"And though I'm not a great romancer, just know that I'm bound to answer when you propose… Anything goes!" Well, if someone does propose you see "Anything Goes," playing at the Ahmanson through January 6, then you are bound to answer in the affirmative!

The 1934 Cole Porter musical follows Reno Sweeney (Rachel York), a noted cabaret performer, and her friends aboard the S.S. American on a trans-Atlantic trip. Like any old romantic comedy, there is a delightfully tangled web of love stories: Reno adores Billy Crocker (Erich Bergen), who is in love with Hope Harcourt (Alex Finke), who is engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (Edward Staudenmayer). Further complicating matters are Billy's boss, Elisha Whitney (Dennis Kelly), who has a thing for Hope's mother (Sandra Shipley). Put all those people together on a ship along with some other combustible characters, and you have a recipe for an entertaining night at the theater.

The show is certainly a classic, and one of Porter's best-known musicals. Much credit to this production's success must go to director/choreographer Kathleen Marshall, who brings the show to life with infectious vitality. York also brings something new to the show, playing Reno as a creature that seemingly does nothing but ooze pure sex appeal. Purists may be turned off by the liberties she takes with the score, but she does provide a unique take on the show's well-known tunes.

As a whole, the cast is quite strong, and dealt well with with the spattering of technical issues the show encountered. Also commendable is the show's 14-piece orchestra, conducted Jay Alger. Derek McLane's sets from the Broadway production have been well-adapted for the road, though there are some sightline issues that enable parts of the audience to see into the Ahmanson's underbelly, slightly shattering the illusion.

"Anything Goes" is everything a good old fashioned musical should aspire to be. From the toe-tapping, show-stopping ensemble dance numbers to charming renditions of classic show tunes, "Anything Goes" is a delightful reminder of a bygone era of musical theater.

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"Anything Goes" is playing at the Ahmanson Theatre (135 N. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012) through January 6, 2013. Tickets are $20-$120. More information can be found at CenterTheatreGroup.org.