Crazy for You

Crazy for You is a 1930s romantic comedy about Bobby Child, a rich New York banker who dreams of dancing. Sent by his mother to foreclose on a rundown theatre in Deadrock, Nevada, Bobby falls for the owner's daughter, Polly. To win her heart and save the theatre, Bobby disguises himself as a famous Broadway impresario, sparking a case of mistaken identity.

This production opened with a well-played overture under the experienced baton of Musical Director Russell Painter, which was a reminder of the lovely music and excellent songs in the show. Bobby Child was played by Edward Lloyd for the performance I attended, radiating talent in both voice and dance. All Bobby wanted was to be a song and dance man. Early on it was easy to see the depth of talent within the group, not least with the bright faced Patsy played by Esther Hunt, the flamboyant Bela Zangler played well by Jamie Taylor, soon to be married overbearing fiancé Irene Roth  (Leah Harris) and Bobby’s demanding mother Lottie Child (Elewyn Paige).

Leading lady Polly was a great lead played by Evie Baylis, on the night I attended, with a particularly fine voice. An independent daughter of Everett, he, was also played very well by Sam Tinson. (Loved the way he spoke of his wife), Jamie Whitehouse the grumpy Lank Hawkins and Thia Brookes as Tess leading the Zangler dancing Follies, with Myles Richards as Moose, also gave great support, but everyone played their part. Getting mixed up in the action were Daniel as Eugene Fodor and Dali Taylor as Patricia Fodor, two amusing English tourists, whose plan was to write a travel guide on the American West.

There were some fine costumes, particularly the impressive and sparkling dresses for the Follies girls, really glamorous for the dancing choreographed by Zailee Beer. As I have already mentioned there were some great musical numbers and I particularly enjoyed ‘Things are looking Up’ sung by Bobby when meeting Polly,  and also ‘Shall we Dance’. Although Polly is reluctant initially, they soon dance together and well. Polly’s ‘Someone to Watch Over me’  was sung well with feeling.

The company number ‘Slap the Base’ was full of energy and when Bobby is posing as Zangler, his number with Polly ‘Embraceable You’ was excellent. ‘I Got Rhythm’ was a great ending to Act 1 and ‘The Real American Folk Song is a Rag’ was a cracking opening number to Act 2. When Bobby and Zangler sang ‘What Causes That?’ they provided some iconic synchronisation of moves.

‘Stiff Upper Lip’ led by the Fodors was a good number and so too was Bobby’s number ‘They Can’t Take That Away from Me’, sung with great feeling. I particularly liked Bobby’s dance, well-choreographed and fulfilled (‘Nice Work if you can get it’). A big dance number concluded the show to a worthy full house reception.

The staging was straight forward, well accompanied by smooth changes and effective lighting, Congratulations to Director Michael Neri and all involved.

Bruce Wyatt, Regional Representative District 10

Last year I was pleased to attend Talking Props Theatre Arts as a new member of NODA for their production of Les Misérables. It was with anticipation of good things that I attended Crazy for You.

My colleague Bruce Wyatt as Regional Representative for district 10 has complied the main show report. However, as the company had two people playing the lead roles of Bobby and Polly was delighted to attend the evening prior to Bruce to see these two cast members.

I cannot however resist mentioning one or two other elements. The twelve strong orchestra were wonderful throughout. The sound was well balanced as they played in another section of the theatre.

On the evening, I attended the audience saw Ethan Nicol as Bobby and Maddie Francis as Polly. I remembered seeing Ethan as an outstanding Marius last year and his performance as Bobby did not disappoint. What I was surprised to hear was that he was not previously a dancer. Bobby however needs to be a superb dancer and Ethan most certainly ‘stepped’ up to this, with wonderful movement including tap. He appeared to have danced for years. Maddie was a wonderful match to him and had a wonderful voice once again showing emotion during ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’. Maddie played the role to the full

Bruce has more than covered the other cast members, but I must mention Myles Richards for his portrayal of Mouse and of course Jamie Taylor for Bela. The mirroring scene when both drunk is always a highlight in this show and Jamie and Ethan played it to the fullest.

Well done to Michael and the whole production team as well as all involved.

I look forward to Newsies the Musical next year.

Andy Brown, Regional Councillor NODA West Midlands

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