Crazy for You
Senior School Play 2009: 'a show which had it all'
Audiences on three successive nights – and hundreds of local primary school children at a Wednesday matinee – were charmed and delighted by this year’s main school drama production of George and Ira Gershwin’s Crazy for You. Under the direction of Andrzej and Stephanie Chrupek, over fifty performers took us on the magical and hilarious musical journey from Broadway to Deadrock, Nevada. Outstanding in the romantic leads were Rowena Caine as Polly and Ed Pocock as Bobby, strongly supported by, among many others, Will Parslow, Rob McLaverty, Seb Sutcliffe and Helen Hoddinott. The imaginative decision to appoint lower-sixth formers Michael Dawson as Musical Director and Lucy James as Choreographer was triumphantly vindicated. This was a show which had it all.
The production gave the chance for a number of senior members of the school to display their considerable talent: Ed Pocock was the consummate showman, leading various numbers with great pizzazz and flair and showing a very strong musical and comic range. Leading lady Rowena Caine was Ed’s singing and dancing partner throughout the show. She reminded us of the range, power and delicacy of her singing voice and acting ability, and also of her capacity for rapid and regular costume changes! Will Parslow gave a beautifully judged performance as the impresario Bela Zangler and combined with great poise and comic timing with Ed, who was impersonating his character for much of the show. Seb Sutcliffe was a menacing villain as Lank Hawkins until he was seduced and calmed down considerably by the sassy vampish charms of Helen Hoddinott, whose allegiances changed during the play. Rob McLaverty, Annabel Clark, Emmie Giles and Sophie Hopkins all carried off their roles with imagination and gusto.
The large chorus of Follies girls tapped, danced and sang their way most impressively through a series of numbers and speedy costume changes and provide the feel and colour of a Broadway musical. Lucy James and her assistant Robyn Lockyer are to be congratulated upon their excellent choreography. The cowboys were a huge hit, too, whether they were in sleepy, gunfight or song and dance mode. Hugh Collins as Moose was a great delight and his singing with Jon Schranz, Ollie Wannell and Billy Gore would grace many a redneck saloon bar. At a time of year when the weather is gloomy, Lily Davies’ and Leander Crocker-Digby’s inspirational Chin Up routine might be used every morning to galvanize the community!
Particular congratulations must go to Musical Director Michael Dawson and his ensemble, which included the school's Head of Strings Fiona McLean. Their work accompanied and supported the cast admirably and their contribution to the overall outcome was immense. A professional group would have struggled to match their timing and output. The fine singing of the principals was enhanced by the technical wizardry of Mark Endacott on the sound desk.
Crazy for You will be remembered with great affection and pride: Andrzej and Stephanie Chrupek deserve enormous credit for staging another stunning production which gave so much pleasure to performers and audiences alike.
