There are times in life when you willingly, happily, gloriously plunge into an all-consuming vortex of joy. And that is precisely the sensation you’ll experience as you succumb to the irresistible charm of Crazy For You, now playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. This riotous production, a West End transfer from the Chichester Festival Theatre, brims with such enchantment that any flaws – of which there are precious few – seem utterly inconsequential. The show serves as a delicious cocktail of comedy, romance, and mistaken identities, shaken and stirred to perfection.
The plot of Crazy For You, assembled from the genius of Ira Gershwin and George Gershwin, is a glittering distillation of classic musical theatre themes and some of the Gershwins’ most unforgettable tunes. We follow the journey of Bobby Child, a New York playboy and theatre fanatic, dispatched to the desolate outpost of Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a struggling theatre. Fate twists when he falls head over heels for the theatre owner’s daughter, Polly, and contrives to save the theatre by staging a show. As the zany plan spirals, Bobby moonlights as impresario Bela Zangler, setting the stage for mistaken identities, comic conundrums, and a flurry of song and dance.
Charlie Stemp, reprising his role as Bobby Child from the Chichester run, has honed his performance to a point of diamond brilliance. A veritable triple threat, Stemp possesses an inherent ease in his comic timing and a palpable energy that seems to recharge the theatre’s atmosphere. Stemp blends singing, dancing, and acting with a deft comic touch. Watching him on stage feels akin to witnessing a theatrical triathlon – he excels in every event, leaving you breathless and marveling at his tireless energy. Meanwhile, Carly Anderson as Polly Baker brings a captivating mix of assertiveness and vulnerability. Her on-stage chemistry with Stemp is electric, their duets sweetly romantic, and their dance numbers are a sheer delight. As Polly, she matches Bobby’s charm and wit while managing to be a robust character in her own right.
The rest of the cast are equally commendable. Tom Edden’s portrayal of the flamboyant Bela Zangler is a masterstroke, and his mirror routine in ‘What Causes That?’ is a high point of the production. Natalie Kassanga, as Irene, is underutilised, but she still manages to command attention during her moments on stage, especially in the number ‘Naughty Baby’. Special mention goes to Sam Harrison and Rina Fatania, who have the audience in stitches as the hilarious duo Eugene and Patricia Fodor.
Now, while the performances are stellar, and the Gershwin score enchanting, the true star of Crazy For You is undoubtedly Susan Stroman, the director and choreographer. Stroman’s choreography is a whirlwind of timeless elegance and innovative flair. Each musical number is a tour de force, from the riveting ‘Slap That Bass’ to the unforgettable Act I closer ‘I Got Rhythm’. This isn’t just choreography; it’s a heartfelt love letter to the golden age of Broadway that seamlessly integrates with the story, characters, and musical score.
The production design, too, contributes to the transportive nature of the show. Beowulf Boritt’s scenic design is a study in creative transformation, shifting effortlessly between the glossy sophistication of New York and the rustic charm of Deadrock. William Ivey Long’s costumes are an eye-catcher, adding to the period’s glamour. Ken Billington’s exceptional lighting design manages to underscore the mood of each scene, from the incandescent glow of romantic moments to the dynamic flashes that punctuate the lively dance sequences.
Yet, for all its razzle-dazzle, the show is not without room for improvement. I’ve mentioned the underuse of the talented Natalie Kassanga as Irene; her character development seems a bit stunted, and she deserves more stage time. I personally find the portrayal of the brash, strong independent 20-something farm woman in many musicals of that era to be stereotypical and samey; Polly Baker is indistinguishable from Laurie Williams, Annie Oakley or Millie Pontipee.
Crazy For You is an absolute triumph, embodying all that is magical and captivating about musical theatre. With its irresistible charm, a star-studded cast, ingenious direction and choreography, and a timeless Gershwin score, the show is a shimmering spectacle of pure escapism. Whether you’re crazy for musicals or just need an injection of joy, this is the show for you. It doesn’t merely entertain; it enchants, it captivates, it sweeps you off your feet. Even the most hardened cynic might find it hard to resist tapping a foot and humming along. After all, it’s a show so full of rhythm, you’d indeed be crazy to miss it!
Crazy for You is playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre