Crazy For You

The very strong cast of this fantastic production was led by Matthew Gardner (Bobby) and Harriet Chaplin (Polly), both of whom sang and danced effortlessly and were a fine team.  They were an absolute delight to watch and listen to and they both gave extremely confident performances.

All the principals, cowboys, and the lovely Follies and Dollies led by Carolyn Greenwood (Tess) and Anna Clarke (Patsy) had obviously worked their socks off to achieve dancing to such a high level of performance. The whole production was very energetic and moved at a pace.  The brilliant choreography, by Ted Oxley-Kirk, was superbly interpreted by all on stage.

An outstanding performance from David Kirk (Bela Zangler) - the drunken scene where Zangler and Bobby, who is dressed like Zangler, and were supposed to be mirror images of each other, was slick and in perfect time.

Fiona Lane (Irene Roth) gave a first-rate performance as the fiancé of Bobby. Irene finally met her match in George Phillips (Lank Hawkins) who was the aggressive, gravelly voiced and angry owner of the Saloon where most of the action takes place.  The seductive number “Naughty Baby” was delivered brilliantly.  Fiona looked every inch the seductress in that outfit!

There were some excellent cameo roles played by Gary Holmes (Eugene Fodor) and Shirley Broadbent (his sister Patricia) – the British Tourists who gave lovely comedy performances, along with Terry Kelly (Polly’s father Everett Baker) and Pat Poole (Bobby’s mother, Lottie Child).  The ensemble obviously enjoyed their contribution to this wonderful performance.

Scenery, costumes, make up, hair & wigs, lighting, sound, props and everyone involved backstage all enhanced this brilliant production by Jamesine Cundell-Walker (Director).

The 12 piece orchestra, under the brilliant Musical Direction of Cathy Sweet, was simply superb – they never overpowered the principles and chorus – and every word sung could be heard.

Congratulations to everyone involved – it’s so nice to hear the audience coming out of the theatre humming those fabulous tunes!
 

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