["Anyone Can Whistle"] is an unusual, far-out musical with a briskly syncopated score, educated lyrics, original and frisky dances, waltzing scenery and an imaginative story which the cast and I had to cope with rather strenuously.

This book and the lack of a melody I could whistle impeded my enjoyment of the last two acts, which didn't quite fulfill the high promise of the joyously daffy first act.

Arthur Laurents, the librettist (and director), has imagined a depressed town ruled by a lady mayor. But this is no ordinary depression; the town has manufactured something that won't wear out—so when everybody has one the big factory closes and only a miracle can help.

So a big fake miracle happens when a big rock in the square spurts water, thanks to a secretly rigged pump. Cures loom, even for the inmates of the Cookie Jar, which is the...