It’s only thirty years old, but if Crazy For You feels like a golden age musical, you wouldn’t be wrong. Though premiering on Broadway in 1992, it’s based on a George and Ira Gershwin’s Girl Crazy from 1930. Far from feeling old fashioned though, this stunning revival at the Gillian Lynne Theatre is a glorious spectacle of song, music, and dance.
Susan Stroman, choreographer of the original Broadway production, takes on both choreography and director duties this time round, just as she did when the show opened in Chichester last year, ahead of this West End transfer.
Partly to escape his fiancé, and partly to appease his mother, Bobby Child is dispatched to Deadrock, Nevada (population 37) to foreclose on the town’s theatre. Instead of closing stages, Bobby would much rather be dancing on them, and dance he does. Coming up with a plan to save the theatre by having the townsfolk put on a show.
Disguising himself as the impresario Bela Zangler, Bobby calls in a favour from the Zangler Follies to help out, and teaches the town what they are capable of when they pull together. Along the way he falls for Polly, but when the real Zangler turns up, there’s confusion, heartache and a lot of explaining to do.
There are some real standout moments in Crazy For You, ranging from subtle comedy to lavish song and dance numbers. In ‘What Causes That?’ Bobby and Zangler (played with effortless effervescence by Tom Edden) perform a mirror routine that’s an absolute joy to watch. Natalie Kassanga has a joyous solo as Irene with ‘Naughty Baby’, and Sam Harrison and Rina Fatania give a masterclass in comedy as Eugene and Patricia Fodder.
Ken Ludwig’s book is filled with corny jokes and cliches, but the whole thing is so glorious no-one really cares. Carly Anderson as Polly often plays it straight against the more goofy Bobby, and when it comes to those gorgeous Gershwin numbers, Anderson really shines.
This is a musical filled with songs that you will know; it’s made up of Gershwin classics after all. The most recognisable perhaps is ‘I Got Rhythm’ which serves as the Act One finale; an all out assault on the senses as the company pull off an extended dance routine that thrills the audience. This is a musical about dance and Stroman’s choreography needs to be seen to be believed.
Of course, leading this dance musical is Charlie Stemp, this generation’s Fred Astaire. Stemp, who starred in Half a Sixpence, another Chichester to West End transfer, gives the performance of the year as Bobby Child; effortlessly covering the stage with tap, pirouettes, and everything in between, seemingly defying the laws of gravity at the same time.
Beowulf Boritt’s set design successfully transports us from the bright lights of a Broadway theatre, to a deadbeat mid-west town, gripped by the Great Depression, while Ken Billinton’s lighting design gives this musical it’s magical quality. Crazy For You is a rare treat, it’s a sumptuous, feel-good extravaganza, that could be enjoyed over and over again.
