CCM Musical Theatre students are starring in Anything Goes at The Carnegie. it is a co-production with University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music (CCM). Running through March 8, the action happens aboard the SS American where conmen are celebrated, evangelists are made showbiz sensations, and romance runs amok.
Featuring Cole Porter’s scintillating score, including “You’re the Top,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” and the toe-tapping title number “Anything Goes,” this screwball spectacle proves that with a little charm (and a catchy tune), you can get away with anything.
The Story
The plot follows Billy Crocker (Josh Devine) as he stows away on the SS American to pursue his whirlwind love with Hope Harcourt (Monique Churchill). Little does Crocker know, Harcourt is already engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (Joey Baciocco) through the meddling antics of her mother, Mrs. Evangeline Harcourt (Diane Lala). Crocker receives help from many zany characters throughout his time on the SS American including former evangelist turned nightclub singer, Reno Sweeney (Indya Lincicome). Sweeney, who has her own feelings towards Crocker, is determined to help him win Harcourt’s heart. Further help is found in unlikely friends Moonface Martin (Dominic Carroll), public enemy number 13 and his confidant, Erma (Abigayle Kate Gatton Stokes). The antics escalate as Crocker employs various disguises and schemes to break up Harcourt’s engagement, leading to a series of humorous misunderstandings and romantic entanglements.
Lincicome Leads the Strong Cast
Indya Lincicome leads this fabulous cast, playing the role of Reno Sweeney. Lincicome, previously seen as Rizzo in Carnegie’s Grease and Jovie in TCT Cincinnati’s Elf JR, soars to new heights in this role. Her comedic timing and impeccable dance skills bring a larger-than-life character to the Carnegie stage that rivals Sutton Fosters infamous run. It is no secret that Lincicome’s vocals are always magnificent, yet in this new role she is still able to surprise us. Employing soft and rolling vibrato to showcase Sweeney’s heart mixed with roof blowing belts, Lincicome shows her incredible skills and technique that allow her to take on any challenge.
The chemistry created between Sweeney and Crocker is necessary to the production, but the charisma Lincicome builds with Carroll (Moonface Martin) and Baciocco (Evelyn Oakliegh) take this madcap creation to another level. The understanding of their characters’ relationship is strong. This gives their characters’ scenes the freedom to be as fun and tumultuous as they deserve.
Lincicome’s strong female character, paired with Monique Churchill’s immaculate portrayal of the stereotypical ingenue, Hope Harcourt, gives the audience depth in a perfect night at the theater. Churchill’s switch between the picture-perfect debutant she must portray for the papers and the lovesick, headstrong young female finding her way in the world, shows her flawless intuition and choices as an actress.
More Stand Outs
Stand out performances abound. Joey Baciocco as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh has audiences gasping for air as they laugh through his hilarious performance of “The Byron in Me.” This, along with the group of sailors (Andy Bakun, Carter Minor, Griffin Simmons, Jameson Zoller) the show captures the BIG personalities on the SS American. These performers bring a childish and playful spirit to the nonsense of the crew.
The sailors’ find dance partners in Reno Sweeney’s crew of Angels (Purity-Annie Dauk; Chastity- Arden Allmon; Charity-Grace Baker; Virtue-Annika Jonker). These four ladies bring world class dancing to the stage along with sensual, rib-tickling comedy that keep audiences on their toes.
Other stand out comedic performances are by Gatton Stokes (Erma) and Carroll (Moonface Martin). They find hilarious moments throughout as they find their way from stowaways to VIP guests on the boat. Gatton Stokes’ number, Buddy Beware gives one of the best vocal performance of this stellar production. Erma’s typical “gun moll” accent mixed is with powerful vocal chops. Carroll gives a crowd-pleasing performance in his comedic number, Be Like the Bluebird.
Production Team
Eric Byrd graces the Carnegie stage again as Director of this whirlwind production. Byrd is well known for his high energy dance moves and great use of space. His use of the full theater in this production pulls audiences into the world of the SS American from the start. He also includes gives the audience with fourth wall breaking moments between Sweeney, Moonface, and the conductor which the opening night audience ate up.
From the Overture, filled with well-known Cole Porter tunes, the audience is thrown right into the world of conmen and angels. Music Director Julie Spangler is at the helm of a talented orchestra, delivering these bright tunes with gusto, and just the right volume.
Set and Costumes Perfect for the Era
The set by Tyler Gabbard and costumes by Clara Jean Kelly are truly world-class. They clearly were working in unison to create spectacular full cast numbers that transported the audience. Gabbard has found the perfect formula for creating breath-taking worlds on the Carnegie stage. Now, adding a world at sea to his resume, he wows audiences by creating an entire Titanic-sized ship. The glitz and glamour of the era is evident in the utterly stunning costumes and set decoration. The dresses of the Angels and Hope Harcourt provide the glamour and drama that is everything an audience can hope for. The attention to detail in costumes, including the many disguises, immerse the audiences in the world of the production.
It is clear from the belly laughs, standing ovations and full audience gasps, the book of Anything Goes alone pulls you in. So, what makes this production the must see musical this year? It is one unforgettable hit after the next. From upbeat tracks that make you want to grab tap shoes and dance in the aisles to heart wrenching melodies that bring tears to your eyes, the music is the driving force of the production and CCM in conjunction with the Carnegie did not skimp out on talent to fill these musical numbers.
Overall
Take advantage of break in the weather and join this incredible cast and crew at the Carnegie. Anything Goes is a non-stop extravaganza of dazzling choreography, with big laughs and a wildly good time at sea. This musical is more than just “de-lovely” and is sure to keep you entertained “All Through the Night.” With a soundtrack of iconic Cole Porter hits that’ll have you wanting to sing along, this is one celebration you don’t want to miss.
Tickets to Anything Goes
Anything Goes runs through March 8th 2026 at the Carnegie at 1028 Scott Blvd, Covington, KY 41011. Purchase tickets at the box office, online at ANYTHING GOES – The Carnegie, or by calling 859-957-1940.
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LCT reviews are edited by Liz Eichler, Stage Insights Chair and Member of American Theatre Critics Association
