Montgomery Blair's 'Crazy for You' Gets Classic Tunes Just Right

"I got rhythm, I got music . . . who could ask for anything more?" At Montgomery Blair's recent production of "Crazy for You," that question was on the minds of many theatergoers. The conclusion? It would have been difficult to ask for more than this infectious, enjoyable production.

"Crazy for You" premiered in 1992, when author Ken Ludwig took classic songs by George and Ira Gershwin and spun an original story around them. The musical concerns Bobby Child, an eager young man who wants to dance in "Bela Zangler's Follies" -- a show more than loosely based on the 1920s Follies of Florenz Ziegfeld. However, when his family's bank forces him to go to Deadrock, Nev., to foreclose on a theater that can't pay its mortgage, he is immediately smitten with the feisty Polly, whose father owns the old theater. Eventually, Bobby disguises himself as Zangler and talks the town into putting on a show to raise the money needed to restore the theater to its former glory. Complications hilariously ensue when Polly falls for Bobby-as-Zangler, as the real producer shows up.

As the love-struck Bobby, Isaac Arnsdorf was adorably earnest. His enthusiastic impression of Zangler, complete with a goofy Hungarian accent, delighted the audience. Alec Garrin played Polly with likable spunk. The two leads shared a palpable, believable chemistry, and some charming song-and-dance numbers.

Many supporting performances were enjoyable and entertaining. Nora Boedecker and Emma Hutchinson stood out as Tess and Patsy, two of the girls in the Follies. Hutchinson spoke in an endearingly squeaky voice suitable for her ditsy character, while Boedecker was convincingly sensible. Russell Ottalini played the real Zangler with gusto. In the second act, he and the disguised Bobby united for the song "What Causes That?" in which they bemoaned their woman problems. Their drunkenly synchronized dancing was a hilarious crowd-pleaser.

The ensemble tapped with zeal, while student choreographer Jessica Harris was dazzling during the group dances with her bright smile and evident skill. The orchestra, composed almost entirely of Blair students, produced beautiful and powerful music, though it at times overwhelmed those singing onstage.

Technical elements were very impressive, greatly enhancing the show's atmosphere. The stunning, realistic set easily transported the audience from the hustle and bustle of New York City to a sleepy Western town. The creative props included a working water pump and student-made cars that "drove" across the stage.

With singing cowboys, dancing Follies girls, and a sweet love story, the Montgomery Blair Players proved that their lively, funny performance of the Gershwin musical was truly something to go crazy for.

Laura Hankin

Woodrow Wilson High School

Northwest Washington