The cast from Garland Summer Musicals second summer production, the Gershwin hit Crazy for You is filled with local talent including the two guest artists Joseph Jones (Bobby Child) and Stephanie Riggs (Polly Baker). Jones was convincing as a Broadway hopeful under the thumb of his wealthy, slightly disappointed mother and Riggs expertly balanced the take-charge-daughter- raised-in-the-wild-west-by-a-day-dreaming-widower-father with a softer, feminine side. Although Jones and Riggs held their own as dancers, Jones’s true strength was in his acting and Riggs’ was her soprano-like singing. Jones’ enthusiasm and commitment was admirable; we rooted for him to succeed in his career aspirations, we hoped for him to win the love of the girl, and we cheered for him when his story had a happy ending because he persuaded us, without doubt, that he was Bobby Child. Playing Polly to Jones’ Bobby, Riggs’ was untouchable when singing “Someone to Watch Over Me” and “But Not for Me.” Additionally, her sweet, strong vocals stood out in the full company production numbers.

The acting and singing were definitely commendable but one of the biggest stars of the night was the choreography, set by Joseph Jones and Julie Russell Stanley. Using some sections from Susan Stroman’s choreography from the original Broadway version, Jones and Stanley also had the cast use large tin cake pans and moveable tin panels, Act 1 Scene 11’s “I Got Rhythm” was an exhibition of innovation and rhythmic genius. Dancers tap-danced on top of the over-turned cake tins placed on the floor, then picked them up and tossed them around in intricate patterns. Two large tin panels were carried around and used as ramps for dancers to slide down and then laid flat for inspiring tap dance sequences. With so many moving parts, there were plenty of opportunities for something to go wrong, but not with this talented cast. No beats were missed and no steps were fumbled. To the contrary, the large group number inspired uproarious audience applause, deservingly so.

Two similarly moving choreographic scenes are played out in “Slap That Bass” and “What Causes That.” In Act I Scene 9, we watch the men within the company find creative ways to emulate strumming an upright bass. At times they play on imaginary air-strings until they are replaced with human bass instruments created by the female cast members stretching large ropes from head to toe for the men to manipulate and move through space, which Stroman created in the original production. Both entertaining and tricky, the number is delightfully intriguing to watch. In Act II Scene 1, Bobby (dressed as Zangler) and Zangler (portrayed by Stan Graner) playfully mirror each other in emotion, song, and dance foibles. Appearing as mirror images, Jones (Bobby) and Graner (Zangler) expertly move in unison and sing as one while bemoaning their troubles with women. These performances rival any national touring company.

Two more cogs in this wheel must be recognized: the costuming and the orchestra. Opening with chorus girls dressed in long-sequined gowns and adorned with huge feather head-dresses, costumers Robinson and Cranford stayed true to the era of the musical, respecting the artistry of Gershwinism. The costumes were historically accurate, well-crafted, and flattered the cast consistently through-out the production. Likewise, the orchestra, led by Larry B. Miller, supported the singing and dancing expertly with flawless quality. Sadly this production has only a 6-performance show run, so you only have next weekend to enjoy the excitement and joy of GSM’s Crazy For You!

CRAZY FOR YOU
Garland Summer Musicals

Dates and Times: July 24, 25 - 8:00pm, July 19 and 26 - 2:30pm
GSM Ticket Prices: $30 Adult; $26 Seniors; $24 Student/Youth.

To purchase tickets on-line visit: http://www.garlandartsboxoffice.com/gov/eg/arts/box/tickets.asp

Phone Orders: 972-205-2790 for credit card orders (MasterCard and Visa accepted). Tickets for Garland Summer Musicals are sold through the Granville Arts Center Box Office.

Box office location: 300 North Fifth Street, Garland, TX 75040.Hours: 10am-4pm Monday through Friday and two hours before each performance Discounted tickets available: Season Ticket $26 Group pricing for 15 or more $25