By Patricia Rettig
Get on board for some delightful and de-lovely entertainment as the nautical musical “Anything Goes” comes to Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre starting April 3.
Recently revived on Broadway, this lighthearted Cole Porter classic celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.
An amusing story wrapped around one of the magical scores of native Hoosier Cole Porter, “Anything Goes” sends the age-old tale of boy-meets-girl out to sea aboard the ocean liner S.S. American. Young travelers fall in love at first sight, but the girl is already engaged! Throw in some disguised characters, blackmail and tap-dancing sailors, and it adds up to an upbeat production that’s the top.
The musical features songs like “Friendship,” “It’s De-Lovely,” “I Get A Kick Out Of You,” “You’re the Top,” and the title song, “Anything Goes.” And it’s meant to be a sing-along, so don’t feel bad about tapping your toes to this feel-good musical.
Timothy Ford stars as Billy Crocker, a young broker in love. Ford last enchanted Beef & Boards audiences as Don Lockwood in “Singin’ In The Rain.” Whitney Meyer, who played Cosette in “Les Misérables” last season, returns to the Beef & Boards stage as Hope Harcourt, the debutante engaged to marry Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, played by audience favorite Jeff Stockberger. Performing as Reno Sweeney, the nightclub singer who helps Billy, is Deb Wims, who brought audiences to their feet with her portrayal of Roxie Hart in Beef & Boards’ production of “Chicago.” And funnyman Jack Milo returns as Moonface Martin, a gangster and Public Enemy No. 13.
“Anything Goes” is on stage for 40 performances through May 11 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets include Chef Odell Ward’s dinner buffet, prepared in-house for each performance, and select beverages. Parking is always free.
“Anything Goes” ● Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre ● 9301 N. Michigan Rd. in Indianapolis ● Buffet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m. on select nights April 3 through May 11 ● Tickets start at $38.50 ● For more information call 872-9664 or visit www.beefandboards.com.
