All aboard for the dizziest, silliest, funniest cruise ever. This plot is a bit of fluff that is highly enhanced by Cole Porter’s lyrics and music, and is amazingly spectacular to the eyes and ears.
Nevermind the silly plot, nevermind the unbelievable characters – here is one show where the actors are bigger than their parts. It features great voices, great dancers, great music and absolutely the most superb costumes and sets by Martin Pakledinaz and Derek McLane. What more can you ask for?
Director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall has set a nonstop pace with clean, balanced, interesting dance numbers that this cast performs with gusto and energy that leaves the audience a little breathless. An eight minute tap number leaves the audience wondering if the energy delivered will leave anything for the rest of the show.
Never fear. The cast returns with extra enthusiasm.
Marshall’s handling of the storyline in some scenes almost becomes a well done burlesque skit. More often it comes across as broad satire with a little farce thrown in for good measure. It all mixes well because of the very strong cast.
This is the way it was done in the good old days of the musical (1932). The technology and creativity of today gives an interesting look at how far we have come.
Rachel York is delicious as Reno Sweeney, the tough night club singing evangelist with a heart of gold. She belts out Cole Porter’s songs with a wonderful, strong voice and dances up a storm with Erich Bergen, who plays Billy, her pal and confident.
Bergen seems to be having the time of his life throughout the performance. Edward Staudemayer steals the show with his “Gypsy In Me” featured spot – it’s a hoot and shows a talented artist at work. Emma’s (Joyce Chittick) “Buddy Beware” number with the chorus is the icing on the cake with the cherry on top. This entire cast gives 110 percent throughout.
Reminisce or become familiar with Cole Porter’s “I Get A kick Out of You,” “Easy To Love,” “Your The Top,” “It’s De-Lovely,” “Blow Gabriel Blow” and of course, “Anything Goes.” This genius’s music and lyrics are as fresh today as they were in 1932, when this show first opened to become a hit with Ethel Merman as its star. You will find yourself humming at least one of his tunes as you leave the theater.
Where: The Golden Gate Theatre, 445 Gary St., San Francisco
Through: Feb. 3
Tickets: $40 – $110
Details: 888-746-1799 or visit www.shnsf.com.
