Composer

:

Cole Porter

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1934

First Performance

:

Nov 21, 1934

Average_duration

:

54:27

'Anything Goes' is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. The plot revolves around the antics of a group of passengers aboard the S.S. American, sailing from New York to London. The show premiered on Broadway in 1934 and has since become one of the most beloved and frequently performed musicals of all time. The story follows the adventures of Billy Crocker, a young Wall Street broker who stows away on the S.S. American in pursuit of his true love, Hope Harcourt. Hope is engaged to the wealthy and stuffy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, but Billy is determined to win her back. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including nightclub singer Reno Sweeney, Public Enemy Number 13 Moonface Martin, and his sidekick Erma. The musical features some of Cole Porter's most famous songs, including "I Get a Kick Out of You," "You're the Top," and the title song, "Anything Goes." The music is characterized by Porter's signature wit and sophistication, with clever lyrics and catchy melodies that have become classics of the American songbook. 'Anything Goes' premiered on Broadway in 1934, with Ethel Merman in the role of Reno Sweeney. The show was an instant hit, running for over a year and spawning numerous revivals and adaptations over the years. The original production featured elaborate dance numbers and colorful costumes, and the show's popularity helped to establish Cole Porter as one of the leading composers of his time. The musical is divided into two acts, with a total of 19 musical numbers. The first act introduces the characters and sets up the romantic and comedic plotlines, while the second act features a series of madcap hijinks and mistaken identities that culminate in a happy ending for all involved. Overall, 'Anything Goes' is a classic example of the musical comedy genre, with a lighthearted and entertaining plot, memorable songs, and colorful characters. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of Cole Porter's music and the timeless themes of love, adventure, and humor that it embodies.

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