“I got rhythm. I got music. I got my man. Who could ask for anything more?” Well, if you’re looking for a good production of the show "Crazy for You," you should also ask for an energetic cast, impressive dancing and a night of fun and laughter. Fortunately, West Springfield High School’s production of this Gershwin classic delivered all of that and then some.
"Crazy for You" takes place in the 1930s, where aspiring dancer Bobby Child has been sent to Deadrock, Nev., to foreclose on a theater. But when he falls in love with Polly Baker, whose father owns the property, he decides to prove his love for her by disguising himself as New York impresario Bela Zangler and convincing her to raise money for the theater by putting on a show. However, his plan backfires when Polly falls in love with Bobby’s alter-ego, Zangler.
As Bobby Child, Dan Plehal was lively and energetic. He mastered complex dance choreography and used his charisma and beautiful voice to make his character come alive. Marilee Greene (Polly) expressed her character through graceful dancing and also through her singing, which was lovely on such ballads as “Someone to Watch Over Me.”
One standout performer in the show was Zack Moody, who played the real Bela Zangler. His physical comedy and excellent line delivery made his scenes hysterical, and his comedic duet with Plehal ("What Causes That?") had the audience rolling in the aisles. Also enjoyable were the “Zangler Follies,” Bela’s troop of performing girls. All of the actresses were energetic and danced beautifully, which was evident in such show-stoppers as “I Got Rhythm.”
The technical aspects of "Crazy for You" were also impressive. The set, designed by Mike Wines and Helen McCarthy, was extensive. Full-stage sets transported the audience from New York to the town of Deadrock, and back and forth. The orchestra was also excellent, playing the difficult music with skill. When set changes took a little while, the orchestra made them seem quicker by playing throughout the transitions.
West Springfield’s show was a joy to watch. The tech crew succeeded in transporting the audience to the New York and Nevada of the 1930s, and the actors used their dancing and singing to bring the comedy and romance of the story to life. You couldn’t “ask for anything more” than West Springfield’s production of "Crazy for You."
Cappies is a high school critics and awards program involving 50 schools in the Virginia, Maryland and D.C. areas.