REVIEW: Crazy For You, Lowther Pavilion

All the classic greats of Gershwin were rolled out in one evening in St Annes Parish Operatic Society's production of Crazy for You.
Claire Louise and Darren Skelly as Polly and Bobby in Crazy For You, with the FolliesClaire Louise and Darren Skelly as Polly and Bobby in Crazy For You, with the Follies
Claire Louise and Darren Skelly as Polly and Bobby in Crazy For You, with the Follies

Leading man Darren Skelly as Bobby Child moved very well and made the most of his comedic lines.

The audience quickly warmed to his convincing character and he performed his way through the show with great commitment.

He is well matched by a feisty Claire Louise as Polly.

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A hilarious performance from Jay Gaskell (Bela Zangler) was one of many highlights. The drunken scene between Zangler and Bobby - impersonating Zangler - worked extremely well.

Director Lynda Clarkson is an expert at getting the best results from her cast.

The humour of the piece was in the very capable hands of Alison Thornton and Tim Greenwood as Eugene and Patricia Fodor.

The scheming saloon owner, Lank Hawkins was well played by Andrew Would and Una Bird was superb as Mrs Child – she gave the part such meaning in her disdain of Irene, skilfully portrayed by Joely-Colleen Emms.

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The principal cast were well supported by Bob Naylor, Geraldine Brown and Amy Stockdale and there was some good singing from the cowboy trio Fred Barnes, Nigel Robinson-Wright and Adam Palmer.

Stewart Hankinson had put together a faultless orchestra, with some great harmonies from the cast.

The ensemble had obviously worked their socks off to achieve a high level of performance. There are some big production numbers in this show particularly Slap That Bass and I Got Rhythm but choreographer Elaine Morrison was up to the challenge.

The set was well-managed, it was good to see the efficient move from scene to scene.

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Lighting throughout was first-rate, there were some very good and imaginative effects, which enhanced the atmosphere.

Costuming was excellent and the contrast between the New York Zangler Girls and the inhabitants of Deadrock worked well.

A couple of opening night blips aside, this was a lively show that you couldn’t help but enjoy.

The appreciative audience could be heard humming the tunes whist exiting the theatre.

Until Saturday.

DANIELLE WRENCH