intro by the
sailor quartet, the song turns into a
mock-hymn to Billy.
N/A
A heartbroken Hope sings about how
she preferred herself back when she
was ignorant, but blissful. Cut during
out-of-town tryouts.
N/A
Sung by Reno to cheer everyone up
after Billy is arrested as an impostor.
N/A
Sung by Moonface to cheer up Billy
in the brig.
Sung by Billy and Hope on deck
early in the show, where "It's De-
Lovely" and "You'd Be So Easy to
Snake Eyes, as well as Evelyn. as Snake Eyes, with more alternate
Contained alternate lyrics. lyrics. The 2011 version adds a verse
not heard since 1962: "They think
he's gangster number one, so they've
made him their favorite son, and that
goes to show: Anything Goes!"
"Act I Finale"
Replaced by "Anything Goes". Replaced by "Anything Goes".
"Public Enemy Number One"
The opening verse is cut, leaving
The introduction is back, sung by the
only the hymn, sung a cappella style
Captain and Purser instead of the
with no instrumentals, unlike the
sailors, and also shortened a bit.
other versions.
"Let's Step Out"
Originally written forFifty Million
Frenchmen. Bonnie arouses the
N/A
passengers after the "Public Enemy
Number One" with a dance number.
"What a Joy to be Young"
N/A N/A
"Let's Misbehave"
Originally written forParis; Reno
N/A
and Evelyn hit it off.
"Blow, Gabriel, Blow"
Sung before Billy is arrested, as part
Same as 1934.
of Reno's "sermon."
"Goodbye, Little Dream, Goodbye"
Originally written forBorn to Dance,
dropped from Red, Hot and Blue, first
appears in O Mistress Mine. Sung by
Hope after Billy is arrested, in which
N/A
she realizes she's in love too late. An
introductory verse absent in the 1987
revival was reinstated for the 2011
revival.
"Be Like the Bluebird"
Same as 1934 (missing a verse), but
Same as 1934 (missing a verse).
sung after "All Through the Night".
"All Through the Night"
Same as the 1934 reprise. Same as 1962, but with only Billy
singing, complete with chorus.
 Love" went in revivals, with a
chorus. Reprised when Hope visits
Billy in the brig.

"Gypsy in Me"

Now sung by Evelyn, turning into a

Sung by Hope, letting her wild side comic number, and adding to the plot
out after Reno tells her that Billy will N/A about his family's disturbing secret.
fight for her. Similar (plot wise) to "Let's
Misbehave".

"Take Me Back to Manhattan"

Originally written forThe New

N/A Yorkers. Sung by a homesick Reno N/A
and her Angels.

"Buddie Beware"

Sung by Reno during a scene change

about her problems with men, Sung by Erma to the sailors who are
N/A
replaced in later runs with a reprise in love with her. Fewer verses.
of "I Get a Kick Out of You".

"Finale"

Reprises of "I Get a Kick Out of You"

Reprises of "You're the Top" and and "Anything Goes". In the 2011
Same as 1934
"Anything Goes". revival, the cast sings reprises of "It's
De-Lovely" and "Anything Goes".

Productions
Broadway

The musical had a tryout in Colonial Theatre (Boston), before opening on Broadway at the Alvin Theatre on
November 21, 1934. It ran for 420 performances, becoming the fourth longest-running musical of the 1930s,
despite the impact of the Great Depression on Broadway patrons' disposable income. Directed by Howard
Lindsay with choreography by Robert Alton and sets by Donald Oenslager, it starred Ethel Merman as Reno
Sweeney, William Gaxton as Billy Crocker and Victor Moore as Moonface Martin.

West End

Charles B. Cochran, a British theatrical manager had bought the London performance rights during the show's
Boston run,[5] and he produced it at the West End's Palace Theatre. The musical opened on June 14, 1935 and
ran for 261 performances. The cast included Jeanne Aubert as Reno Sweeney (the name changed to Reno La
Grange, to suit Aubert's French background), Sydney Howard as Moonface Martin and Jack Whiting as Billy
Crocker. P. G. Wodehouse was engaged to replace the specifically American references in the book and lyrics
with references more appropriate to an English audience.[8]

1962 Off Broadway revival

The production was revived in an Off Broadway production in 1962, opening on May 15, 1962 at the Orpheum
Theatre. It was directed by Lawrence Kasha with a cast that included Hal Linden as Billy Crocker, Kenneth
Mars as Sir Evelyn, and Eileen Rodgers as Reno Sweeney. For this revival, the script was revised to incorporate
several of the changes from the movie versions. Most changes revolved around the previously minor character
Bonnie. This revision was also the first stage version of Anything Goes to incorporate several songs from other
Porter shows: "Take Me Back to Manhattan" from The New Yorkers, 1930, "It's De-Lovely" from Red Hot and
Blue, 1934, "Friendship" from DuBarry Was a Lady, 1939, and "Let's Misbehave" from Paris, 1928.
1987 Broadway revival

For the 1987 Broadway revival, John Weidman and Timothy Crouse (Russel's son) updated the book and re-
ordered the musical numbers, using Cole Porter songs from other Porter shows, a practice which the composer
often engaged in. The music was rescored for a 16-piece swing band, in the style of early Benny Goodman,
instead of the earlier 28-piece orchestrations.[9] This production opened at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, in
Lincoln Center, on October 19, 1987, and ran for 784 performances. With direction by Jerry Zaks and
choreography by Michael Smuin, it starred Patti LuPone as Reno Sweeney, Howard McGillin as Billy, Bill
McCutcheon as Moonface, and Anthony Heald as Lord Evelyn; Leslie Uggams and Linda Hart were
replacement Renos. It was nominated for ten Tony Awards (including nominations for McGillin, LuPone,
McCutcheon, and Heald), winning for Best Revival of a Musical, Best featured actor (McCutcheon), and Best
Choreography. The production also won the Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Revival of a Musical and
LuPone won the Outstanding Actress award.

1989 West End revival

When British actress/singer Elaine Paige heard of the success of the 1987 Broadway production, she attended a
performance of it and was determined to bring the show to London. To secure a place in the show's cast, Paige
decided it was best she co-produced the show with her then partner, lyricist Tim Rice. The London production
opened in July 1989 at the Prince Edward Theatre. Paige starred as Reno Sweeney [10](she was replaced later in
the run by Louise Gold). The original cast also starred Howard McGillin as Billy Crocker[10] (who was
replaced later in the show's run by John Barrowman),[11] Bernard Cribbins as Moonface and Kathryn Evans as
Erma. The other principals included Ursula Smith, Martin Turner and Ashleigh Sendin.

Jerry Zaks again directed the production, with scenic and costume design by Tony Walton, lighting by Paul
Gallo and sound by Tony Meola. The musical director was John Owen Edwards and the choreographer Michael
Smuin.

The show transferred to Australia the same year and played in both Sydney and Melbourne starring Geraldine
Turner in the role of Reno Sweeney.

2002 Concert

In April 2002, a one-night-only concert performance of the show was performed at the Vivian Beaumont
Theater. Patti LuPone played Reno with Howard McGillin as Billy and Boyd Gaines as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh.
LuPone and Gaines would later star together in the 2008 Broadway revival of Gypsy. The performance was
directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom with music supervision by David Chase and designs by
Tony Walton.

2002-2003 London and W est End revivals

The National Theatre revived the musical, which opened at the Olivier Theatre on December 18, 2002 and
closed on March 22, 2003. The production then transferred to the West End at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane,
running from September 26, 2003 (in previews) through August 28, 2004. Directed by Trevor Nunn, it starred
Sally Ann Triplett, John Barrowman and Yao Chin, (who is now a TV reporter). A cast recording of this
production is available.[12]

2011 Broadway revival

A revival of the 1987 Broadway rewrite opened on April 7, 2011 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, produced
by the Roundabout Theatre Company. Previews began on March 10, 2011. This production was directed and
choreographed by Kathleen Marshall with musical supervision by Rob Fisher, dance arrangements by David
Chase and designs by Derek McLane and Martin Pakledinaz. This revival retains much of the 1987
orchestrations by Michael Gibson with some additions from arranger Bill Elliott.
The show's opening night cast featured Sutton Foster as Reno Sweeney, Joel Grey as Moonface Martin, Laura
Osnes as Hope Harcourt, Jessica Walter as Evangeline Harcourt, Colin Donnell as Billy Crocker, Adam Godley
as Sir Evelyn Oakleigh, John McMartin as Elisha Whitney, Jessica Stone as Erma,[13] Robert Creighton as
Purser, Andrew Cao as Luke, Raymond J. Lee as John, and Walter Charles as the Captain.[14][15] The
production was received generally very well by the critics and received a total of nine Tony Award nominations
and ten Drama Desk Award nominations, including Best Actress in a Musical, Best Director of a Musical and
Best Revival of a Musical. The revival won the Drama Desk Awards and Tony Awards for Best Revival and
Best Choreography and Foster won the Drama Desk and Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical.[16]

A cast recording of this production became available as a digital download on August 23, 2011 and it arrived in
stores on September 20, 2011.[17]

Stephanie J. Block took over for Sutton Foster as Reno Sweeney in a limited engagement (November 423,
2011) while Foster filmed a television pilot.[18][19] Block took over as Reno on March 15, 2012, as Foster left
the musical to take a role in a television series.[20]

The production was originally scheduled to run through July 31, 2011, and was initially extended to April 29,
2012.[21] It was extended two more times before closing on July 8, 2012 after 521 regular performances and 32
previews.[22][23]

2012 US National tour

A U.S national tour began[24] in October 2012 at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio and will play more than
25 other major cities.[25] Rachel York plays Reno Sweeney.[26] Other cast-members include Fred Applegate as
Moonface Martin, Erich Bergen as Billy Crocker, Jeff Brooks as Purser, Joyce Chittick as Erma, Alex Finke as
Hope Harcourt, Dennis Kelly as Elisha Whitney, Vincent Rodriguez III as Luke, Marcus Shane as John, Sandra
Shipley as Mrs. Evangeline Harcourt, Edward Staudenmayer as Sir Evelyn Oakleigh, and Chuck Wagner as the
Captain.[27]

2015 UK Tour

A UK wide tour of the critically acclaimed Sheffield Theatres production was announced in the Summer of
2014. The production starts in the New Wimbledon Theatre January 29, 2015 and visits 32 venues in its nine-
month run. The production stars Debbie Kurup (The Bodyguard)as Reno Sweeney and Matt Rawle (Evita) as
Billy Crocker. Until April 4, 2015 Hugh Sachs (Benidorm) will star as Moonface Martin and Jane Wymark
(Midsomer Murders) will star as Evangeline Harcourt. From the 6 April 2015 these roles will be played by
Shaun Williamson (EastEnders) and Kate Anthony (Coronation Street) respectively.

2015 Australian revival

An Australian revival was announced in September 2014 with the cast led by Caroline O'Connor as Reno
Sweeney with Todd McKenney, Alex Rathgeber, Claire Lyon, Wayne Scott Kermond and Alan Jones playing
the Captain. Jones was replaced in Melbourne and Brisbane by Gerry Connolly. The revival, directed by Dean
Bryant, played in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney sequentially running from June until November.

2016 Regional revival

A high-profile co-production between Gateway Playhouse (Bellport, New York) and Ogunquit Playhouse
starred Andrea McArdle as Reno Sweeney, and Sally Struthers as Mrs. Harcourt. The production, which ran in
May to June 4, 2016, featured the Derek McLane sets, and Martin Pakledinaz costumes that were created for
the 2011 Broadway revival, which was produced by the Roundabout Theatre Company. The production was
directed by Jayme McDaniel, and was choreographed by Jason Wise.[28]

Other Productions
Anything Goes is very popular amongst Amateur Dramatics societies. It is performed all over the world, in
many different cultures and societies.

Movie versions
In 1936, Paramount Pictures turned Anything Goes into a movie musical. It starred Ethel Merman (again as
Reno), with Bing Crosby in the role of Billy Crocker. Other cast members included Ida Lupino, Charles
Ruggles, Arthur Treacher, and Margaret Dumont. The director was Lewis Milestone. Among those contributing
new songs were Hoagy Carmichael, Richard A. Whiting, Leo Robin, and Friedrich Hollaender.

The book was drastically rewritten for a second film version, also by Paramount, released in 1956. This movie
again starred Bing Crosby (whose character was renamed) and Donald O'Connor. The female leads were Zizi
Jeanmaire and Mitzi Gaynor. The script departed significantly from the original story and was written by
Sidney Sheldon. The lesser-known Porter songs were cut, and new songs, written by Jimmy Van Heusen and
Sammy Cahn, were substituted.

Television version
In 1954, Ethel Merman, at the age of forty-six, reprised her role as Reno in a specially adapted live television
version of the musical, co-starring Frank Sinatra as the hero, now renamed Harry Dane, Merman's good friend
Bert Lahr (who had co-starred with her on Broadway in DuBarry Was a Lady) as Moonface Martin, and Sheree
North.[29] This version was broadcast live on February 28, 1954 as an episode of the Colgate Comedy Hour,
and has been preserved on kinescope. It used five of the original songs plus several other Porter numbers,
retained the shipboard setting, but had a somewhat different plot.[30] It has been reported that Merman and
Sinatra did not get along well; this was the only time they worked together.

Awards and nominations

1987 Broadway revival
 Year Award Category Nominee Result

Best Revival of a Musical Won

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical Howard McGillin Nominated

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical Patti LuPone Nominated

Bill McCutcheon Won

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical
Anthony Heald Nominated
Tony Award
Best Direction of a Musical Jerry Zaks Nominated

Best Choreography Michael Smuin Won

Best Scenic Design Nominated

Tony Walton
Best Costume Design Nominated

Best Lighting Design Paul Gallo Nominated

1987 Outstanding Revival of a Musical Won

Outstanding Actor in a Musical Howard McGillin Nominated

Outstanding Actress in a Musical Patti LuPone Won

Bill McCutcheon Won

Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical
Anthony Heald Nominated

Drama Desk Award Outstanding Director of a Musical Jerry Zaks Nominated

Outstanding Choreography Michael Smuin Won

Outstanding Orchestrations Cole Porter Nominated

Outstanding Costume Design Nominated

Tony Walton
Outstanding Set Design Nominated

Outstanding Lighting Design Paul Gallo Nominated

1989 London revival

Year Award Category Nominee Result

Laurence Olivier
1989 Best Actress in a Musical Elaine Paige Nominated
Award

2002 London revival

Year Award Category Nominee Result

Laurence Olivier
2002 Outstanding Musical Production Won
Award

2011 Broadway revival

 Year Award Category Nominee Result

Best Revival of a Musical Won

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical Sutton Foster Won

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical Adam Godley Nominated

Best Direction of a Musical Nominated

Kathleen Marshall
Tony Award Best Choreography Won

Best Scenic Design Derek McLane Nominated

Best Costume Design Martin Pakledinaz Nominated

Best Lighting Design Peter Kaczorowski Nominated

Best Sound Design Brian Ronan Nominated

Outstanding Revival of a Musical Won

Outstanding Actor in a Musical Colin Donnell Nominated

Outstanding Actress in a Musical Sutton Foster Won

Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Adam Godley Nominated

Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical Laura Osnes Nominated

Drama Desk Award
2011 Outstanding Director of a Musical Nominated
Kathleen Marshall
Outstanding Choreography Won

Outstanding Costume Design Martin Pakledinaz Nominated

Outstanding Sound Design Brian Ronan Won

Outstanding Set Design Derek McLane Won

Best Revival of a Musical Won

Outer Critics Circle
Best Actress in a Musical Sutton Foster Won
Award
Best Choreographer Kathleen Marshall Won

Favorite Actress in a Musical Won

Sutton Foster
Favorite Diva Performance Nominated

Broadway.com Sutton Foster and Joel

Favorite Onstage Pair Nominated
Audience Award Grey

Favorite Musical Revival Nominated

Favorite Actor in a Musical Joel Grey Nominated

Astaire Award Best Dancer on Broadway Sutton Foster Won

2012 Grammy Award[31] Best Musical Show Album Nominated

Recordings
There are many popular cast recordings of the show including:

1935 Original London cast

1936 Studio cast
1950 Studio recording with Mary Martin
1953 Studio cast
1954 Television cast
1956 Film cast
 1962 Off Broadway revival cast Hal Linden
1969 London revival cast Marion Montgomery
1987 Broadway revival cast with Patti LuPone and Howard McGillin
1988 Studio cast with Kim Criswell conducted by John McGlinn
1989 Australian revival cast
1989 London revival cast with Elaine Paige
1995 Studio cast with Louise Gold
2003 London revival cast
2011 Broadway revival cast with Sutton Foster

In popular culture
For more information about the title song and references to it in popular culture, see Anything Goes
(Cole Porter song)

Title song was used for PBS' American Experience documentary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt
because of the last verse of the song.
In the 1972 film What's Up, Doc?, the song "You're the Top" is sung for the opening and closing credits
by Barbra Streisand. Ryan O'Neal joins her for the closing credits and this marks his only on-screen
singing in a movie. The movie uses at least two other tunes from this musical as background music:
"Anything Goes" and "I Get a Kick Out of You", are heard during the first hotel-lobby scene.
In the 1974 Mel Brooks film Blazing Saddles, "I Get a Kick Out of You" is performed in a comedic
manner by Cleavon Little and the other actors portraying black railroad workers, complete with a full
harmony arrangement.
"You're The Top" was used in the film Evil Under the Sun, performed by Diana Rigg.
In the 1984 film, "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom", Kate Capshaw performs the title song in
Mandarin. The tune appears again later in the scene.
In the Family Guy episode "Saving Private Brian", the Sergeant trainer claims "Anything Goes" to be one
of his most favorite shows. Also, in "Brian: Portrait of a Dog", Lois wants to sing showtunes in the car.
She begins to sing "Anything Goes".
In an episode of Summer Heights High Mr G cancels a production of "Anything Goes" one week before
opening.
In the play Dancing at Lughnasa by Irish playwright Brian Friel, the song "Anything Goes" is played on
the radio and sung by Gerry Evans to Aggie and Chris. The song basically sums up the entire concept of
the play: times changing and people changing with them.
In an episode of Gilmore Girls, "You're the Top" is sung with slight lyrical changes.
The song "Anything Goes" is played on Galaxy News Radio, a fictional radio station, in the post-
apocalyptic video game Fallout 3, as well as the next installment Fallout 4.
During the latter half of BioShock, "You're The Top" can be heard playing from a Rapture radio.
Title song used as the title of the 2008 autobiography by John Barrowman, who starred as Billy Crocker
in 1989, 2002, and 2003.
In an episode of Married... with Children called "Can't Dance, Don't Ask Me" Steve teaches Kelly to tap
dance to "Anything Goes"
In the Mission: Impossible episode "The Fortune" (from the 1988 revival series), the movie was the
favorite film of Luis Barazonone of the targets. Further, the segment of the movie where the title song
is performed is "the part he likes the best". Also, the phrase "Anything Goes" was the second level
password needed to access Barazon's financial records so that the money the Barazons stole from their
country's treasury could be returned.
"Anything Goes" was used in a mash-up with "Anything You Can Do" (from Annie Get Your Gun) in the
third-season premiere of the Fox musical television series Glee.
Anything Went was a parody of Anything Goes, partly shown on Mathnet, the rest being left to the
viewer's imagination. This episode featured veteran broadway performer Tammy Grimes portraying
fictional hammy veteran broadway performer Lauren Bacchanal.
In an episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show, Richie sings "You're the Top" replacing the words "Mona
Lisa" with "Mommy Lisa"
A cover of the title song was released as a duet by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga in July 2014.
In the film Passed Away, the minister sings "You're the Top."
References
1. Davis 1993, p. 6.
2. TIME magazine reported in its May 26, 2008 issue, p. 51, that this musical tied (with Guys and Dolls) as
the tenth most frequently produced musical by U.S. high schools in 2007.
3. Schwartz, Charles (2004). Cole Porter: A Biography. New York: Da Capo Press. p. 132. ISBN 0-306-
80097-7.
4. Hischak, Thomas S. (2004). Through The Screen Door. Lanham, Maryland: The Scarecrow Press, Inc., p.
28. ISBN 0-8108-5018-4
5. Jasen, David A (1975). P G Wodehouse: A Portrait of a Master. London: Garnstone Press. p. 143.
ISBN 0-85511-190-9.
6. Davis 1993, p. 332.
7. Internet Broadway Database for "Anything Goes" (http://www.ibdb.com/Show.asp?id=1640) Archived (h
ttps://web.archive.org/web/20050114114434/http://www.ibdb.com/show.asp?ID=1640) 2005-01-14 at the
Wayback Machine. ibdb.com
8. Day, Barry (2004). The Complete Lyrics of P G Wodehouse. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press. pp. 40714.
ISBN 0-8108-4994-1.
9. New York Times, October 18, 1987, Stephen Holden, p. 90
10. Trucco, Terry. "A London Accent for 'Anything Goes'" (https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/25/theater/a-l
ondon-accent-for-anything-goes.html) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20170623184115/http://w
ww.nytimes.com/1989/07/25/theater/a-london-accent-for-anything-goes.html) 2017-06-23 at the
Wayback Machine. New York Times, July 25, 1989
11. Webb, Paul. "John Barrowman Chats About Return to 'Anything Goes' Role in London" (http://www.play
bill.com/news/article/john-barrowman-chats-about-return-to-anything-goes-role-in-london-115616)
Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20150408023629/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/john-barr
owman-chats-about-return-to-anything-goes-role-in-london-115616) 2015-04-08 at the Wayback
Machine. playbill.com, 7 October 2003
12. "Archive, 'Anything Goes'" (http://www.albemarle-london.com/Archive/ArchiveShow.php?Show_Name
=Anything%20Goes%20(NT)) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20100917111453/http://www.albe
marle-london.com/Archive/ArchiveShow.php?Show_Name=Anything%20Goes%20%28NT%29)
September 17, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. albemarle-london.com
13. "Jessica Stone" (http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=74951). Internet Broadway Database. The
Broadway League. Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20130629053827/http://www.ibdb.com/perso
n.php?id=74951) from the original on 29 June 2013. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
14. Jones, Kenneth."Colin Donnell, Adam Godley, Laura Osnes, John McMartin Are Passengers in Anything
Goes" (https://archive.is/20120906034251/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/145615-Colin-Donnell-
Adam-Godley-Laura-Osnes-John-McMartin-Are-Passengers-in-Broadways-Anything-Goes) Playbill,
December 7, 2010
15. BWW News Desk."Osnes, Stone et al. Join Foster & Grey in 'Anything Goes'; Full Cast Announced" (htt
p://broadwayworld.com/article/Osnes_Stone_et_al_Join_Foster_Grey_in_ANYTHING_GOES_Full_Cas
t_Announced_20101207) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20101210162333/http://broadwayworl
d.com/article/Osnes_Stone_et_al_Join_Foster_Grey_in_ANYTHING_GOES_Full_Cast_Announced_20
101207) 2010-12-10 at the Wayback Machine. broadwayworld.com, December 7, 2010
16. Jones, Kenneth."War Horse, Book of Mormon, Anything Goes, Normal Heart Win 2011 Tony Awards"
(http://www.playbill.com/news/article/151725-War-Horse-Book-of-Mormon-Anything-Goes-Normal-He
art-Win-2011-Tony-Awards) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20110614175423/http://www.playbil
l.com/news/article/151725-War-Horse-Book-of-Mormon-Anything-Goes-Normal-Heart-Win-2011-Tony-
Awards) 2011-06-14 at the Wayback Machine. Playbill, June 12, 2011
17. Anything Goes Cast Album In Stores Sept. 20, Earlier Via Digital Services (http://www.playbill.com/new
s/article/153723-Anything-Goes-Cast-Album-In-Stores-Sept-20-Earlier-Via-Digital-Services) Archived
(https://web.archive.org/web/20110914233225/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/153723-Anything-
Goes-Cast-Album-In-Stores-Sept-20-Earlier-Via-Digital-Services) September 14, 2011, at the Wayback
Machine. playbill.com
18. "Sutton Foster Takes 'ANYTHING GOES' Hiatus in Nov. for TV Pilot; Stephanie J. Block Steps in" (htt
p://broadwayworld.com/article/Sutton-Foster-Takes-ANYTHING-GOES-Hiatus-in-Nov-for-TV-Pilot-Ste
phanie-J-Block-Steps-in-20111019) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20111122182602/http://broad
wayworld.com/article/Sutton-Foster-Takes-ANYTHING-GOES-Hiatus-in-Nov-for-TV-Pilot-Stephanie-J
-Block-Steps-in-20111019) 2011-11-22 at the Wayback Machine. broadwayworld.com, October 19, 2011
19. Stephanie J. Block Will Fill in for Sutton Foster in Broadway's Anything Goes Starting Nov. 4 (http://ww
w.playbill.com/news/article/156079-Stephanie-J-Block-Will-Fill-in-for-Sutton-Foster-in-Broadways-Any
thing-Goes-Starting-Nov-4) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20111203072711/http://www.playbil
l.com/news/article/156079-Stephanie-J-Block-Will-Fill-in-for-Sutton-Foster-in-Broadways-Anything-Go
es-Starting-Nov-4) 2011-12-03 at the Wayback Machine. playbill.com
20. Jones, Kenneth. Times Have Changed! Stephanie J. Block Is New "Reno" of Broadway's Anything
Goes'" (http://www.playbill.com/news/article/160029-Times-Have-Changed-Stephanie-J-Block-Is-New-
quotRenoquot-of-Broadway39s-Anything-Goes) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/2012022704084
2/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/160029-Times-Have-Changed-Stephanie-J-Block-Is-New-quotRe
noquot-of-Broadway39s-Anything-Goes) February 27, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. Playbill,
February 23, 2012
21. Jones, Kenneth.Voyage Extended: Anything Goes Will Steam Into April 2012, With Sutton Foster on the
Bow" (http://www.playbill.com/news/article/154711-Voyage-Extended-Anything-Goes-Will-Steam-Into-
April-2012-With-Sutton-Foster-on-the-Bow) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20111002022441/htt
p://www.playbill.com/news/article/154711-Voyage-Extended-Anything-Goes-Will-Steam-Into-April-201
2-With-Sutton-Foster-on-the-Bow) October 2, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Playbill, September 19,
2011
22. Hetrick, Adam and Jones, Kenneth. "Tony-Winning Revival of Anything Goes, With Stephanie J. Block
and Joel Grey, Sails Into the Sunset July 8" (http://www.playbill.com/news/article/167784-Tony-Winning
-Revival-of-Anything-Goes-With-Stephanie-J-Block-and-Joel-Grey-Sails-Into-the-Sunset-July-8)
Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20120709195257/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/167784-T
ony-Winning-Revival-of-Anything-Goes-With-Stephanie-J-Block-and-Joel-Grey-Sails-Into-the-Sunset-J
uly-8) 2012-07-09 at the Wayback Machine. Playbill, July 8, 2012
23. "Anything Goes" (http://www.playbillvault.com/Show/Detail/13711/Anything-Goes) Archived (https://w
eb.archive.org/web/20120529035836/http://www.playbillvault.com/Show/Detail/13711/Anything-Goes)
May 29, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. playbillvault.com, July 8, 2012
24. Viagas, Robert. " Anything Goes Extends on Broadway and Plans U.S. Tour". (http://www.playbill.com/n
ews/article/151744-Anything-Goes-Extends-on-Broadway-and-Plans-US-Tour) Archived (https://web.ar
chive.org/web/20110616100836/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/151744-Anything-Goes-Extends-o
n-Broadway-and-Plans-US-Tour) June 16, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Playbill, June 12, 2011
25. Jones, Kenneth. "Anything Goes Will Embark on National Tour in Fall 2012" (http://www.playbill.com/n
ews/article/157514-Anything-Goes-Will-Embark-on-National-Tour-in-Fall-2012). Playbill. Archived (htt
ps://web.archive.org/web/20120108061923/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/157514-Anything-Goes
-Will-Embark-on-National-Tour-in-Fall-2012) from the original on 2012-01-08.
26. Jones, Kenneth. " Anything Goes Tour Will Get a Kick out of Rachel York as Reno Sweeney". (http://ww
w.playbill.com/news/article/161149-Anything-Goes-Tour-Will-Get-a-Kick-Out-of-Rachel-York-as-Reno-
Sweeney) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20120330005036/http://www.playbill.com/news/articl
e/161149-Anything-Goes-Tour-Will-Get-a-Kick-Out-of-Rachel-York-as-Reno-Sweeney) March 30,
2012, at the Wayback Machine. Playbill, March 27, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
27. "Erich Bergen, Joyce Chittick, Alex Finke Join Cast of ANYTHING GOES Tour" (http://broadwayworl
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#ixzz22sX5enog) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20120817013447/http://broadwayworld.com/art
icle/Erich-Bergen-Joyce-Chittick-Alex-Finke-Join-Cast-of-ANYTHING-GOES-Tour-20120807) 2012-
08-17 at the Wayback Machine. broadwayworld.com, August 7, 2012. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
28. Jacobson, Aileen (2016-05-27). "Review: Joyous Energy Fills Anything Goes, at Gateway Playhouse"
(https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/29/nyregion/review-joyous-energy-fills-anything-goes-at-gateway-pl
ayhouse.html). The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331 (https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0362-4331).
Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20160602111557/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/29/nyregion/r
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29. "Anything Goes! on DVD" (http://emmytvlegends.org/anything-goes-on-dvd). Television Academy
Foundation's Archive of American Television. Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20141103223718/h
ttp://emmytvlegends.org/anything-goes-on-dvd) from the original on 2014-11-03.
 30. The Insider, Ken Mandelbaum, October 5, 2005 (http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=51
9047) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20070825100930/http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Sto
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31. "Best Musical Theater Album" (http://www.grammy.com/nominees?year=2011&genre=19). National
Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Dec 2, 2011. Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20111204
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Retrieved 2 Dec 2011.

Sources
Davis, Lee (1993). Bolton and Wodehouse and Kern: The Men Who Made Musical Comedy (1st ed.).
New York City: James H. Heineman, Inc. pp. 6, 332. ISBN 978-0870081453.

External links
Anything Goes (premier production) at the Internet Broadway Database
Lortel listing for 1962 Off Broadway revival
Internet Broadway Database listing for 1987 revival
Anything Goes (1987 production) at the Internet Broadway Database
Anything Goes (2002 concert production) at the Internet Broadway Database
Anything Goes (2011 production) at the Internet Broadway Database
Tams-Witmark listing for 1987 production
Tams-Witmark listing for 1962 production
Anything Goes 1962 Broadway revival cast recording album on Masterworks Broadway
Playbill Vault listing for original 1934 production
Playbill Vault listing for 1987 revival
Playbill Vault listing for 2011 revival

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