REVIEW: Starlight opens 62nd season with peppy 'Crazy for You'

By RUTH LEPPER - For the North County Times | Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:18 PM PDT ∞

Starlight Musical Theatre kicked off its 62nd season with a rousing rendition of the popular Gershwin musical comedy, "Crazy For You." Director Dan Regas, with choreographers K.C. Grulli-Miller and Diane Douglas, have pulled it all together with a talented and energetic cast.

Based on the book by Ken Ludwig with music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin, "Crazy For You" is set in the 1930s in New York City and in the small Nevada town of Deadwood.

Bobby Childs wants nothing more in life than to dance in a musical, despite the wishes of his domineering wealthy mother and an overly demanding fiancee. When he fails to make a good impression during an audition with producer Bella Zangler, Bobby's mother ships him off to Nevada to handle a bank foreclosure on a theater in Deadwood.

Once there, he falls in love with Polly and vows to save the theater for her father. But to do so, Bobby must pretend he is Bella arriving from New York with a trainload of showgirls. But when the real Bella shows up, true love is put to the test.

Laurie Hymes has a strong singing voice, just right for the role of Polly. She and Dennis Clark, as Bobby, share several duets and dance numbers, displaying their talents equally well as singers, dancers and actors.

Barry Pearl cleverly performs in a scene with Clark where the actors are dressed alike, Pearl as Bella Zangler and Clark as the imposter. The "mirrored images" reflect each other's movements as their characters drown their sorrows and commiserate about their love interests.

Doug Bilitch plays the proprietor of the saloon, bringing out the villain's mellow side more so than his mean streak.

Others in the cast include Jim Marshall as Polly's father, Sandra Ellis-Troy as Bobby's mother, Anne Buck as the fiancee, Jen Bishop as Tess; Molly Alvarez as Patsy, and Paul Kruse as Moose.

Jennifer Wilcove and Joey Minnich give a comical portrayal as the travel writers, Patricia and Eugene Fodor.

Sound glitches marred the performance on Sunday evening, especially with Hymes singing "Someone to Watch Over Me" in its entirety without the benefit of a microphone.

And speaking of songs, the Gershwin brothers created such memorable tunes for "Crazy For You" as "Embraceable You," "But Not For Me," "Bidin' My Time," "Nice Work if You Can Get It," " I Got Rhythm," "But Not For Me" and "They Can't Take That Away From Me," among others.

Costumes designed by Tayna Bishop show off the stylish fashions from the 1930s.

"Crazy For You" is a peppy musical with a happy ending. With the exception of a few too many cuss words, it's appropriate for all ages.

"Crazy For You"

When: 8 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays; through June 21

Where: Starlight Musical Theatre at the Starlight Bowl, Balboa Park, San Diego

Tickets: $10 to $75; children 12 and under get in free with each paid adult on Thursdays and Sundays

Phone: (619) 544-7827

Web: www.starlighttheatre.org

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