'Anything Goes' cast gives voice to classic.

• Author: Baldwin, Kevin T.
• Position: Living

Byline: Kevin T. Baldwin

'Anything Goes'

Presented by the Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut Inc. at the Bradley Playhouse, 30 Front St. (Route 44), Putnam, Conn. Aug. 9, 10, 16 & 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 11 & 18 at 2 p.m. Admission: $21, $18 students and seniors. Written by Guy Bolton, P.G. Wodehouse, Howard Lindsay & Russell Crouse. Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter. Directed by Kathleen Atwood and Robert Sloat. Choreographed by Keri Danner. Musical Direction by Robert Sloat. Cast: Marc Cerrone, Carol Bachman, Samantha Pike, Jim Weigel, Diane Pollard, Hayden T. Stearns, Greg Brock, Christine Shogren. For reservations or more information call the Bradley Playhouse at (860) 928-7887.

PUTNAM -- Once again the Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse brings an enjoyable musical to the community, and this time it's a show about to celebrate its 80th anniversary.

With its production of "Anything Goes,'' Bradley Playhouse shares a musical that has been enjoyed by thespians and theatergoers for decades. Not enjoyed because its story has plot lines filled with great emotional significance (it really doesn't). Nor is it enjoyed because the show has multiple-layered characters full of great depth (it really, really doesn't). It's enjoyed simply because it's a lot of fun.

So, no, don't go looking for another "Les Miserables,'' "RENT'' or "Spring Awakening'' here. "Anything Goes'' is only about having a good time. Audiences are asked to switch the brain into neutral in order to more thoroughly enjoy the toe-tapping musical numbers featured in its Cole Porter score, and since the show's premiere in 1934 that's exactly what audiences have done.

What barely passes for a plausible story revolves around lovers who chase one another as they set sail on a luxury ocean liner bound to London from New York. Young Billy Crocker, played by Hayden T. Stearns, has stowed away on the ship to be with the woman he loves, Hope Harcourt, played by Samantha Pike.

Billy is upset to learn that Hope is engaged to Sir Evelyn Oakleigh and...