You know what’s inexplicably crazy? I’ll tell you what: the insane amount of talent that finds its way to Eight O’Clock Theatre, year after year. EOT has been around since 1982, and every season they manage to do more than entertain audiences — their productions routinely captivate and astound. They specialize in exceeding expectations.
The current show continues that tradition. The romantic comedy musical “Crazy for You” opened May 1 and continues through May 10, presented at the Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $33. To purchase tickets, visit LargoArts.com or call 727-587-6793.
“Crazy for You” is precisely the kind of show that highlights the dedication and professionalism of EOT’s performers and production team. The show — which features lyrics by Ira Gershwin and music by George Gershwin — is based on the 1930 musical “Girl Crazy.” Ken Ludwig wrote the revised book. Ludwig’s “Crazy for You” opened on Broadway in 1992 and went on to win three Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Here’s the setup: Bobby Child (Domenic Bisesti) wants nothing more than to be a star on the Zangler Theater in New York City, and auditions for Broadway impresario Bela Zangler (Bill Rolon). Bobby’s mother (Susan Leirer), however, wants him to take his job in the banking business seriously. She sends Bobby to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a rundown theater. In Deadrock, Bobby falls in love with Polly Baker (Kayley Jewel), the daughter of the theater’s owner. Polly rejects Bobby, thinking he is only there to foreclose on the property.
Bobby devises a plan to win Polly’s heart and save the theater.
Honestly, the story is a bit silly: It’s knowingly absurd, filled with the kind of nonsensical logic that only thrives in musical comedies. Many of the show’s best numbers are rendered in a kind of dreamlike state of euphoria that leans into sentimentality and nostalgia — but not in a bad way. “Crazy for You” knows exactly what it is. Its fluff is infectiously ebullient. Its daftness is cunningly uproarious. It is an homage to the musicals of the 1930s, a showcase for Gershwin hits, and a vehicle for highlighting some spectacular choreography.
In terms of staging and performance, Eight O’Clock Theatre’s production is astounding. The show-stopping numbers include “I Got Rhythm,” “Slap That Bass,” and “Nice Work if You Can Get It.” Both during and in between songs, the show calls for physical humor. Bisesti, who excels at the big dance numbers, is equally gifted when it comes to comedy and slapstick.
James Grenelle directs this production. He’s a perfect fit here: His admiration and affection for this kind of high-energy madcap backstage story is evident in the notes he shares with the audience. This production is his fourth time doing “Crazy for You,” but his first as director. What an amazing ensemble he has curated for this production. He acknowledges that fact in his notes, too, referring to the cast and crew as “an embarrassment of riches.”
There are far too many people both on stage and behind the scenes to mention here, but some obvious standouts include Amy Fee, the show’s choreographer; Jason Tucker, music director; Kristine Weinstein, assistant director; Alexis Roberts, stage manager; and Tom Hansen, scenic design. Among the other cast members who turned in excellent performances are Michael Sporck, Paige Sporck, Hope Lelekacs, Rick Coates, Lisa Prieto, Emma Barrow, Jeff Lukas, TJ Venieris, Matthew Morris, and Steven Fox.
Grenelle has been around Pinellas community theater long enough to be considered a seasoned veteran of the boards. My impression of him has always been that he inspires greatness in those around him. I suspect that is true of many in this production, and those who have been and continue to be involved in EOT productions. Maybe that is the secret ingredient that makes shows like this so enjoyable. You can feel their shared passion for performance and storytelling.
Lee Clark Zumpe is entertainment editor at Tampa Bay Newspapers, a Tomatometer-Approved Critic, and an author of short fiction. He can be reached by email at lzumpe@TBNweekly.com