An Analysis Of Cole Porter's 'When Anything Goes'

When Anything Goes first set sail on Broadway in 1934, America was recovering from the Great Depression, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was in his first term in office, the New Deal was still in its infancy and many Americans were out of work. These were challenging times in America and many were longing for that sense of freedom and optimism that had defined our nation. The birth of musical theater and the popularity of the radio in the 1930's gave the brilliant music of Cole Porter and other famous American composers a broad voice and wide audience that reached from sea to sea.
Cole Porter's upbeat, toe-tapping melodies and whimsical lyrics helped recapture that sense of optimism, and for many, provided a welcome sense of escapism. His songs
not only capture the heart and spirit of his era, but has transcend generations. This is the reason Porter's musicals are still being staged today.
I am thrilled to bring this iconic musical to life on our Seattle Prep stage. Anything Goes is one of our greatest musicals, an art form born in America. The story is timeless and the clever humor will never go out of style. I believe all great theatre should do one of two things, dramatically pull you in and cause you to think, or allow you to relax, laugh, escape and be entertained.
As the Captain of our theatre program, I have one of the more rewarding jobs in the world, sharing my passion for theatre with these talented young men and women. Their infectious excitement, talents, energy and commitment allow this show to sail the high seas of fun, creativity and adventure. I want to thank everyone involved with this production, from our talented cast and dedicated crew, to my inspiring artistic team, to all the parents and community members who have shared their expertise bringing this production to life.