By Doug Iden
The exuberant musical comedy romp Crazy for You bounds onto the stage at the Warsaw Federal Incline Theater. Based upon the 1930s classic musical Girl Crazy, this updated and expanded version retains all the magic of that bygone musical era but adds some contemporary sass and energy. The show, with a rewritten script by Ken Ludwig, won Tony and Olivier awards for best musical.
Who Did What Now?
The storyline is, admittedly, thin but is substantial enough to justify the zany antics of its colorful characters. Bobby Child (Kyle Rosa) is the scion of a wealthy New York City banking family who would rather be a song and dance man than a business executive. He tries to audition for theater impresario Bela Zangler (Bodie Moore) but fails. Bobby’s wannabe fiancée Irene (Alexa Morelle) is anxious to get married, much to the chagrin of Bobby’s controlling and dominant mother Lottie (Jocelyn Sluka).
Lottie insists that Bobby go to Deadrock, Nevada (a dying ghost town) to foreclose on a once thriving theater owned by Everett Baker (John Dorney). Everett is pushed by Lank Hawkins (Phoenix Bills) to sell so he can expand his neighboring tavern. Everett’s spunky daughter Polly Baker (Tate Clemons) is opposed to the sale while fending off the advances of Lank. Polly immediately disdains Bobby who has become smitten with her.
Bobby concocts the notion of putting on a big show to raise enough money to pay the mortgage. He assumes the role of Zandler and encourages many of the chorus girls from the NY follies to come to Deadrock. The initial show is a failure but Polly falls in love with the faux Zandler. When the real Zandler and the other New York denizens come to town, comedic chaos, confused identities and mixed emotions run rampant.
Themes
The show is mostly classic musical comedy but Ludwig softly introduces some satirical elements. Zandler clearly is a spoof of Ziegfeld and a takeoff on many of his follies. There is a major culture clash between the idle, non-industrious Nevadans and the “New York minute” easterners with many rube jokes offset by jibes at the haughty city folk. Clever insult humor abounds on both sides. But ultimately the show resolves into a rejuvenation of the native population, a merging of the cultures and mutually agreeable pairings.
Humor
This is a very funny show sparked by witty dialogue, enlivened by a very talented ensemble cast. Slapstick is ubiquitous led by Rosa (Bobby), Zangler (Moore), Bills (Lank) and the Cowboy trio. Eugene (Caleb Lindsey) and Patricia (Macie Becker) hilariously portray a duo of traveling English tourists writing a travel book about the Wild West. The best scene I’ve seen in a long time pits the inebriated real Zangler with the imitation (Bobby). Dressed identically with shirttails hanging out, the actors mirror each other’s actions impeccably while facing each other and, simultaneously, singing “What Causes That?” The song tempo helps the synchronized actions. There are several sight gags in the “Slap that Bass” number including a simulated playing of the instrument and the Cowboy trio playing the bass like a guitar.
Music
It starts with George and Ira Gershwin’s second-best score, augmented by songs from other shows. There are 19 songs with several reprises. Rosa (as Bobby) enthusiastically intones “K ra zy for You”, “Things are Looking Up”, and the poignant “They Can’t Take That Away from Me.” Clemons (Polly) sings “Someone to Watch Over Me” and (my favorite) “But Not for Me” and joins Rosa for “Could You Use Me?”, “Embraceable You” and “Shall We Dance?” Both singers are very good. The Cowboy Trio (Griffin Hatfield, Michael Richart and Eli Robinson) harmonized to the small-town theme setting “Bidin’ My Time” and “The Real American Folk Song.”
There are nine major chorus numbers including the principal actors, the Cowboys and the Follies Girls including “Tonight’s the Night,” the spoofy “Stiff Upper Lip” and the iconic “I Got Rhythm,” originally introduced by Ethel Merman. The singing by the soloists and the ensemble is superb.
Crazy for You Production Team
Director and co-choreographer Dee Anne Bryll has crafted a masterful blend of music, dancing, acting and comedy. The dancing (with co-choreographer Peyton Leonard) evokes the 1930s style with many “Follies” like, synchronized tap dances with both the men and women and some soft shoe. The dancing is plentiful, sophisticated and in perfect sync. Rosa contributes some extraordinary dance steps. Brett Bowling’s scenic design is appropriately western with cutout props representing New York City. Costumes by June Hill, Jenny Partridge, and Susan Hinnefeld are many and varied. The Follies girls sport different dresses while the Deadrock clan wear typical jeans and western shirts. Music Director Michael Spresser’s pre-recorded music fits well and is not too loud.
Overall
This is one of the best productions I’ve seen in a while. Crazy for You caps an excellent summer season for the Incline. The throwback show is funny, silly and brimming with extraordinary singing, dancing and acceptably over-the-top performances. You can’t beat Gershwin and you would be crazy not to attend. So, grab your dancing shoes and mosey (or gallop) down to the Incline Theater to see Crazy for You running through September 13, 2026.
Get tickets at https://cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com/Incline/purchasetickets.aspx
