Anything Goes Musical: The Complete Guide — Cole Porter’s Classic Broadway Masterpiece
Cole Porter's Anything Goes
Cole Porter’s Immortal Musical Comedy — Since 1934
Anything Goes
Madcap romance and song aboard the SS American — New York to London
Book by Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse
Original direction by Howard Lindsay • Choreography by Robert Alton
World Premiere: Alvin Theatre, Broadway — 21 November 1934
Times Have
Changed — Anything Goes
Endures
Anything Goes is a musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. Its original book was a collaboration between Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse, revised substantially by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The show tells the story of madcap romantic complications aboard an ocean liner, the SS American, sailing from New York to London — a stowaway in love, a glamorous nightclub singer, a hapless gangster, and a stuffy British nobleman caught in a joyful whirlwind of disguises, misunderstandings, and songs that have never stopped being sung.
The show had its official Broadway debut at the Alvin Theatre on 21 November 1934, starring Ethel Merman as Reno Sweeney. It ran for 420 performances — the fourth longest-running musical of the Depression-era 1930s — despite the economic hardships of the era, and introduced no fewer than four songs that became pop and jazz standards: “Anything Goes,” “You’re the Top,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” and “All Through the Night.”
It has since been revived on Broadway three times (1962 Off-Broadway, 1987, 2011), twice in the West End as major productions, adapted for film three times and television three times, and toured the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia continuously. In 2021, a Barbican Theatre London revival starring Sutton Foster broke box office records and received nine Olivier Award nominations. It remains one of the most frequently produced musicals in the repertoire of American schools and community theatres, and one of the most irresistible scores Cole Porter ever composed.
Origins — A Boat, a Disaster, and a Deadline
The original idea for a musical set aboard an ocean liner came from producer Vinton Freedley — who was at the time living on a boat in the Caribbean, having fled the United States to avoid his creditors. He assembled the writing team of P.G. Wodehouse and Guy Bolton and signed the star: Ethel Merman. The first draft, called Crazy Week, then Hard to Get, involved a bomb threat, a shipwreck, and human trafficking on a desert island. Just weeks before opening, the SS Morro Castle caught fire and killed 138 passengers and crew. Whether out of taste or because the script was, in theatre historian Lee Davis’s phrase, “a hopeless mess,” Freedley demanded wholesale changes. Bolton and Wodehouse were in England and unavailable. Freedley turned to his director, Howard Lindsay, who recruited press agent Russel Crouse as his collaborator — beginning one of Broadway’s most celebrated and enduring writing partnerships.
Cole Porter and the Immortal Score
Cole Porter (1891–1964) wrote the music and lyrics for Anything Goes at the height of his powers. The score contains an extraordinary concentration of quality: “I Get a Kick Out of You” opens with one of the most celebrated first lines in Broadway history; “You’re the Top” is a catalogue-of-excellence duet of incomparable wit; “Anything Goes” distils the entire spirit of the 1930s into three minutes; and “All Through the Night” is Porter at his most romantically tender. The 1987 revival and subsequent productions augmented the original score with additional Porter songs from other shows — “It’s De-Lovely,” “Friendship,” “Buddy Beware” — creating a show that feels like the definitive Cole Porter revue as well as a fully realised musical comedy.
The Passengers
of the SS American
An evangelist turned nightclub singer — glamorous, warm-hearted, and secretly in love with Billy. The show’s emotional and musical centrepiece, and one of the great starring roles in the musical theatre repertoire. Originally played by Ethel Merman. Revival stars include Patti LuPone (1987), Elaine Paige (West End 1989), Sally Ann Triplett (National Theatre 2003), Sutton Foster (2011, 2021), Kerry Ellis (2022 UK tour).
A young Wall Street broker who stows away on the SS American to pursue the heiress Hope Harcourt, whom he met briefly at a party. His talent for disguise — written specifically for original star William Gaxton‘s known comic abilities — drives the show’s plot. Revival stars include Howard McGillin (1987 and 1989 West End), John Barrowman (West End mid-run), Colin Donnell (2011).
A second-rate gangster ranked Public Enemy Number 13 — not 1, which he bitterly resents. Disguised as a minister, he becomes Billy’s unlikely ally and the show’s great comic creation. Played by Victor Moore (1934), Bill McCutcheon (1987 — Tony Award), Bernard Cribbins (West End 1989), Joel Grey (2011), Robert Lindsay (Barbican 2021).
The beautiful American debutante whom Billy loves but who is engaged to the stuffy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Her family’s financial difficulties require a merger that only Evelyn’s wealth can provide — but her heart is with Billy. Played on Broadway (2011) by Laura Osnes.
Hope’s wealthy, eccentric, and endearingly clueless English fiancé. He is not particularly enthusiastic about the engagement himself, and his susceptibility to Reno’s charms — and the revelation of his hidden wild side — provides one of the show’s best sub-plots. Played by Anthony Heald (1987 — Tony nominated), Adam Godley (2011).
Moonface’s promiscuous girlfriend — called Bonnie in the original 1934 production and Erma (Snake Eyes Johnson’s girlfriend) in the 2011 revival. A scene-stealing comic role, particularly in the Act Two number “Buddy Beware.”
An Ivy League Wall Street banker and Billy’s employer — travelling to London on business and entirely oblivious to the mayhem developing around him. Played by John McMartin in the 2011 revival; Gary Wilmot in the 2021 Barbican production.
The Story —
All Aboard the
SS American
Act One — Stowaways and Schemes
Young Wall Street broker Billy Crocker visits the New York docks to see off his boss Elisha Whitney and his friend, the glamorous nightclub singer Reno Sweeney. Reno’s feelings for Billy are obvious — “I Get a Kick Out of You” — but Billy is smitten by a girl he met at a party: the heiress Hope Harcourt, who is on the same ship with her fiancé Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. On impulse, Billy stows away. Also sneaking aboard: Moonface Martin, Public Enemy No. 13, disguised as a minister, with his girlfriend Erma (or Bonnie). Martin helps Billy with a ticket and passport belonging to the feared Public Enemy No. 1: Snake Eyes Johnson.
At sea, Billy pursues Hope — “You’re the Top” with Reno — but she insists on her duty to Evelyn. A cable arrives: Snake Eyes Johnson is on board. Billy, now using Johnson’s papers, becomes an instant celebrity suspect. Meanwhile Reno plots with Moonface to catch Evelyn in a compromising situation with her — to break his engagement to Hope. The plan fails spectacularly: Evelyn and Reno find themselves mutually charmed. Billy’s true identity is exposed; Reno leads the ship in the title number: “Anything Goes.”
Act Two — Confessions, Disguises, and Happy Endings
Billy is celebrated as Public Enemy No. 1, then gives himself up as an impostor, and is thrown in the brig with Moonface. Reno leads a rousing gospel revival: “Blow, Gabriel, Blow.” In the brig, Moonface attempts to cheer Billy up: “Be Like the Bluebird.” Their salvation arrives in the form of two Chinese card-sharps imprisoned with them — whose clothes they steal to escape in disguise, arriving at the Oakleigh estate in Chinese garb.
In the show’s climactic tangle, Billy and Moonface threaten to expose Evelyn’s indiscretion with a Chinese woman unless he releases Hope. Evelyn — who has by now genuinely fallen for Reno — happily complies. Whitney has made a fortune on the stock market. The Harcourt family’s financial difficulties are solved by Whitney’s offer to buy the company. All three couples are united: Billy and Hope, Reno and Evelyn, and Whitney and Mrs. Harcourt. Moonface pockets his bribe and refuses to return it. The ship celebrates: “Finale.”
The Songs —
Cole Porter’s Greatest
The score of Anything Goes contains more classic songs per square inch than almost any other show in the Broadway repertoire. The four principal standards introduced in the original 1934 production — “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” “Anything Goes,” and “All Through the Night” — are among the finest songs Cole Porter ever wrote. Subsequent revivals have drawn on Porter’s wider catalogue to augment the score, adding “It’s De-Lovely” (from Red, Hot and Blue), “Friendship” (from Du Barry Was a Lady), and “Buddy Beware”.
◆ = STANDARD / POP & JAZZ CLASSIC — Songs marked with source are interpolations from other Porter shows used in revivals.
Production
History
The official Broadway debut at the Alvin Theatre on 21 November 1934. Directed by Howard Lindsay, choreography by Robert Alton, sets by Donald Oenslager. Stars: Ethel Merman (Reno), William Gaxton (Billy), Victor Moore (Moonface), Bettina Hall (Hope), Leslie Banks (Evelyn). Runs 420 performances — the fourth longest-running musical of the 1930s. The West End production opens at the Palace Theatre, London on 14 June 1935 for 261 performances, starring Jeanne Aubert as Reno La Grange (renamed to suit Aubert’s French background), Jack Whiting as Billy, and Sydney Howard as Moonface. P.G. Wodehouse adapts the American references for British audiences.
In 1936, Paramount Pictures releases the first film version, starring Ethel Merman (reprising Reno) and Bing Crosby as Billy, directed by Lewis Milestone. Also featuring Ida Lupino, Charles Ruggles, and Arthur Treacher. A 1956 remake, again from Paramount, stars Crosby with Donald O’Connor and Mitzi Gaynor. The script is drastically rewritten by Sidney Sheldon and new songs by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn replace some of the lesser-known Porter numbers.
In 1950, the premiere episode of Musical Comedy Time features Martha Raye in a televised version. In 1954, Ethel Merman reprises Reno in a live television adaptation on The Colgate Comedy Hour, co-starring Frank Sinatra as the hero (renamed Harry Dane) and Bert Lahr as Moonface. It has been widely reported that Merman and Sinatra did not get along. The kinescope was released on DVD in 2011.
The first major revival opens Off-Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre, directed by Lawrence Kasha, starring Hal Linden as Billy, Kenneth Mars as Evelyn, and Eileen Rodgers as Reno. This is the first stage version to incorporate songs from other Porter shows — including “It’s De-Lovely,” “Friendship,” and “Let’s Misbehave” — establishing a practice that subsequent revivals would continue. The script is revised to expand the character of Bonnie.
The landmark revival opens at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center, directed by Jerry Zaks, choreographed by Michael Smuin. Book revised by John Weidman and Timothy Crouse (Russel’s son). Rescored for a 16-piece swing band playing on stage, in the style of Benny Goodman. Stars: Patti LuPone (Reno), Howard McGillin (Billy), Bill McCutcheon (Moonface — Tony Award Best Featured Actor), Anthony Heald (Evelyn). Nominated for 10 Tony Awards, winning Best Revival, Best Featured Actor (McCutcheon), and Best Choreography. Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Revival and Outstanding Actress (LuPone). Leslie Uggams and Linda Hart later replace LuPone as Reno. Runs 784 performances.
The 1987 Broadway revival transfers to London’s Prince Edward Theatre, co-produced by Elaine Paige and lyricist Tim Rice, who secured the rights after Paige saw and fell in love with the Broadway production. Stars: Elaine Paige (Reno), Howard McGillin (Billy), Bernard Cribbins (Moonface). McGillin is later replaced mid-run by John Barrowman. Direction: Jerry Zaks; designs: Tony Walton; musical direction: John Owen Edwards. The 1989 Australian production features Geraldine Turner (Reno), Simon Burke (Billy), Marina Prior (Hope), and Maggie Kirkpatrick (Evangeline).
The National Theatre mounts a new production, opening at the Olivier Theatre on 18 December 2002, directed by Trevor Nunn. Cast: Sally Ann Triplett (Reno), John Barrowman (Billy), Yao Chin. The production transfers to the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, running from September 2003 to August 2004. A cast recording is released.
Produced by the Roundabout Theatre Company, directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall. Stars: Sutton Foster (Reno — Tony Award Best Actress), Joel Grey (Moonface), Colin Donnell (Billy), Laura Osnes (Hope), Adam Godley (Evelyn), John McMartin (Whitney), Jessica Walter (Evangeline). Nine Tony Award nominations; wins for Best Revival of a Musical, Best Choreography (Marshall), and Best Actress (Foster). Drama Desk Awards for Best Revival and Best Actress. Stephanie J. Block takes over for Foster in November 2011 and becomes permanent Reno from March 2012. Closes 8 July 2012 after 521 regular performances. National tour October 2012 with Rachel York as Reno.
A new production directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, based on the 2011 Broadway production, opens at the Barbican Theatre, London on 4 August 2021. Originally set to star Megan Mullally, Sutton Foster steps in — making her London theatre debut. Also starring: Robert Lindsay (Moonface), Gary Wilmot (Whitney), Felicity Kendal (Mrs. Harcourt). Rave reviews; breaks Barbican box office records. Foster and Kendal are later replaced by Rachel York and Haydn Gwynne. Closes 6 November 2021 after two extensions. The production is recorded for cinema distribution and broadcast on PBS Great Performances on 13 May 2022. Receives 9 Olivier Award nominations including Best Musical Revival. A UK/Ireland tour follows in 2022 with Kerry Ellis (Reno), Denis Lawson (Moonface), Simon Callow (Whitney), and Bonnie Langford (Mrs. Harcourt).
Awards &
Recognition
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Tony Award ◆ | Best Revival of a Musical | Anything Goes 1987 Revival | Won ◆ |
| 1988 | Tony Award ◆ | Best Featured Actor in a Musical | Bill McCutcheon (Moonface) | Won ◆ |
| 1988 | Tony Award ◆ | Best Choreography | Michael Smuin | Won ◆ |
| 1988 | Tony Award | Best Actress in a Musical | Patti LuPone (Reno) | Nominated |
| 1988 | Tony Award | Best Actor in a Musical | Howard McGillin (Billy) | Nominated |
| 1988 | Tony Award | Best Featured Actor in a Musical | Anthony Heald (Evelyn) | Nominated |
| 1988 | Drama Desk Award ◆ | Outstanding Revival of a Musical | Anything Goes 1987 | Won ◆ |
| 1988 | Drama Desk Award ◆ | Outstanding Actress in a Musical | Patti LuPone (Reno) | Won ◆ |
| 1989 | Laurence Olivier Award | Best Musical Revival | Anything Goes West End | Nominated |
| 2011 | Tony Award ◆ | Best Revival of a Musical | Anything Goes 2011 | Won ◆ |
| 2011 | Tony Award ◆ | Best Choreography | Kathleen Marshall | Won ◆ |
| 2011 | Tony Award ◆ | Best Actress in a Musical | Sutton Foster (Reno) | Won ◆ |
| 2011 | Tony Award | Best Actor in a Musical | Joel Grey (Moonface) | Nominated |
| 2011 | Tony Award | Best Direction of a Musical | Kathleen Marshall | Nominated |
| 2011 | Drama Desk Award ◆ | Outstanding Revival of a Musical | Anything Goes 2011 | Won ◆ |
| 2011 | Drama Desk Award ◆ | Outstanding Actress in a Musical | Sutton Foster (Reno) | Won ◆ |
| 2022 | Laurence Olivier Award | Best Musical Revival | Anything Goes Barbican 2021 | Nominated |
| 2022 | Laurence Olivier Award | (8 further nominations) | Barbican Production | Nominated ×9 total |
The Recordings
The score of Anything Goes has been recorded in numerous versions across nine decades. The most celebrated recordings are the 1987 Patti LuPone Broadway revival cast album and the 2011 Sutton Foster Broadway revival cast album, both considered essential documents of the score. The 1988 studio recording conducted by John McGlinn with Kim Criswell is regarded as the most comprehensive archive of the original musical material.
The first cast recording from the original West End production.
Studio cast with Mary Martin.
Starring Hal Linden as Billy Crocker.
Starring Patti LuPone and Howard McGillin. One of the definitive recordings.
Conducted by John McGlinn, starring Kim Criswell. The most complete archive recording.
Starring Elaine Paige as Reno Sweeney.
London revival cast with Sally Ann Triplett and John Barrowman.
Starring Sutton Foster and Joel Grey. Available digitally from August 2011.
Links & Related
Anything Goes — Memorabilia & Collectables Cole Porter — Sheet Music & Memorabilia Ethel Merman — Memorabilia Patti LuPone — Memorabilia Sutton Foster — Memorabilia Elaine Paige — Memorabilia John Barrowman — Theatre Memorabilia Hello Dolly – Memorabilia City of Angels — Musical Guide Sweet Charity — Musical Guide
