The title of the new season’s show at Asolo Rep may be the same as earlier versions of it, but this “Crazy for You” isn’t just equal. It’s hard to imagine a better one, especially scenically and as a musical highlighting dancing. Still the script’s been updated, mainly in style, from the one that took Broadway honors (itself an adaptation of a 1930 musical and other shows) in 1992. Result: an excellent contemporary take on a ‘30s romantic classic story.
New York banker Bobby Child is sent by his head-of-the-firm mother, to aptly named Deadrock, NV, to foreclose on a theater Everett Baker owns and can’t meet the mortgage on. Though long engaged to NYC socialite Irene Roth, Bobby meets and falls instantly in love with Everett’s daughter Polly. Since Bobby also loves theater, especially tap dancing, he decides to help restore and revive the NV theater.
Unfortunately, Polly thinks Bobby just wants to take over the theater from her father due to his debt. By gaining enough box office profits from a revitalized theater, Bobby persuades Everett, he can pay off the mortgage. Then he, Bobby and Polly can settle into a theatrical life in an equally revitalized town.
Deadrock gets lively as Lank Hawkins embellishes his saloon- restaurant-hotel. All the men of the town get lively too. They also get musical, especially when a nearby train in the desert disgorges a group of Follies Dancers and the pretty gals seek rooms in town.
Soon Bobby, who has disguised himself as NYC theater owner Bela Zangler to woo Polly, meets the real Bela. He’s in Deadrock but not at all dead to Irene, who’s come there after her “fiancé” but hasn’t found him, of course.
Will all the complications get uncomplicated and everyone who’s crazy about someone get that special someone? As one awaits the untangling, one gets to see Daniel Plimpton’s Bobby Child tap his heart in and out wonderfully. He’s also a success imitating Bela.
Still, Danny Gardner as the real Bela Zangler takes every opportunity to assert the man’s self-importance. No wonder he appeals to an equally self-interested Irene as played by Candice Hatakeyama.
Sara Esty wins audience hearts as well as Bobby’s as he changes for the better in her estimation. Esty’s Polly is also the leading vocalist. She displays a fine range, singing her need for “Someone to Watch Over Me” to “Embraceable You” (with Bobby) to things going well “But Not for Me.” But will that last condition change?
The Follies Dancers shine on “Tonight’s the Night” and “Nice Work If You Can Get It”. The Cowboys work well as Trios (“Bidin’ My Time”) or larger group or in a group. Even Barrett Riggings’ Lank merits some spotlight on “Naughty Baby.” Beau Harmon stands out as Moose on his big strings with “Slap That Bass.” Each member of the Company can truthfully sing “I’ve Got Rhythm.”
The continually moving set could not be better lit as it switches locales from NYC to sorry Nevada town to its theater continually being restored and revived. Don’t two actors nicely playing travel guide writers have much to note in how Deadwood comes to good life and a revived theater can hold a show that would equal any Broadway venue’s? (No wonder Vic Meyrich’s Asolo visual production and operations leadership and facilities attract theaters country-wide seeking his help.)
To match the quality and quantity of the Gershwin music, Asolo Rep offers a full live orchestra. Performance and arrangements are top notch. So are Denis Jones’ lively direction and choreography. There’s not a dull moment.
In short, everything works to make Crazy for You a brilliant start to Asolo Rep’s 2023-2024 season.
