The Cast Photo by Mikki Schaffner

Anything Goes premiered in 1934 and has been successfully revived several times since on Broadway, most recently in a 2011 production featuring Sutton Foster. The show follows numerous high-spirited characters on board a luxury liner sailing from New York to London. Billy Crocker stows away to follow the girl of his dreams, Hope, who is set to marry an Englishman upon arriving in London. Billy enlists the help of his old friend, Reno Sweeney, a former evangelist turned nightclub singer, as well as Moonface Martin, a gangster posing as a priest, to help him win back the girl.

The book for Anything Goes is one that has been tweaked for nearly every major revival of the show. The original story by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse was subsequently revised by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse prior to the show's premiere. For this version, John Weidman and Timothy Crouse (son of Russel Crouse) made further updates. By today's standards, the plot is cheesy and very lightweight, with broad comedy, lots of one-liners (some of them admittedly quite funny), cases of mistaken identity (a staple of the day), and a predictable ending. However, what the book does supply is a structure for a cornucopia of wonderful Cole Porter songs and some lively dance numbers. The score boasts many of Porter's most recognizable songs, all sporting the delicious melodies and witty wordplay for which he's known. Musical gems include "It's De-Lovely," "Friendship," "I Get a Kick Out of You," "Blow, Gabriel, Blow," "You're The Top," and the marvelous title number.

As Reno Sweeney, Indya Lincicome is dynamic, playful, and sharp. She exudes star quality and displays great strength in her singing and dancing. Josh Devine shows off pristine vocals and provides much-needed depth as Billy. Monique Churchill is appropriately delicate, refined, and endearing as Hope, and sings well. Joey Baciocco has charmed audiences in several CCM shows, and again garners lots of laughs here, as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Dominic Carroll (Moonface) and Abigayle Kate Gatton Stokes (Erma) scores as the gangster and his sultry associate. Non-student performances Robert Pavlovich (Elisha Whitney) and Diane Lala (Mrs. Evangeline Harcourt) are assets to the show as well. The remaining supporting cast and ensemble all turn in praiseworthy performances.

Director Eric Boyd supplies fluid staging which provides heart to balance out the silly antics of the piece, and ensures that the comedic moments work well. There are subtle yet impactful directorial touches throughout, which ramp up the theatricality of the staging. The choreography by Jessica Harris includes elegant couples dances, noteworthy jazz moves for "Blow, Gabriel Blow," and showstopping tap by nearly the entire ensemble for the title number. Julie Spangler spiritedly leads a great-sounding six-piece band.

Scenic and props designer Tyler Gabbard, one of the area's best, has crafted a simple, handsome, and functional performance space which features multiple levels and clearly conveys the ship setting. The lighting by Jessica Ann Drayton includes many smile-inducing effects, and the attractive costumes by Clara Jean Kelly are fun and befitting the setting and characters.

Anything Goes is mindless fun and showcases a brilliant score by Cole Porter. While it doesn't require or invoke any deep thinking, this production is a great escape from the woes of reality. Delicious performances, direction, design, and dances make for a de-lovely time for audiences.

Anything Goes runs through March 8, 2028, at The Carnegie, 1028 Scott Boulevard, Covington KY. For tickets and information, please visit thecarnegie.com or call 859-957-1940.