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

Montgomery Blair High School was "Crazy for You" last weekend in its production of the Gershwin musical. Premiering in 1992 and winning the Tony for best musical, the show recalls the 1930s song-and-dance movies of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. It is a combination of seven Gershwin songs from their little-known "Girl Crazy," 13 of their other numbers such as "I Got Rhythm," plus a hilarious tongue-in-cheek script by Ken Ludwig.

Bobby Child (Isaac Arnsdorf) is a banker in Depression-era New York who is obsessed with dancing. He is sent to Deadrock, Nev., to foreclose on a theatre there, but instead falls in love with the owner's feisty daughter, Polly Baker (Alec Garrin). His plot to save the theater from ruin involves masquerading as Zangler, the legendary show ringer reminiscent of Ziegfeld, and attempting to put on a show that will revive the once-dead theater. As confusion and misunderstanding threaten Bobby's success, the characters dance their way to a happy ending.

Arnsdorf was a charming Bobby, with an innocent, earnest smile. He was especially effective when pretending to be Zangler, with a Hungarian accent and an excellent deadpan. As Polly, Garrin was an admirable force and a strong presence onstage. As Bela Zangler, Russell Ottalini was at his best in his song with Bobby. "What Causes That?" had wonderful comic timing and perfect mirror imagery as the two Zanglers lamented their losses in love. Mrs. Lottie Child (Brittany Allen), Bobby's mother, was an intimidating whirlwind who played particularly well with Bobby's soon-to-be-ex-fiancee, Irene Roth (Erica Irving).

The ensemble was energetic and enthusiastic, especially as they picked up steam and relaxed in their roles. "Slap That Bass" was a particularly strong number which showcased Zack Rothman, in the role of Moose, playing the bass and the entire cast mimicked his "slapping" through creative choreography. The ensemble admirably dealt with the difficult music while tap-dancing and singing.

The set was simple and effective, with two rotating pieces of the Nevada town that resulted in silent and swift scene changes. The lighting was effective, and the orchestra mastered the difficult music, although they sometimes overpowered the vocalists, who were occasionally difficult to understand.

Montgomery Blair's "Crazy for You" was bright and energetic, and as they said, "Who could ask for anything more?"

Kyle Eichner

Sidwell Friends School

Northwest Washington