Lichfield Operatic Society’s spring production is an all-singing, tap dancing treat set aboard the SS American as it sails from New York to England.
On board are the beautiful American Heiress, Hope Harcourt, her English Fiancé Sir Evelyn Oakleigh and Hope’s Mother. Stowing away on board is Billy Crocker, a young admirer of Hope’s who can’t believe she would really marry the silly Sir Evelyn and determines to try to stop her.
Public Enemy Number Thirteen, with his moll Bonnie, is also along for the ride and he passes on to Billy the passport and tickets of a gangster friend of his who didn’t catch the boat. This leads to unwelcome complications for Billy, as he and the Public Enemy have to keep changing disguises to avoid arrest.
Keeping the steam at boiling point in the ship’s engine room and working the stabilizers overtime is the sexy, incandescent Reno Sweeney; ex-evangelist and currently nightclub singer. With her help, all the shipboard disasters are averted and all of the romances sorted out – including her own.
Cole Porter’s glorious songs include I Get a Kick Out of You, It’s Deloveley, Anything Goes, Blow, Gabriel, Blow, You’re the Top, and Friendship.
Anything Goes runs at the Lichfield Garrick from April 27 to May 1. Ticket prices: Tues £11, Weds £12, Thurs £13, Fri £14, Sat matinee £10 (£5 16s and under), Sat evening £15.
Tickets from the Lichfield Operatic Society ticket secretary on 01543 480506 or 07814 915322.