It's "Transformation Tunesday" here at BroadwayBox! We're going to explore the exciting transformations your favorite Broadway tunes have morphed into over the years with thanks to innovative Broadway revivals.
Anything Goes' title number has changed over the years! Nine years ago, Roundabout's acclaimed revival of this show sailed back on to Broadway which makes this a lovely place to start.
Transformation Tune: "Anything Goes" from Anything Goes, by Cole Porter
1934 - Original Broadway Production
Starring as Reno Sweeney, Anything Goes marked Ethel Merman’s 4th Broadway show. Ethel sparkled from head to toe during the show's title number. She step-touched, she sang, she belted to the balcony.
1987 - Broadway Revival
Ship's Ahoy - Patti LuPone is tap dancing and we aren't worthy. The Lincoln Center Theater's revival set sail in 1987 with LuPone captaining the voyage. Tony Walton designed the marvelous ship and sleek costumes. The revival's title number was a tap dancing fan's paradise. The precise and syncopated tapping with Patti's pristine vocals? What a dream! That last sung "Anything Goes!"
2011 - Broadway Revival
The Reno Sweeneys that Broadway was graced with! Broadway triple threat favorite Sutton Foster sailed onto Broadway as Reno in 2011. This video is further proof that dancers are true athletes. This clip was only an excerpt of Kathleen Marshall's gloriously choreographed title number.
Let's all take a moment like Sutton does at 3:32 to appreciate this Broadway showstopper in every incarnation.
