A Phenomenal Display of Toe-Tapping Delight: ‘Crazy for You‘ at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.

When it comes to musical theatre, few shows currently in London’s glittering West End can match the energy, charm, and panache that the all new production of ‘Crazy for You’ currently playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre provides. Starring the immensely talented Charlie Stemp, the show delivers a dazzling extravaganza that left the audience captivated and wanting more. From the moment the curtain rose, it was clear that this production was something special. The set design was cleverly crafted by Beowulf Borritt transitioning from the brights lights of Broadway to the dusty streets of the Wild West, perfectly capturing the scope of America in the 1930s in the wake of prohibition and the vibrant colours of Wiliam Ivey Long’s dazzling costumes transported the audience to the small town of Deadrock, Nevada and added to the overall charm and whimsy of the production with its clever use of props, combined with expert lighting by Ken Billington, the stage truly came alive setting the perfect backdrop for the lively tale that unfolded.

Charlie Stemp, who has proven his prowess in previous West End productions such as Half a Sixpence (Arthur Kipps) and Mary Poppins (Bert), once again showcased his immense talent and charisma in the lead role of Bobby Child. His impeccable comedic timing and effortless dancing was an absolute delight to behold. Stemp’s portrayal of Bobby perfectly captured the character’s endearing naivety and infectious enthusiasm, earning him a well-deserved standing ovation as he was nothing short of sensational. His performance was a masterclass, capturing the essence of the character with finesse and delivering each line with wit and charm. Stemp’s vocal prowess was equally impressive belting out the show’s iconic songs and showcasing his versatility as a performer. Carly Anderson, who played the
role of Polly Baker, our heroine was a force to be reckoned with as her powerful vocals and emotional depth brought a refreshing authenticity to the character, and her chemistry with Stemp was palpable. Anderson’s rendition of “Someone to Watch Over Me” was a true showstopper, leaving the audience in awe of her talent. She embodied Polly’s strength and vulnerability with grace and delivered a performance that was both heartfelt and captivating.

The entire cast of ‘Crazy for You‘ brought their A-game, delivering energetic and captivating performances throughout. The ensemble cast exhibited exceptional technique, executing elaborate choreography with precision and flair. From the exuberant “I Got Rhythm” to the technical “Stiff Upper Lip,” the musical numbers were a feast for the eyes and ears. One of the standout moments of the show was ‘What Causes That?’, a comedic number in the second act performed by Stemp and the loveable Tom Edden as Bela Zangler. It has to be seen to be believed with its truly unique staging, direction and trickery – I couldn’t fault it.

The choreography and direction by Susan Stroman provided a visual feast. The intricate dance routines were executed flawlessly, blending classic Broadway-style numbers with innovative and energetic sequences. The ensemble’s precision and synchronisation were truly remarkable, and the dance numbers left the audience in awe of their skill and artistry.

The music, composed by George and Ira Gershwin was as timeless as ever. The orchestra’s rendition of the iconic tunes was enchanting, and the familiar melodies had the audience tapping their feet and humming along. The live music enhanced the overall theatrical experience and added an extra layer of magic to the performance of Ken Ludwig’s tale.

Predictable plot aside, if there was one minor flaw, it was that some scenes felt a tad rushed, leaving little room for the emotional moments to fully resonate with the audience and the use of numerous blackouts to transition between scene changes became repetitive and a tad uninventive. However, this was a minor quibble in an otherwise outstanding production that kept the audience thoroughly entertained throughout.

In conclusion, the recent production of ‘Crazy for You‘ at the Gillian Lynne Theatre was a delightful and joyous experience. The top-notch production values, Charlie Stemp’s magnetic performance, coupled with the endearing Carly Anderson and the talented company, made for an unforgettable evening of musical theatre. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of classic musicals or new to the genre entirely, this production is sure to leave you grinning from ear to ear. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch this spectacular show while it’s still playing in London.

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