Albuquerque & Santa Fe - "Anything Goes"

Regional Reviews: Albuquerque/Santa Fe

Anything Goes
Albuquerque Little Theatre
Review by Carole C. Sullivan

Also see Carole's review of Social Security

Courtesy of Albuquerque Little theatre

The 1934 musical Anything Goes has been revived many times, and the memorable songs by Cole Porter are standards of the American Songbook. Albuquerque Little Theatre is presenting a lively and engaging production that will have you tapping your way home as you hum the songs. The songs include "I Get A Kick Out of You," "Easy to Love," "You're the Top," "It's De-Lovely," and of course, "Anything Goes." There are a number of versions of this musical, with songs added and removed; ALT is presenting the adapted 1987 Broadway revival produced by Lincoln Center Theater.

Director Celena Cox has cast the show with some wonderful singers who do these songs justice. Tasha Booth as the formidable Reno Sweeney is the triple threat needed for this role. Her singing is bold, her acting sassy, and she dances well, including tap. She has big shoes to fill; previous Renos have been such powerhouses as Ethel Merman, Patti LuPone, Leslie Uggams, Mitzi Gaynor, and Sutton Foster. Booth is matched by Stuart Charles Neef as Billy Crocker, and he has a great tenor voice. Madison Dodd is a lovely Hope Harcourt with a lyrical soprano voice. Other outstanding cast members include John Reiser as Sir Evelyn Oakleigh, Jack Litherland as Moonface Martin, and Jamie Thorpe as Erma.

The ensemble play some quirky and funny types and they all give 100%. Be sure to check out the dancing of veteran ALT actress Shirley Roach; she has been a familiar face in Albuquerque Theatre for 29 years. The two acts fly by with fast-paced action. Choreographer Sarah Hosford has made some excellent choices, blending accomplished dancers with novice performers.

The set design by Jason Roman of the SS American ship where the show takes place is attractive and especially useful for all the scenes of the show. Costume designer Emma Rose Harrison has dressed the large cast delightfully and has provided exceptional costumes for the leads, particularly Reno Sweeney. Lighting designer Emma Ziegler has delivered a clean and effective plan.

The orchestral music is recorded and it is generally well done under the direction of music director Hawkins David Gardow. The sound amplifying the actors does have some problems.

This is a big musical with some extraordinarily talented performers. Albuquerque Little Theatre is making some administrative changes and they seem to be making a difference. Enjoy this show and support this important Albuquerque cultural institution.

Anything Goes runs through March 22, 2026, at Albuquerque Little Theatre, 224 San Pasquale Ave. SW, Albuquerque NM. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Thursday, March 19 at 7:30 and Sundays, at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $41- $27. For tickets and information, please visit www.AlbuquerqueLittleTheatre.org or call 505-242-4750.

Directed by Celena Cox, Music Director-Hawkins Davis Gardow, Choreographer-Sarah Hosford, Costume Designer-Emma Rose Harrison, Scenic Designer-Jason Roman, Lighting Designer-Emma Ziegler, Stage Manager-Kaycee Stine.

The Cast: Tasha Booth, Madison Dodd, Stuart Charles Neef, John Reiser, Jack Litherland, Jamie Thorpe, Deirdre Garvey, Brent Whitted, Hawkins Davis Gardow, Jeremy Shulse, Carlie Elliott, Morgyn Gallegos, Rebecca Brach, Racquel Torres, Robert Reid, Sami Aragon Roybal, Marco Sanchez, Julian Wheaton, Joshua Mendoza, Emmalee Dorsey, Sarah Dunston, Shirley Roach, Casey Standridge.