Review: ANTHING GOES at Garland Civic Theatre Taps Its Way Into Your Heart!

Anything Goes

Music & Lyrics by Cole Porter

Original Book by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton and Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse

New Book by Timothy Crouse & John Weidman

Directed by Patty Granville

Music Directed by Ben Barker

Produced by Garland Civic Theatre

Audience Rating: PG
Run Time: 2 Hours with a15 minute Intermission 

Accessible Seating: Yes with few steps
Hearing Devices: Not available

Sensory Friendly Show: Not Available
ASL Showing: Not Available
Sound Level: Comfortable Volume Level
Audio/Visuals to prepare For: None

Reviewed by Michael Winters

Set aboard a luxury ocean liner in 1934, Anything Goes brings together mistaken identities, romantic complications, and a cast of colorful characters who prove that love rarely follows a straight course. With Cole Porter’s memorable score and plenty of comic mischief, Garland Civic Theatre’s production delivers an entertaining evening of classic Broadway fun that knows exactly when to charm its audience and when to let the laughter take over. 

Under the direction of Patty Granville and musical direction of Ben Barker, this production captures the style and sound of 1934. The cast embraces the era’s familiar Mid-Atlantic delivery, both in speaking and singing, giving the show the right flavor without making it feel forced. The six-piece band deserves an early nod of appreciation. These musicians produce a sound far bigger than their numbers suggest, handling Porter’s rhythms and melodies with style and precision. The full cast sounds equally impressive, blending beautiful harmonies with the playful rhythms that make this score such a pleasure to hear. 

As Elisha Whitney, David Tinney delivers some of the evening’s funniest quips, particularly when his Yale pedigree comes into play. Tinney has a knack for comic timing that makes even the character’s most offhand remarks land. 

Trenton Mosey brings an easy charm and genuine heart to Billy Crocker. His smooth, pleasing tenor vocals make his musical moments a delight, while his earnest portrayal gives the audience a reason to root for him. We want Billy to win the heart of Hope Harcourt, and Ana Caballero Umana makes that hope easy to understand. Her lovely soprano shines, even as Hope finds herself caught between Billy and her fiancé, Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Brandon Borick plays Evelyn with hilarious flair, making the character’s eccentricities a steady source of amusement. 

Steven J. Golin’s Moonface Martin is another standout. Proudly occupying a spot on the Most Wanted List, Moonface is hardly the picture of a hardened criminal. Golin gives him such charm and comic appeal that you may find yourself cheering for a man whose plans involve breaking the law. It is difficult to stay on the side of law and order when the outlaw is this much fun. 

Then there is Reno Sweeney, played by Whitney Golin, who commands attention the moment she steps onstage. She handles the big numbers with confidence and style, moving effortlessly between a powerhouse vocal and a softer, sweeter delivery. Her rendition of “I Get a Kick Out of You” was a personal highlight. Rather than relying on vocal fireworks, Golin brings a gentle emotional quality to the song that allows its romantic side to shine. 

Of course, no review of Anything Goes would be complete without mentioning the Act One finale. The title number is a tap-dancing extravaganza, and under the Choreography of Kelly McCain, this production takes it a step further by bringing the entire cast into the fun. Instead of leaving the time steps to a small ensemble, the whole company laces up their tap shoes and fills the stage with infectious energy. The result is a joyous spectacle that seems to leap beyond the footlights and sweep the audience along with it. It is the kind of number that leaves you grinning long after the final tap. The visual presentation adds to the fun. 

Although a Costume Designer is not listed, the period costumes are beautiful, colorful, and appropriately flashy, giving the cast a polished look that suits the production. Behind the scenes, the crew deserves credit for crisp, efficient transitions that keep the action moving with little downtime. 

Garland Civic Theatre’s Anything Goes finds its greatest strength in the combination of Cole Porter’s enduring score, a cast that embraces the comedy, and a finale that puts the entire company in motion. When the tap shoes hit the stage and the music swells, the production delivers exactly what this musical promises: a reminder that sometimes a little romance, a lot of laughter, and a room full of dancing feet are all you need for a memorable night at the theatre.

Let theatre take you places—it’s worth the trip.

Michael Winters