CPT's Got Rhythm with Crazy for You

When you think of the people who really shaped modern American musical theatre as we know it - the list is short, but distinguished. And whether you're looking at said list chronologically or basing it on clout - I would argue that the Gershwin brothers will almost always be at the top. Their romantic comedy gem Crazy for You (with book by Ken Ludwig) is one of the essentials for any budding or current musical theatre fan and you're in luck because you can see it right now at Centerpoint Legacy Theatre!

Crazy for You is a Gershwin brothers classic formula:  boy meets girl, a little comedy, a lotta romance and beautiful music to underscore the whole thing. Bobby Child, a wannabe dancer who can't imagine a life not on stage, is forced by his well-to-do, judgemental mother to foreclose on The Gaiety Theater in Deadrock, Nevada. Once in Deadrock, Bobby discovers the theater owner's beautiful and talented daughter, Polly, a town full of lovable and talented bumpkins, and a chance to make his dreams come true. The trouble is, Polly wants nothing to do with Bobby Child the banker and Deadrock is not quite the hot spot for tourism it once was. Can Bobby help save the theater, win over Polly, and get out from under his mother's thumb? I guess you'll have to go and see.

Crazy for You at Centerpoint Legacy Theater (CPT) was a delight. The pace was the tiniest bit slow for the first few minutes, but as soon as we entered Deadrock, the show really came alive. The jokes landed, the dancing killed and the story shined like a sparkly Follies outfit (which were in abundant supply). The chemistry between Bobby and Polly was evident from their first interaction (perhaps because it started with a kiss) and I found myself lost in a love story as though it were real. I cannot gush about this cast and crew enough, but let me take a stab at it.

Craig Williams as Bobby Child was so incredibly fun. He can sing, he can dance, and he can act, of course, but the physical comedy and pure earnestness that he brought to this role really sold the character. Bobby was likable from the second he walked on stage and your love for him only grows as he stumbles into Deadrock begging for water and later when he slides down the stairs drunk on alcohol and love.  I've seen Williams play a number of characters in various CPT productions and he's got the lovable goof role on lock - with Bobby being my favorite version thus far.

Morgan Western as Polly Baker was the highlight of the show. Her singing and her dancing were so beautiful and effortless. I particularly loved her performance of "But Not for Me" - maybe an unconventional favorite as it didn't highlight any beautiful dancing, but I sure do love a sad ballad. The way Western sang the line "The climax of a plot, should be the marriage knot" gave me chills. That money note! Western brought just the right amount of rough-and-tumble and grace that you need for this part - she was Polly Baker through and through.

The passion of each cast member was palpable - especially the ensemble.  I am certain that you could've isolated any actor in any scene and they would've been fully immersed, fully characterized and with something funny to say. This was a show full of triple threats - the singing, dancing and acting were all top notch and the investment of each member of the chorus really elevated the show from good to great. A show cannot be successful without a hardworking ensemble and I love watching actors on stage who are just having a good time. If Bobby and Polly are the cake, this ensemble was the icing.

The choreography provided by Jessica Merrill was creative and complicated in all the right ways. You should all know that I love a tap show and this show was chock full of it! "I've Got Rhythm" really lived up to its name. With fun little metal dishes to add to the already harmonious tap sounds from each member on stage, I was hypnotized and I don't think I've ever heard more raucous applause before intermission. The choreography for "Slap That Bass" also had me anticipating the ghost of Gene Kelly to join in on stage at any moment. It was so fun and old-timey in that delicious Golden Age musical sort of way.

Crazy for You was directed by the super-talented Jim Christian who was basically born to direct this show. The pacing kept me engaged, the jokes kept me laughing and the story kept an ear to ear grin on my face for the rest of the night. When I first saw Crazy for You in 5th grade it made me determined to grow up and someday be in a show like this. This performance reignited that determination all over again. It's through cast collaboration and directorial guidance like this that can turn a temporary theatre-goer into a season ticket holding, blog writing, Tony watching lifer like me. That's pretty powerful.

You should go this show if you are within traveling distance of Centerville, Utah and have a pulse. Crazy for You - with its tap dancing, comedy and beautiful songs - is what great musical theatre is made of. Who could ask for anything more?

You can purchase tickets here. The show runs until July 14th.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

God bless us everyone!

Picking a Song - The Audition Chronicles

Part III - The Future