GO CRAZY FOR CRAZY FOR YOU!
By Erik Engman
Author, Clown and Improvisation Teacher, Theatre Critic at EatMoreArtVegas.com
IG: @erikreviewsvegas
George and Ira Gershwin are a major part of the American songbook. In their career, they wrote over 700 songs between 1918 and 1937, only stopping because of George’s untimely death at the age of 38 from a brain tumor. Their music has stood the test of time. And how lucky we are to have a musical like Crazy for You (Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin, Book by Ken Ludwig) that captures so many gems in one show.
Co-directors Joey and Rachel DeBenedetto have given us a very strong production, perfectly combining all the elements with excellent pacing and a great cast.
The story is simple. Bobby Child (Evan Litt), a New Yorker with dreams of dancing on the stage, is sent to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on an old, rundown theater. But once there, he falls in love with the theater owner’s daughter, Polly (Chloe Jaramillo), who is upset with him because of his job. Bobby must come up with a cunning plan to save the theater and win Polly’s heart. It seems almost too easy, but, as we all know, it never is.
The cast was completely on fire last night. Evan Litt, as Bobby, is an amazing triple-threat talent who has us rooting for him from the first scene. Chloe Jaramillo gives a powerful performance as the strong-willed Polly, and her beautiful, strong voice grounds the show.
Lynsey Reynolds as the frustrated fiance, Irene Roth, is deliciously bitchy to great comic effect. Philip Robinson as the gruff Lank Hawkins, hotel and saloon owner, is perfectly cast and a great foil to Bobby. Blake Boles shines as the theater mogul Bela Zangler, especially in Act Two, in that drinking scene with Evan. Monica Johns as Tess, leader of the Follies, is solid and brings heart to the Bela/Tess subplot.
Anita Bean is enjoyable as the overbearing mother, Mrs. Lottie Child. Caitlin Shea and Ralph D’Ambrose as Patricia and Eugene Fodor are great comic relief. The Cowboy townsfolk were hilarious and brought lots of energy. The Follies girls were perfection, in my eyes. Not a weak link in the bunch. Special mention to Emma Phillips as the ditzy Patsy, who was adorable.
Musical Director Shauna Oblad brings out the best of the actors’ voices. But most of my praise goes to the Choreographer, Ashley Oblad. The inventiveness and precision of the dancing in this show elevate it to a higher level. I was enthralled by what she accomplished here. The musical numbers were all showstoppers.
The set (designer uncredited) was ambitious, with massive pieces rolling in and out, all of which worked well. Noah Goddard’s sound design was great. Catherine Pratt’s lighting design was spectacular, especially her use of spotlights. Douglas H. Baker’s costume design captures the characters perfectly.
I must confess, as you’ve probably gathered already, I love musicals. I am the target audience member. And in my opinion, they nailed it on all counts. And with such songs as “Embraceable You”, “Someone to Watch Over Me,” and “I Got Rhythm,” you can’t help but leave the theater singing. Loved it.
What: Crazy for You
When: March 27 - April 26, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 7:30 pm, Saturday 2 pm
Where: Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center, 1771 Inner Circle Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89134
Tickets: Adults $35, Seniors (60 and over) $30, Students (7-18) $25
Visit signatureproductions.net
Rating: Irresistible ★★★★★1/2
Directors: Joey and Rachel DeBenedetto; Musical Director: Shauna Oblad; Choreographer: Ashley Oblad; Production Manager: Jenn Haley; Sound Designer: Noah Goddard; Lighting Designer: Catherine Pratt: Costume Designer: Douglas H. Baker; Stage Manager: Will Moray; Assistant Stage Manager: Ace Daniels
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