Set sail for enjoyable evening with ‘Anything Goes’

Summer Lyric Theatre’s “Anything Goes” is a tap-dancing taste of old Broadway and a great way to beat the heat with a wave of fun on the high seas.

Powered by Leslie Claverie’s formidable performance in the role of nightclub evangelist Reno Sweeney, the Uptown production sails along on Cole Porter’s classic songs with some show-stopping ensemble work, tantalizing costumes and a sizeable cast that can swab the deck while singing in harmony.

The second of the seasonal productions from the Tulane program, “Anything Goes” blends some of beloved melodies with a 1930s story of romance, intrigue and mistaken identities set about the SS American on a trans-Atlantic voyage.

From the title song to “You’re the Top,” “Blow Gabriel, Blow,” “It’s De-Lovely” and “I Get A Kick Out of You,” Porter’s refrains feel like comfort food for the theatrical soul. 

The first incarnation of the story (it’s been changed and restaged a few times) was a star vehicle for Ethel Merman and brought Tonys to subsequent songstresses Patti LuPone and Sutton Foster.

Claverie has the chops for the role and commands the action with stage presence, a powerful voice, smooth dancing and eloquent delivery. She deserves the spotlight.

Patrick Cragin takes the male role as the young Wall Street broker Billy Crocker, who is a friend to Sweeney but who has eyes for the engaged heiress also on board. Likeable, lithe and lyrical, Cragin handles the madcap Billy with a cool demeanor that has the audience rooting for him.

Stephanie Abry brings a platinum polish as the heiress Hope Harcourt, deftly walking the tightrope between doing what’s right (marrying the English lord) and doing what her heart wants (marrying Billy). 

A full ship

Perhaps one of the reasons the show has seen so many different versions  — director Ken Goode opted for the 1980s version — is the raft of characters who seem to pop in and out of the story.

This production is fortunate to have a bevy of strong players in several of the roles, providing comedy and color to the show. They include Lynx Murphy as the criminal Moonface Martin, Sean Patterson as millionaire Elisha Whitney, Michael John Smith as the captain, Melissa Marshall as the mother Evangeline Harcourt and Erma Latour as the adorable Emily Bagwill. Added to the mix are criminals, ministers and even some FBI agents.

Standing out in the crowd as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh is Keith Claverie. (He’s married to Leslie Claverie in real life.)

He weaves a tapestry of the titled Englishman, keeping the Brit funny without being a punchline.

Not to go unmentioned is the sizeable ensemble for this show. All those tapping feet make a powerful statement in one of the American theater’s most memorable big-time numbers. Bright and upbeat, the dancers and singers provide a rich backdrop for the action, which sometimes seemed to need an energetic boost in an early dress rehearsal.

Making the magic

Jauné Buisson gets props for choreography that showcases the talents of the large cast. 

The action is helped along by a suitably “saxy” orchestra, with a vibrant brass section that makes Porter’s pieces pop, setting the 1930s feel from the overture to the finale. It’s under the baton of Summer Lyric interim artistic director C. Leonard Rayborn. Michael Paternostro’s musical direction is pitch-perfect.

Aiding in the image of the show are the sartorial selections from Kaci Thomassie, particularly the gowns for Sweeney and Harcourt, not to mention the fun fashions for Sweeney’s “Angels” quartet.

Sets benefit from playful art deco touches from Kaeanne Louks’ designs, particularly in the staterooms and nightclub scene. Bold colors, stylized drops and a pair of curving stairs are characters themselves, adding to the show.

“Anything Goes” opens Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The performance is at Dixon Hall on Newcomb Circle on Tulane’s Uptown campus. A preview performance is Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $31.50.