You're the Top in Marriott Theatre's 'Anything Goes'

★★★★

Glorious music. Big dance numbers. And lots of madcap antics. No, you can’t go wrong with Marriott Theatre’s production of “Anything Goes” now playing through May 31 in their 40th anniversary season. The score and lyrics of Cole Porter’s 1934 musical is as witty and clever as it was then. Choreography by Marriott’s award-winning director and choreographer Marc Robin will leave you breathless..

Set on a Transatlantic ocean liner the SS American, “Anything Goes” features a colorful cast of characters including a debutante, the stowaway stockbroker who’s in love with her, his boss, her mother, a brassy nightclub singer, a wealthy, but clueless British Lord and more than enough gangsters to keep the audience in stitches. And celebrities? Our need to see and be seen with the rich and famous, no matter what their claim to fame, is still relevant. It’s hardly smooth sailing, but put them all together and it is one fantastic evening of toe-tapping musical theatre.

Stephanie Binetti positively shines as Reno Sweeney. As the female lead, she is just radiant and her “take no prisoners” attitude steers the show with confidence and talent. Summer Naomi Smart is lovely as rich girl, Hope, who really is in love with the lowly stockbroker, Billy. The two big dance numbers, “Anything Goes” and “Blow, Gabriel, Blow” really rock the boat with dazzling, over-the-top tap dancing performances. You’ll sing along with “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” and “It’s De-Lovely,” just a few of the classic favorites that have stood the test of time.