Crazy for You

I knew that I was going to enjoy the evening when the orchestra started the overture.  I don't know where to start as the whole company shone from the moment they were on stage - singing, dancing, the Deadrock locals, the Cowboy Quartet (it was good to see Stuart Ogden back on stage) with special mention to Keith Harriott in Slap that Bass! The Zangler Follies who tap-danced their socks off (or should it be "tap shoes"?), the girls looked gorgeous in their costumes.

I must mention Louise Walker (Tess), Steve and Debbie Mather (Eugene Fodor and Mrs.Lottie Child) who played their parts with conviction. I aso enjoyed Andrew and Alison Stansall's (Eugene & Patricia Fodor) comic timing and dancing, especially in the "Stiff Upper Lip" number - it was good to see them both together on stage again. Richard Granger as Lank, the Saloon owner - I don't wonder that he couldn't resist the lovely Grace Hallam as Irene Roth when she sang "Naughty Baby".

Joe Walker as Bela Zangler - loved his duet with brother Matthew (Bobby Child) in Act 2 - they certainly looked like two peas in a pod - their timing was amazing. As soon as Katie Mather (Polly) appeared she lit up the stage with her delightful smile, her good voice and excellent dancing - surely a star in the making! and together with Matthew, who always gives 100% in whichever role he plays they were a pleasure to watch dancing, singing and acting together. Non professional theatre at its best!

Thanks must also go to Jonny Bates (Musical Director) - the orchestra levels were just right, TD Lighting, PM Productions (Sound), the Set Designers, Wardrobe Team together with the Backstage Crew, and last but by no means least to Claire Harriott for her directing and choreographing a first class show.  How she got all those people on stage dancing was amazing. The casting of the show made the whole evening so very enjoyable. Also thanks to everyone involved for entertaining us with a fantastic production - the audience were certainily humming the fabulous Gershwin music as they left the theatre.

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