Welcome to another Wildcard Wednesday! Tomorrow, November 21st, marks the 79th anniversary of the opening of one of the American Musical Theatre’s most important shows, Cole Porter’s Anything Goes (1934). This is a musical that needs very little introduction, considering it was revived on Broadway two years ago and is still touring the country. While I wasn’t pleased with the casting or some of the song inclusions (if you want to sing “It’s De-Lovely” then do Red, Hot, and Blue!), it is always beneficial for young people to see and become enamored with shows of its ilk. And for that reason, I am pleased with the revival.

To celebrate the anniversary, I thought I’d share a few treats from early in the show’s history.

Here’s Ethel Merman’s official 1934 recording of “I Get A Kick Out Of You,” followed by a radio rendition she gave in early 1935. (Low volume for the latter.)

Here’s William Gaxton, the original Billy, singing “You’re The Top” from that same radio program.

Here’s Victor Moore, the original Moonface Martin, with his number, “Be Like The Bluebird,” performed live on radio in 1935.

Here’s Ethel Merman’s official 1934 recording of “You’re The Top.”

Here’s Jeanne Aubert, the star of the original 1935 London production, with her official recording of the title song. Note the anglicized lyrics.

Aubert teams up with her Billy, Jack Whiting, for “You’re The Top.” Again — note the anglicized lyrics.

This is Whiting’s “All Through The Night.”

Here is the very brief rendition Merman gives of the title song in the 1936 film adaptation.

And last but not least, here’s Porter himself with “You’re The Top.”

11/29/13 UPDATE: Here’s a very brief clip from Ray Knight’s silent home movies of Merman singing “Blow, Gabriel, Blow” in the original production!

Come back next Wednesday for an all new Wildcard post! And tune in tomorrow for Xena Thursdays!