Review: Crazy for You at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre's production of Crazy for You is the perfect combination of dynamic dancing, slapstick comedy, and pure talent, all brought together with toe-tapping Gershwin music. Stand-out leads and a company full of never-ending energy are sure to impress as they sing and dance their way into the hearts of the audience.

The cast of Crazy for You at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre lights up the stage with their vibrant dancing. (Photo courtesy of Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre)

When New York banker Bobby Child (played by Jake Delaney) heads to Deadrock, Nevada to foreclose on a run-down theatre, he finds himself instead trying to save the theatre and win the heart of the theatre owner's daughter, Polly Baker (played by Emily Grace Tucker). Delaney is quick to impress with his tap dancing skills, and Tucker charms the audience with her beautifully sweet voice. But what's even more noteworthy is that Delaney and Tucker both showcase an impressive trifecta of dancing, acting, and singing talent throughout the entire show.

Bobby's plan is to put on a show to raise money to pay off the theatre mortgage. But after Polly finds out that Bobby has been sent to foreclose on the theatre, she wants nothing to do with him. Desperate to prove his love to Polly and his true intentions to save the theatre, Bobby hatches a plan to disguise himself as well-known theatre owner Bela Zangler (played by Craig Smith). Smith plays a convincing Zangler and provides some of the show's best humor in his scene where he drunkenly stumbles into an also drunk Bobby, who is dressed as Zangler.

Speaking of humor, the show has plenty of it. With a book by Ken Ludwig, the show is full of jokes and witty one-liners. While some puns had me rolling my eyes, other moments had me laughing out loud. (And for a little musical theatre humor, fans of Les Miserables will enjoy a brief recreation of a certain well-known scene.)

Jake Delaney (left) and Craig Smith (right) are a comical duo as they mirror each other in a state of intoxication. (Photo courtesy of Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre)

Other characters in the show include Bobby's domineering fiance Irene (played by Millicent Hunnicutt), saloon owner Lank (played by Galloway Stevens), Bobby's rich and controlling mother Mrs. Lottie Child (played by Sherry Konjura), Polly's father Everett (played by Jim Johnson), the lead dancer of Zangler's Follies Tess (played by Ashley Rubin), the English guidebook-writing duo of Patricia and Eugene Fodor (played by Molly Tower and Connor McAndrews), and a handful of fun-loving cowboys and perky Follies girls.

With a talented company, the group numbers were a significant highlight of this show. The energetic and perfectly executed choreography (thanks to choreographer Samantha Hewes) made for show-stopping numbers like "Slap that Bass" and "I Got Rhythm." And the creative use of props during these songs made them even more entertaining. 

Company numbers, like "Slap That Bass" pictured here, showcased top-notch talent, entertainment, and choreography. (Photo courtesy of Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre)

If you're looking for an evening of Wild West showdowns, lively tap dancing, romantic twists, and feel good musical comedy, then you'll love this satisfying production of Crazy for You. Overall, I give this production 8 out of 10 standing ovations.

Crazy for You is playing at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre now through November 8. For more details and ticket information, please visit the Dutch Apple website.