BWW Reviews: Audiences Crazy for Music Circus' CRAZY FOR YOU

Climb the "stairway to paradise" at the Sacramento Music Circus production of "Crazy For You." Featuring the best of the Gershwins' classic songs and brilliantly directed by James Brennan, the California Musical Theatre production takes audiences to musical theatre paradise with perfectly staged comedy, all sorts of impressive dancing and amazing vocals from a stellar, all-equity cast. Who could ask for anything more?

The musical follows Bobby Child, the son of a rich bank owner and Zangler Follies wannabe. When his mother sends him to a nearly deserted town in the middle of Nevada to foreclose on an old theater, Bobby meets the girl of his dreams and decides to use all his pent-up vision and talent to save the theater. Mistaken identities and cowboys turned dancers follow, making for an unending three hours of sidesplitting laughter. 

Scott Leiendecker opens the musical with a standout performance as the Zangler Tenor, perfectly echoing the classic singers of yesteryear.  Leiendecker returns later in the show as one of the Cowboy trio, but his short opening solo immediately builds excitement for the rest of the show, leaving a strong impression and making Leiendecker one of the most memorable pieces of the production. 

The talent on display stays strong from start to finish. Although Noah Racey struggled with his vocals in the first act on opening night, the Broadway-veteran wowed onlookers with incredible dancing, endearing acting and flawless comedic timing.  Anne Horak plays opposite Racey as Child's love interest, bringing beautiful, standout vocals to songs like "Embraceable You" and "Someone to Watch Over Me." Alix Korey and Elisa Van Duyne are wonderful as Child's pushy mother and obsessed "fiancé," and Matthew Shepherd plays a fantastic Bela Zangler. Aaron Serotsky makes the perfect good-looking antagonist.   

A great ensemble full of energy, smiles and character fills in the smaller roles, Deanna L. Dys choreographs amazing tap dancing numbers and Dennis Castellano conducts a fabulous orchestra. Although certain songs are difficult to understand – due to either an echoing sound system or a lack of dictation - Music Circus concludes its 2012 season with a winner. They've got rhythm. They've got music. And they've definitely got their audience. 

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CRAZY FOR YOU

Through Sep 2

Sacramento Music Circus

www.calmt.com 

A theater lover since childhood, Harmony Wheeler has done Marketing and Public Relations work for Sierra Repertory Theatre, Hillhouse Opera Company and other companies. She graduated with high honors from Biola University with her degree in Journalism and an emphasis in Public Relations. In addition to working for the Gallo Center for the Arts, MJM Entertainment Group, Biola University Marketing and Communications, 6th Street PR, and Zimbabwe Gecko Society, Wheeler has written for The Modesto Bee, The Chimes, Static MultiMedia, BullyPulpit.com, TUFW Alumnus Magazine, Christian Book Previews, The Christian Communicator, and Church Libraries Magazine. Her photos appear in The Dominican Dream, a book available for purchase through Biola University's Journalism Department. Her photography and video work can be found at http://photographybyharmonywheeler.shutterfly.com/. To learn more about Harmony Wheeler, or to contact her for work possibilities, visit www.harmonywheeler.com.

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