Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Still, the production looks and sounds amazing. Costume designer Alex Weinzierl's glamorous gowns fit as if they were bespoke from Savile Row and created by tailors using molten gemstones instead of fabric. Bingaman's command of his 16-piece orchestra is flawless. The score's rich complexity shines through with a lushness you simply won't hear when it's played by the stripped-down combos favored by most local musical theaters."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Some viewers might overlook these shortcomings if the show weren't a ponderous two hours and 45 minutes. The dance numbers are stunning, but they're too few and far between. Erica Evans crackles as Reno Sweeney, and one looks forward to see what she and the rest of this extremely talented cast might do in the future without inert material that sinks their talents like an anchor around the neck."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...All in all, MTW’s gag-packed, loose-limbed and hyper-happy revival offers no rough passage and fares as well as we want at laying out some very formulaic fun. No question, Anything Goes confirms its rambunctious chorus “There’s No Cure like Travel.” The real take: There’s no cure like Cole."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Thank you Music Theater Works! This company keeps my memories of the classic musicals alive. The beauty of this company is that its artistic director, Rudy Hogenmiller ( who also directed tonight's powerful production) is a lover of the old-fashioned "musical Comedy", so there was no doubt that his version of "Anything Goes" ( music and lyrics by Cole Porter) would be a powerhouse. The original book ( P.G. Woodhouse and Guy Bolton with Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse) has been updated by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman, but the production still tells the age-old story of love, dance ( great choreography by Clayton Cross- including the big "tap" number that will have your toes tapping the floor even after the performers leave the stage) and comedy."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Expertly directed by Rudy Hogenmiller and brilliantly choreographed by Clayton Cross, this production, although running a little long, is a blissful enchantment. In an era that strangely worships celebrities from every walk of life, including the notorious, the subplot of this musical doesn’t feel all that old-fashioned or far-fetched. All three love stories (and not just between the young‘uns either) delightfully play out to the very last moments of the show. By the finale, everyone lives happily ever after, which could only happen aboard an Art Deco cruise ship overflowing with ditzy debutantes, exuberant dancing and dry martinis."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...It seems like every review of a Music Theater Works production ends with a lament that it's a shame so much professionalism and talent is available for runs of fewer than 10 performances. This revival deserves an extensive run befitting one of the great audience shows of the American musical theater. But we take what we can get. Notwithstanding the overlong first act and the numerous groaning attempts at low comedy, this is a high level slice of entertainment that revalidates Cole Porter as a master composer and brilliant lyricist whose like we don't see anymore, or at least since Stephen Sondheim went into semiretirement."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...If for no other reason than knowing these partial lyrics of the musical’s title song were written for Anything Goes in 1934, this fact should be enough to convince people to take a night off of the daily nightmare being broadcast on their news stations of choice."
Picture This Post - Somewhat Recommended
"...Music Theater Works' production doesn't break new ground. But if you're in the mood to put on the comfy shoes of a vintage musical, this version of ANYTHING GOES is likely to be a good fit."
