Crazy For You - Moonlight Amphitheatre
I had never been to the Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista so I decided to take a look see at their production of Crazy For You directed by veteran director John Vaughn. The production was a smash and it felt like we were seeing a Broadway show. This feeling was largely due to Vaughan’s meticulous recreation of the original choreography by Susan Stroman and the exuberance of the largely young cast.
There were only two union members in the show Randall Dodge and the marvelous Tracy Lore who can do no wrong, but the non-union performers proved the point that you don’t have to be union to be professional and talented A young and charming Jeffrey Scott Parsons danced up a storm at the lead Bobby Childs and it sure to have a good career in the future. Mike Buckley is the first actor who has played impresario Bela Zangler and not overacted to the point of nausea. He was terrific. Rose Ouellette reminded me very much of Jody Benson the original Polly. She danced well and sang the songs with power. The chorus accomplished the very tricky choreography with skill and sang the score beautifully. The orchestra under the baton of Dr. Terry O’Donnell sounded wonderful in this converted band shell that has been newly redecorated after 30 years and holds some 2000 people. Some of the audience sits in seats while others sit on blankets or lawn chairs on the grass. There is food available including a buffet.
The story is based on the old Gershwin musical Girl Crazy but has been given a new book by Ken Ludwig and has songs borrowed from other Gershwin properties such as ‘They can’t take that away from me”, “Shall we dance”, and “Slap that bass”. Other songs include “Embraceable You”, “I got rhythm”, “Someone to watch over me”, and “Nice Work if you can get it”. What a wonderful evening, Gershwin under the stars and a lively well done show. I plan to return soon. Crazy for you plays at the Moonlight Amphitheatre until Aug. 28.