Crazy For You

 

 

STOS theatre company once again light up the iconic Lyceum Theatre with their 2024 production of Crazy for You with music and songs by George and Ira Gershwin whose enduring talent needs no introduction. The musical centered around the Zangler Theatre as their season closes in New York just as the aspiring rich son of a banking family strives for an audition to achieve his love of the stage rather than following the family banking tradition. However failing to impress Mr Zangler, and being perpetually harassed by his mother ends up being sent to Deadrock , Nevada to close down a failing theatre . From there his wild ambitions and crazy ideas evolve. Whilst escaping from his long term fiancée Irene , he now finds himself smitten by Polly the daughter of the struggling theatre owner Everett Baker. Meeting the drawl inhabitants of Deadrock inspires Bobby to imagine bringing the  theatreback to life, and securing sufficient money to avoid its sale. 

The delightful all female production team led by Jill Beckett, director, along with Keeley Kilby assistant must be totally thrilled with the outcome. The choreography by Katie Granger with the support of The Dance Captain Abigail Stansall not forgetting Anna Wright as your musical director. 

This production boasts an all round multi talented cast who have clearly worked tremendously hard to achieve the standards achieved. The vision and planning , teaching and directing ,guidance and skill were clear to see not simply by the main principals but throughout the whole team. The comedy ,stage direction, shaping , dancing, singing and total involvement were all there and delivered to the highest standard. Whilst some of the roles are enormous this takes nothing from the many smaller cameo pieces. Afterall there are no small parts only small actors.

Sam Widdowson as Bobby Childs made the part his own, with dancing and singing , so many memorable scenes showing all the emotions as he juggled life with his fiancée on one hand and the new found love of Polly on the other. At the same time dealing with his forceful mother, encouraging the folks of Deadlock and mischievously taking on the totally comic role of Bela Zangler , played by Mark Harris, culminating in the hilarious drunken scene , both performers dressed identically , a scene that could so easily be lost but actually performed with outstanding comic timing throughout. Your delivery was totally clear in word and song being involved in so much with your delivery of ‘They Can’t Take That Away From Me’ being one of my favourites. Mark Harris as Bela Zander a great character part performed well, impeccably smart throughout with the most distinctive hair !! a touch sneezy when romancing with Tess, and brilliantly acted when Polly mistakenly falls for you. Sue Claydon as the domineering Lottie Child , Bobbys mother. A lovely performance delivered with the no nonsense approach attempting to control your son’s destiny and maintain the family banking influence. Ellie Hudson as Polly Baker, the daughter of the Deadrock theatre owner Everett Baker by Steve Mather. Ellie, you gave an excellent performance to this role, starting as the simplistic country girl , but feisty and full of determination, along with such a powerful singing voice and great characterization throughout, so many memorable scenes from emotional to upset, happy to sad, angry to lovable . Jess Brandeo as Irene Roth, the wealthy fiancée to Bobby, fed up of all the waiting, eventually winning the day when finally, rejected by Bobby, falling for Lank Hawkins by Matt Bevan. A truly believable performance throughout. Matt Bevan as Lank, the fiery owner of the town’s saloon, some great scenes throughout, in particular when the English couple arrive, requesting many typically English hotel requitements and your reactions to their requests. Tess performed by Louise Walker, being swooned over by Bela Zangler , resisting his approaches, a great role along with being one of the wonderfully talented Folly group of dancers , showing all the many skills in dance style and singing. Steve Mather as Everett Baker the owner of the long forgotten theatre, for ever remembering the dizzy days when his late wife performed there, whilst being the supportive father to Polly, his daughter. You gave a strong performance with stage presence and poise .

When in the Nevada desert what else would you expect but two mad cap English tourist writers, Eugenie and Patricia Fodor performed by Andrew Stansall and Vivien Siberry Scott, what a crazy team you made, with your over the top la-di-da, hilarious dress and antics to match , a great comedy duo. The cowboys of Deadlock, what a motley crew you were, great fun. Custus by Andrew Emmerson, Mingo by Paul Mullens and Moose by Richard Granger, you must have all had great fun rehearsing and delivering these roles, great performances. What can I say about Louise, Abigail, Charlotte, Eleanor, Heather, Ruthie, Laura, Lauren, Lou and Megan. The Follies, wow. So many costumes, quick changes, dancing and singing of the highest order, the timing and togetherness was a joy to see. A truly memorable team effort, you should be so proud. Not forgetting the country folk, Jen, Joe, Steph, Liv, Alice and Niven, always in character and very much a part of this excellent production. 

I really enjoyed the whole production, the acting, singing and dancing throughout. 

The lighting and sound were great giving depth and life to the many scenes. Compliments to the back stage teams, with seamless set moving, assisting with quick changes etc. The costumes were a joy, so much colour and flair. Well worked out shaping in the ensemble numbers. 

A show with so much to enjoy, performed to a very high standard. 

Thank you for your usual welcome from all the front of house team.

If you haven’t yet booked don’t miss this excellent amateur production performed to a professional standard

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.