ANYTHING GOES -- THIS ONE'S THE TOPS!

 BeyondExam

Alternative Voice

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Rachel York and Company. Photo Joan Marcus

ANYTHING GOES-"This one's the Tops!"

Plus - "TRISTANA" (Movie) - An unqualified Triumph"

  
This Broadway production of “Anything Goes” is really a grand musical. With lyrics by Cole Porter we get to have tons of fun on an ocean liner that is headed for a wonderful and frothy time. You’ll love the madcap antics on board. You’ll bump into a stowaway in love and an heiress. What a trip this is when a Nightclub singer gets to know Reno Sweeney. Ooops, there’s a wave.

This show brings such fabulous songs like “Anything Goes”, “You’re the Top”, and “I Get a Kick Out of You.”

The musical has been revived several times in the United States and Britain and has been filmed twice. Here’s a little tidbit: Porter wrote the majority of “Anything Goes" in the Rosecliff mansion in Newport, RI while staying as a houseguest there. I’ll bet that was a romp and a half.

The story has been revised at least in four versions. However, all involve similar romantic complications on the SS. American. The Major features are still on board. The score has been somewhat altered – and some songs have been cut and others may have been reassigned to different scenes and characters, and augmented with various Porter songs from other show.

No matter how many times the show has changed a few times, the show is still exciting fun trying to figure out who is doing what. The great sets and the energetic dancers and singers will keep your rear end jumping around. ‘Anything Goes’ is still one of the most exciting musicals in the world. It has kept it’s legendary status with “Diva” BELTERS.

Heck – I’m going to see the show again on Jan. 9^th at the Golden Gate Theatre on Market Street. The Theatre and the show make a perfect pair. It’s a knockout in every possible way. (advance story)

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook Section and he produced and Hosted a long running Arts Segment on PBS KQED))) 

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NERO AND DENEUVE. Courtesy Cohen Media Group

TRISTANA – THE OLD IS NEW

CATHERINE DENUEVE plays “Tristana” brilliantly. She starts out as an innocent young girl with high ideals about relationships. And haven’t we all been there? Luis Bunuel’s style of dramatic movie making still shows off after all these years.

There is no doubt about it – this is a cinematic masterpiece that reveals romance with dark shadows, social criticism and World War 11 Spain - and a never-ending grudge between socialists and fascism. And of course, Bunuel brings out his characteristic criticism of the church and bourgeoisie lifestyles.

This story is, heavy-duty stuff. Tristana gets a terminal disease on her leg. They remove her leg and she survives. Tristana is bitter and cynical. Who wouldn’t be?

Tristana is a complex story. The newly refreshed movie now showing brings out many facets of men and women. There are funny moments and some very tragic events.

Catherine Denueve still shines on the screen.

NOW PLAYING AT LANDMARK THEATRES

RATING: Four Glasses of Champagne!!!! (highest rating) –trademarked-

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook Section and he also produced and hosted a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED)))