The S.S. American is preparing to set sail from New York to England. Billy Crocker, a young assistant to Wall Street tycoon Elisha J. Whitney, a passenger on the ship, decides to stow away in hopes of wooing his long-lost love and wealthy debutante, Hope Harcourt, who is also on board. However, much to Billy’s chagrin, Hope’s mother, Evangeline Harcourt, is delighted that Hope is engaged to be married to a stuffy Englishman, Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (who is also onboard), upon arrival in England.
Also on the ship are Reno Sweeney, an evangelist-turned-nightclub singer, and her bevy of “angelic” showgirls, who will be providing music and dance entertainment during the crossing. The ship has no sooner set sail than Reno runs into Billy, an old friend, and he persuades her to help him break up Hope’s engagement.
“Moonface” Martin, a gangster known as “Public Enemy 13” and his moll Erma are disguised as a reverend and a missionary, respectively. They have two Chinese “converts” and all four attempt to evade the law while on board. Billy eventually learns the identity of this misfit bunch, and, in exchange for his silence, they too join in the scheme to break up Hope and Lord Evelyn.
After more disguises, ploys, confessions, mistaken identities, and marriage proposals, all done to the fantastic music of Cole Porter, how will everything work out? Who knows? Anything goes!
Listen to the 2011 Broadway Cast Album HERE.
Cast of characters & stage age:
WOMEN
CHARACTER AGE DESCRIPTION REQUIREMENTS VOICE
Hope Harcourt 21-26 A wealthy and beautiful heiress.Debutante to marry Oakleigh, but in love with Billy
Sweet, beautiful ingenue Soprano A4-Bb5.
Reno Sweeney 30-40 A sexy and charismatic nightclub singer, former evangelist, in love with Billy. Sexy, brassy, comic timing,
great voice Mezzo G3-Eb5
Mrs. Wadsworth T. Harcourt 50-60 Hope’s overbearing mother, concerned with money and status, wants Hope to marry Rich
Actress who sings, no solos Any Vocal Range.
Erma 21-32 Moonface’s attractive but not-so-bright girlfriend. Character Mezzo & Dance/Tap. Mezzo A4-C#5
Angel #1 Purity 20’s Tall leggy showgirl with Reno’s act Dance, Tap, some lines, singing not necessary but a plus.
Angel #2 Chastity 20’s Tall leggy showgirl with Reno’s act Dance, Tap, some lines, singing not necessary but a plus.
Angel #3 Charity 20’s Tall leggy showgirl with Reno’s act Dance, Tap, some lines, singing not necessary but a plus.
Angel #4 Virtue 20’s Tall leggy showgirl with Reno’s act Dance, Tap, some lines, singing not necessary but a plus.
Female Singers (4) 30-50 Passengers on ship/other parts as needed Exceptional Singers SSAA.
MEN
CHARACTER AGE DESCRIPTION REQUIREMENTS VOICE
Billy Crocker 21-36 Elisha’s kind but inefficient manager, in love with Hope, must adopt disguises to avoid being caught. Terrific smooth tenor, comic Cary Grant double takes needed. Tenor B3-G4.
Elisha Whitney 55-65 Nearsighted business tycoon and drunk, Billy’s boss. Some solo singing, character voice. Baritone C3-D4.
Moonface Martin 30-60 A gruff but lovable and goofy gangster, wanted by police. Great Comic Actor needed, must be able to deliver song. Tenor Bb3-Gb4.
. Lord Evelyn Oakleigh 30-50 Nerdy, aristocratic, English, bumbling, engaged to Hope. Comic actor, must deliver solo number well. Baritone
C3-G4.
Captain 45-65 Military man in charge of SS American Mature authoritarian, actor who sings. Baritone.
Luke & John 25-35 Two mischievous Chinese heathens who happen to be exceptional card players, Asian actors preferred. Comic actors who sings, no solos Any Vocal Range.
Purser 26-32 Nervous lackey to Captain Character actor who sings, no solos. Tenor
Chantey Quartet (4) 30-50 Sailors/chorus may play other parts Exceptional Singers/acting a plus. TTBB
Male Singers (3) 30 -50 Passengers on ship/Will play other parts. Exceptional Singers who can act. TTBB
Male Dancers (4) 20’s Crew Members Terrific looking, Dance, Tap, singing a plus.