Crazy for You

USER (21Jul04): Crazy for You Birmingham Hippodrome, Tuesday 20 July 2004 An enthusiastic crowd were treated to the very best of the Gershwin’s music in this new national touring production of the Broadway and West End favourite that packed ‘em in for a decade. This production directed by Lincoln Theatre Royals Chris Colby has more of a repertory feel about it and he has given many of the musical numbers a makeover sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t. The central characters Polly played by the talented Melanie Stace and Bobby by the versatile Darren Bennett give it 100%+ and excelled in both dance and vocals. Darren was superb doing his impersonation of the flamboyant impresario Bela Zangler. The role of Bobby is a demanding one and he is certainly up to the challenge. Melanie sang a wistful ‘Someone to watch over me’ and has the kind of confidence to admire and makes her character larger than life. A large cast supports all of this with Mark Wynter as the real Bela, Jenny Cox as a sultry Irene and Christopher Beeny and Sue Hodge as the English eccentrics and scene-stealers Eugene and Patricia Fodor. With music directed by Jonathan Gill and a good sized band the Gershwin melodies ring out loud and clear. After Birmingham this production continues on tour until the end of August. Clive Fuller