Review: Drury Lane's CRAZY FOR YOU Brings a Much-Needed Dose of Broadway Magic
By: Kailey Hansen
This holiday season, the intimate Drury Lane Theatre receives a dash of Broadway magic. George and Ira Gershwin's classical music comes to life in a dazzling revue. Big dance numbers, familiar tunes and slapstick comedy make for a wondrous, two-hour escape from reality.
We open on a 1930's New York stage where businessman Bobby Child (Clyde Alves) dreams of someday owning a theatre. Through a series of events, he winds up in Deadrock, Nevada, a town straight out of a black-and-white western movie (really, there should have been tumble-weed passing by). Perks of Deadrock? Polly Baker (Robyn Hurder), a strong-headed lady and the only woman in all of town, and--quite conveniently--an abandoned theatre in need of saving.
In an effort to impress Polly and help save the venue from the clutches of a greedy saloon owner (played by a hilarious Rod Thomas), Bobby poses as a famous theater company guru and embarks on a silly musical journey to put on a show and win over the woman he loves. This journey, of course, is set to memorable tunes such as "Someone To Watch Over Me," "I Got Rhythm," and "Nice Work If You Can Get It."
Led by two of Broadway's own, Crazy For You boasts vibrant choreography and powerful pipes. Alves, seen on Broadway in On The Town, Bullets Over Broadway, The Music Man and more, is worth the price of admission. From his energetic tap numbers to his charming wit, the veteran performer works well opposite Hurder.
The show's leading lady, and recipient of the 2016 Helen Hayes Award, is not only as strong as her counterpart in song and dance, but plays Polly as a refreshingly fierce and independent woman. They are a couple that we find ourselves rooting for, despite all of the silliness.
It's a world where the biggest problem is trying to impress a girl you just met. That's something to be crazy for, indeed.
Crazy For You plays Drury Lane Theatre at Oakbrook Terrace from Nov. 3, 2016 through Jan. 8, 2017. Visit www.drurylanetheatre.com for ticket information.
Photo Credit: Brett Beiner
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