Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Director Marc Robin and his medium-sized ensemble of capable hoofers offers up a stellar "Blow, Gabriel, Blow" (the big Sweeney set-piece) but his staging otherwise struggles to define the signature ship, designed by Thomas M. Ryan. One can hardly expect the Marriott to build the Titanic on its in-the-round stage, but it could have done a better job creating the confined spaces on the ship, or the sense of multiple decks or of streamlined ambience. Much of the comedy in "Anything Goes" takes place in confined cabins, which each tend to occupy a good chunk of the stage here, making the funny business far more difficult to play."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes” is a classic musical comedy of the “they just don’t make ‘em like that anymore” variety. It’s a show that exists solely to entertain, and in its sensational Marriott Theatre revival that is precisely what it does, and then some. To quote Porter, “It’s delightful, it’s delicious, it’s delectable, it’s delirious….it’s de-lovely.”"
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Still, one goes to see a Cole Porter show for the songs, and director-choreographer Marc Robin has filled his production with top-notch performers who do their best to make the proceedings as entertaining as possible. And the score is performed with Marriott's trademark polish, though those hoping for new tricks from these old tunes ("You're the Top," "Blow, Gabriel, Blow," "I Get a Kick Out of You," etc) will be disappointed."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...Master manipulator Mark Robin’s skill set, of course, means that some boiler-bursting choreography fuels the go-for-broke evangelical excess of “Blow, Gabriel, Blow,” the frenzied leave-taking of “Bon Voyage,” and the title number’s intricate abandon, even if it seems that you wait forever in the first act for real dancing to develop. Even if it’s not the top, you’ll get a kick out of this."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...This show is a lesson for young aspiring writers and producers as how to thoroughly win audience approval-just find witty and smart songs and put them in wacky and totally humorous situations filled with strong voices and zestful dancing (and , of course, use spirited tap numbers). Anything Goes presents as a escapist, fun hilarious treat filled with many of the classical show tunes that most of us know. It leaves you humming the tunes with a smile on your face long after leaving the theatre. Marriott Theatre continues to offer stage worthy entertainment and their Anything Goes sure continues that tradition. This is a "must see" production."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...Anything Goes is a well deserved classic whose familiar, singable tunes deserve this fine treatment. There is plenty of dancing, singing and laughs for even the crankiest member of your entourage."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"... I have just been reading a recipe book. One that deals with my favorites- baked goods, and I realize just how important ingredients are to having an end result that is what one might call, sheer perfection! This is also true when we speak to my other favorite thing, the “Broadway Musical” and the latest opening at Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre, “Anything Goes”, one of Musical Theatre’s biggest hits, shines even brighter in this new production staged by the perfect chef, Marc Robin."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...In an era of celebrity worship drawn from every walk of life, this old-fashioned musical feels as contemporary as the day it was written. Under Marc Robin’s expert eye, three love stories play out to their final, delightful moments. Everyone, young and old alike, of course, lives happily ever after by the final curtain, which can only happen aboard a musical, Art Deco cruise ship overflowing with debutantes, dancing sailors and dry martinis."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"..."Anything Goes" treats the inanities of its storyline and characters with genial high spirits. The audience certainly will show tolerance for the antics on stage because the glorious songs maintain some dignity in Hope-Evelyn love affair, and Jameson Lane tosses off the stereotyped English booby with great elan. Lehman and Weygandt take care of the slapstick comic business to unanimous audience satisfaction. There are a few double entendres, none exceeding the PG-13 level. The success of reconstituted musicals like "Anything Goes," "My One and Only," and "Crazy for You" demonstrate the public's ongoing love for the American songbook, with its hummable melodies and sharp lyrics in the service of a total fun evening. And so it is at the Marriott."
