Anything Goes 1934

[AlbertPeterson3]

Posted: 5/28/14 at 12:51am

Does anyone have/know how to get a copy of the original Anything Goes libretto/script? I am trying to use it for a research project. Thanks!

[AlbertPeterson3]

Posted: 5/29/14 at 5:17pm

I was also wondering how it would worked if someone wanted to stage the 1934 version, instead of the 1962 or the 1981 versions. I can't find any info on royalties and such.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 5/29/14 at 5:36pm

I have the script with the changes made the following year for the London production. It's datedly racist. You could never use it today.

[dreamcoat12]

Posted: 5/29/14 at 6:11pm

If you're opening to sharing, I would love to read a racist version of Anything Goes!!

[TheOldRedHillsOfHome]

Posted: 5/29/14 at 8:56pm

Agreed. I don't see it being staged with the original libretto. However, I love the studio cast recording of the 1934 version! I love the song "Where are the Men?" The dance music is wonderful!

[Mr. Nowack]

Posted: 5/29/14 at 9:32pm

It would be nice if they would redo the original book so that it's socially acceptable, but matches with the original score without the interpolations.

[AlbertPeterson3]

Posted: 6/28/14 at 8:26pm

So, let's say my community theater would like to put on the 1935 London version. Would we still have to pay royalties? Because there's no info at all, only for the subsequent versions in mti.

[MikeInTheDistrict]

Posted: 6/28/14 at 8:43pm

You most definitely need permission from the copyright owners (the copyright would not have expired) to perform any version of the show. See the contact information Cole Porter Trusts below:


Cole Porter Legal Stuff

[MikeInTheDistrict]

Posted: 6/28/14 at 8:46pm

Apparently, this guy is someone to contact with regard to Cole Porter's works:


Peter L. Felcher

[PalJoey]

Posted: 6/28/14 at 8:54pm

And they won't want you to do it. No one with any interest in Cole Porter would want lyrics that now seem racist to be produced.

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 6/28/14 at 8:58pm

Albert, I'm sure you know (assuming I'm remembering correctly) there was an earlier "original" script that dealt with ocean liner passengers shipwrecked on a desert island. It was abandoned when a real-life maritime catastrophe made "sinking ship jokes" unfunny.

So the version that was first performed was already a substitute for the original book.

About a decade ago, UCLA got permission to do the original script of BABES IN ARMS, so it can be done, depending on the willingness of the rights holders. (ETA I now see PJ's post. I'm sure he's right that whoever controls the Porter rights will not want racist lyrics performed.)

FWIW, the UCLA production I mention was well done, but the effect was a bit like a trip to a museum (not that there's anything wrong with that).



Updated On: 6/28/14 at 08:58 PM

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 6/29/14 at 12:19am

I mean, Anything Goes is pretty racist regardless, with the Little Plum Blossom bit and the two Asian guys on the ship. It's always astounded me that in all of its revisions they've never deleted or drastically altered that material.

and for the record, I do love the show otherwise, I think it's fun and the music is wonderful. But the inclusion of the ridiculous Asian stereotypes in the last revival confused me deeply. Updated On: 6/29/14 at 12:19 AM

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 6/29/14 at 12:54am

Does anyone know if the '34 version was videotaped for the archives?

[lovebwy]

Posted: 6/29/14 at 1:04am

LOL! Sweetheart, videotape recording wasn't invented until the late 50's, first of all.

Second of all, the notion of saving shows for posterity didn't happen until about 40 years after Anything Goes.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 6/29/14 at 1:16am

That's dumb.

[chewy5000]

Posted: 6/29/14 at 2:54am

Does anyone know if Ethel Merman will sign my window card, or does she only do playbills? Thanks.

[StageManager2]

Posted: 6/29/14 at 10:21am

You'll have to excuse FindingNamo. He's rather... slow.