‘Anything Goes’ @ Garland Civic Theatre
Photos/graphics courtesy of Garland Civic Theatre
—Hannah Kneen
Anything Goes is a classic for good reason. Since its debut in 1934, this musical has survived the test of time, captivating audiences for decades. With music and lyrics by Cole Porter, a whimsical and witty plot (the latest “book” of the show—originally by P.G. Wodehouse and friends—is from the team of Timothy Crouse and John Weidman), and a wonderful line-up of wacky characters, the show never fails to put a grin on your face and a spring in your step.
The story takes place on an ocean liner traveling from New York to London in 1934. A young Wall Street broker named Billy Crocker (Trenton Mosty) has stowed away, hoping to win back his love, Hope Harcourt (Ana Caballero Umana) before she is wed to another man. Billy is aided by some colorful characters, including his good friend Reno Sweeney (Whitney Golin), a nightclub singer performing on the ship. Of course, Billy is not the only person on the SS American being sneaky. In the guise of a man of faith, gangster Moonface Martin (Steven J Golin)—also known as a public enemy no. 13—is trying to escape the law along with his friend Erma (Alexa Taylor). Moonface is fast friends with Billy and Reno and the three of them conspire to get Billy and Hope their happy ending.
The main obstacles to this goal are Hope’s intended, Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (Brandon Borick), Billy’s boss Elisha Whitney (David Tinney), and Hope’s mother Mrs. Evangeline Harcourt (Sally Soldo). Billy needs to hide from Big Boss Elisha because (before the ship departed) Billy was sent to sell Whitney’s stocks in anticipation of the asset sinking in value. If Billy is caught not doing that, his job is in jeopardy. On another front, if Billy is caught by Hope’s mother, he'll surely be thwarted from rescuing Hope from her upcoming marriage to the wealthy Lord Oakleigh.
And that’s not all. If Billy is caught by the captain or any of the sailors he’ll be thrown behind bars for stowing away. Danger is around every corner, but Billy is not deterred from his purpose, determined to leap over the barriers and put a ring on Hope’s finger.
Tinney’s Elisha Whitney and Soldo’s Mrs. Harcourt are delightfully well-matched, and provide equal opportunities for comedy as their younger counterparts try to sneak around them. Billy Crocker and Hope Harcourt are, of course, a charming couple. Their whimsically romantic duet “It’s De-Lovely” is ridiculously sweet.
Borick’s Lord Oakleigh is hilariously silly and over-the-top in his fumbles with American phraseology and traditions. Golin’s Moonface is a riot with his practical sense and awkward attempts to comfort Billy when all looks Hope-less (hah!). His gangster vibes match well with Taylor’s Erma, who looks and sounds like she walked right off the screen of one of those old gangster films.
However, my absolute favorite character has to be Whitney Golin’s Reno, who has a slightly mythic quality about her, as she seems more aware of the audience than the other characters. She’s got character, that gal—plus a voice that absolutely captivates, and just enough down-to-earth sincerity to ground this show in our hearts.
The cast is rounded out with two not-so-reformed scallywags, played by Marcos Hillman and Caden Pesola, by a very intense captain (Shawn Lane), and by a great ensemble. The tech is spot on. Joe Murdock’s scenic design fills the stage space nicely and Kerra Sims’s costume design doesn’t miss. To top it all off, there is live music from Ben Barker (piano/music direction), Hunter Sims (on trumpet), Joey Lopez (on trombone), Cameron Crowley (on bass), and Elijah Caver (on drums).
You really can’t miss with this show, and director Patty Granville’s production is a sure-fire recipe for a great night out.
In true classic comedy fashion, just about everyone on the stage ends up paired off and married. But it’s the journey to get them there that keeps audiences coming back. As I said, it’s an American musical theatre classic for a reason—packed with silly antics, wacky shenanigans, terrific music, and almost enough tap dancing.
Just remember: with this show, Anything Goes!
WHEN: October 9-25, 2026
WHERE: Granville Arts Center
WEB: https://www.garlandcivic.org/
