Crazy For You

Having not seen "Crazy for You" for a good many years, I felt sure that with so many outstanding Gershwin numbers, a good evening was going to be had by all. And it did not disappoint!

We arrived to be faced with an open stage featuring a video wall and three pairs of video wall flats, providing downstage masking. This simple video set-up allowed for smooth, speedy changes between the various scenic locations called for in the musical, with only a few addional bits of furniture and set pieces added.

The thirteen piece orchestra under the excellent baton of the experienced Peter Robinson, was located, as is the norm with GAMA, at the top of the seating tier and behind us. However, thanks to proficient sound balancing this in no way detracted from a fine evening.

Bobby Child, the wannabe show man from New York was played by Logan Booth. Logan gave an extremely engaging performance, demonstrating not only his singing ability but also his dance skills. Bobby is soon to fall in love with Polly Baker - an outstanding, convincing performance given by all-rounder Brodi Orkney. We have come to expect first class performances from Brodi, and tonight was no exception! Their duet, “Embraceable You”, and individual solos with chorus “I Got Rhythm” and “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” were just some of the many highlights of tonight’s show. As Bobby’s demanding fiancé Irene Roth, Rebecca Goldie gave a characterful performance and, together with her love interest, saloon owner Lank Hawkins (Grant Duffus) gave an excellent rendition of “Naughty Baby”. Oliver Spink gave us a larger than life Bela Zangler, with lots of light and shade in his dialogue whilst still maintaining the Hungarian accent!

The show offers numerous minor characters – but mention must be made of the three cowboys Mingo (Michael McLean), Moose (Andrew Butchart) and Sam (Ryan Bryant). Each had his own style, but Michael’s facial expressions and added physicality, stood out. All minor roles were played well, but the stars for me must be the Tour Guide writers Patricia and Eugenie Fodor (Kenna Orkney and Caroline Warburton). Kenna and Caroline’s realisation of these two cameo roles brought hilarity to a different level – well done both!

Costuming of the show was excellent, with the show girl costumes, in particular,  matching the high standard of the dancers! Well done to choreographer Iain Hughes!

Final praise must go to Director, Nigel Orkney, whose overall vision of the show, totally worked this evening!

Many thanks GAMA, for the invite to your 2024 show!

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