Gillian Lynne Theatre – until 20 January 2024
5*****
Charlie Stemp dazzles in this gloriously daft show full of joyous escapism, jaw dropping dancing and corny humour.
Created in 1992, but perfectly recreating the dizziness of the Golden Age of Hollywood musicals, Crazy For You is based on 1930’s Girl Crazy by George and Ira Gershwin, with some old favourites from the Gershwins’ catalogue added. Ken Ludwig’s book feels just like one of those old musicals – the flimsiest of plots with ridiculous situations, groan-inducing jokes, physical comedy interspersed between barnstorming song and dance numbers – brilliant! Beowulf Borritt’s glorious set, Ken Billington’s luscious lighting and William Ivey Long’s colourful costumes are on song.
Bobby Child (Charlie Stemp) wants to dance, but that’s not in his family’s business plans. Bobby is sent to Deadrock, Nevada to foreclose on the town’s theatre. Instead, he falls for the owner’s daughter, Polly (Carly Anderson) and somehow ends up impersonating theatre impresario Bela Zangler and putting on a show to save it. Of course, the real Zangler (the hilarious Tom Edden) shows up and things get complicated.
The frothiness and fizziness of the storytelling and performances draw you in, and it is wonderful to see Stemp get the chance to really show his comedic side – the scene where Bobby and Zangler, dressed identically, drunkenly mirror each other is a masterpiece of comic timing. Whether a huge set piece dance number or a heartfelt romantic song, the vocals are stunning, and with songs like these – what’s not to like? Embraceable You, Someone To Watch Over Me – gorgeous.
Susan Stroman’s choreography and direction is simply sublime. Making the most of Stemp’s incredible dancing talent, Bobby’s choreography becomes his language, the only time he is truly himself. The imaginative and intricate ensemble sequences are high energy and intoxicating. I Got Rhythm is mind-blowingly good – you’ll need a drink in the interval to recover.
Polly is clever, funny and full of strength and Carly Anderson allows her vulnerabilities to show in her beautifully performed songs. Sam Harrison and Rina Fatina make a huge impression as English tourists, and Natalie Kassanga is wonderful as Bobby’s fiancé Irene. But this is Charlie Stemp’s show – his dancing will take your breath away and his charm and comic characterisation will put a goofy grin on your face.
A revival with old school class and fizzing with energy, silliness and joy – Crazy For You is THE show of the Summer.