Courtesy David Cooper PhotographyCrazy for You
Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Book by Ken Ludwig
Directed and choreographed by Dayna Tekatch
A co-production with Theatre Calgary
Citadel Theatre
Now – March 26th
Tickets: Starting at $25 (Available here)
An irresistibly sweet spectacle of 1930s show biz glitz, dusty cowboys, and slapstick schtick, the Citadel’s rendition of Crazy for You will tap dance its way straight into your heart.
This year marks the 25th anniversary for the beloved production that originally opened on Broadway in 1992. Winning three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Crazy For You re-infused life into the musical comedy genre with a nostalgic ode-to-the-classics score from legendary composers, George and Ira Gershwin. With a script from internationally acclaimed playwright, Ken Ludwig and choreography from Broadway legend, Susan Stroman, the original Crazy for You entrenched itself into musical theatre history.
The show tells the story of Bobby Child (Andrew MacDonald-Smith), a reluctant banker in New York City who just wants to sing and dance. Accompanied by a troupe of chorus-girls, Bobby ends up in the dusty town of Deadrock, Nevada where he meets the strong-willed country belle, Polly Baker (Ayrin Makie) and her gang of bumbling yet loveable cowboys. Complete with mistaken identities, love-at-first-sight, gunfights, and broom-wielding tap-dancing numbers, Crazy For You is a charming tale of true love that is anchored by knock-out performances, a beautiful costume design and astounding choreography.
Citadel favourite Andrew MacDonald-Smith (Mary Poppins, One Man, Two Guvnors, Avenue Q) steals the show as Bobby. Clad in high-waisted pants that comically add to his lanky stature, MacDonald-Smith charms the audience with masterfully awkward body movements and his character’s silly yet heart-warming attempts to win over Polly. In one scene, MacDonald’s character is heavily intoxicated and ends up painfully making his way down a set of stairs and his long, rubber-like legs that contort in all different directions leave the audience roaring with laughter. However, once the music starts, MacDonald-Smith sheds away the awkwardness and impresses with elegant tap-dancing during each musical number.
The show is choreographed by Dayna Tekatch (who also directs) and each musical number has its own unique and distinctive charm, leaving the audience in a pleasant trance as they get lost in her charming odes to the classic musical. Set and costume designer, Cory Sincennes also brings life to the show with beautiful set pieces that include a stage-on-a-stage and classic Western, pastel-sky backdrops. Sincennes also designed over 200 costumes for the show and the glittery 1930s chorus-girl outfits along with the bucolic cowboy pieces are eye-candy for any theatre lover.
With its magnificent dance numbers, carefully-crafted costumes, and memorable music played by an outstanding orchestra, the Citadel does the beloved musical justice. If you love musical theatre, want to escape from this cold March, or need a pick-me-up from our rather bleak international political climate, Crazy For You is definitely a must-see.
