Theater Review: Anything Goes at the Ordway

Ordway Theater, St.Paul

All aboard for Roundabout Theatre Company’s saucy and splendid production of Anything Goes, winner of three 2011 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and Choreography! When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention get tossed out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love… proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, an exotic disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail. Peppering this Cole Porter, first-class comedy are some of musical theater’s most memorable standards including “I Get a Kick out of You,” “You’re the Top,” and of course, “Anything Goes.”

Doesn't everyone really love Cole Porter? I do, I guess, more than I thought after seeing this delightful romp last night at the Ordway Theater in downtown St.Paul. A losing Wild Hockey game dampen my spirits as I went back in time to the 1930s and a caught a ride on the S.S. American. The set design was bright and simple, the main focus being the deck of the ship. The music was, dare I say, "delovely!" And the dancing! The dancing! I had a hard time sitting in my seat. The lady in front of me was dancing from the waist up about 60% of the time. It was so much fun to be a part of.

You are not going to get an in depth story line here. It is simple cat and mouse game, peppered with quite a bit of miscommunication, comedic mishaps and disguises and a love triangle or square, perhaps? What you are going to get is amazing music and singing and dancing. Seriously, where are my tap shoes? By far, the star of the show is Reno Sweeney, played by Broadway actress, Rachel York. Her throaty voice and sex appeal were riveting to listen and watch. 

Anything Goes is playing now through May 12. Click on the link above to secure your tickets. It's not one you want to miss.

Happy Theater going and as always, thanks for stopping by!

red headed book child