Witness a classic Gershwin musical production when the Park Players of Wheeling Park High School present its spring musical, Crazy for You, Friday, May 3, through Sunday, May 5, at the high school’s J.B. Chambers Performing Arts Center.
The curtain goes up at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday.
A zany rich-boy-meets-hometown-girl romantic comedy, Crazy for You tells the story of young New York banker Bobby Child, who is sent to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a rundown theater. In Deadrock, Bobby falls for spunky Polly Baker, the theater owner’s daughter. But Polly takes an instant dislike to the city slicker, so Bobby vows — through cunning, razzmatazz and a hilarious case of mistaken identity — to win Polly’s heart and save the theater.
Memorable Gershwin tunes from the score include “I Got Rhythm,” “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” “Embraceable You” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.”
“Crazy for You is an upbeat musical with broad comedy, energetic dancing, and the exquisite music of George and Ira Gershwin,” said Bill Cornforth, one of the theater directors at Wheeling Park who leads this production. “Our cast clicked with the show right away and have had a fun rehearsal period. Our principals have dynamic chemistry, and our ensemble is a cohesive force. Our tech crews have dedicated long hours to make this show a pleasure for all.”
The cast for this year’s musical is made up of 36 of Park’s talented students. Leading the cast as the young man from New York who is in love with musical theater is Vance Mazure as Bobby Child. The spirited Polly Baker is played by Faith Richter. Afton Aulick plays New York society debutante, Irene Roth. The English tourist, Eugene Fodor, is played by Luke Ochsenbein, and his wife, Patricia Fodor, is portrayed by Morgan Marquart. Robert Irvin plays the Deadrock saloon proprietor, Lank Hawkins. Playing the role of Bela Zangler, an established theatrical producer in New York, is Tino Kayafas.
Also in the cast are: Adam Marquart, Zachary Calvert, Anna Allman, Phillip Gray, D.J. Daugherty, Tyler Faulstick, Natalya Wood, Emily Loh, Laura Tighe, Gabby Myers, Brooke Anderson, Jacob Glenz, Alex Douglass, Ryan Quickel, Braden Mills, Reese Kefauver, Jennifer Barry, Carly Stewart, Abbie Vernon, Olivia Simons, Sami Blanton, Amelia Bell, Hailey Lewis, Emma Mattingly, Amanda McGovern, Jillian Blair, Maddie L’Ecuyer, Tori Blanton and Veda Wheeler.
Assisting as production assistants are Kayla Kreitzer Nelson, Isabella Droginske, Brigitte Mazure, Scott Hedrick and Mike Harris. Paula Lucas serves as the art consultant for the production.
On the musical side, Joyce Jingle will act as the production’s musical director. “George Gershwin — it just doesn’t get any better than that,” said Jingle. “Familiar Gershwin classics such as ‘I’ve Got Rhythm,’ ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’ and ‘Nice Work If You Can Get It’ have brilliantly been woven into this funny and entertaining storyline. This extremely talented cast rocks every aspect of this show — the difficult Gershwin melody lines, the energetic tap numbers, the humorous supporting roles, and the love story between Bobby Child and Polly Baker. You will laugh, cry and certainly tap your toes!”
Christie Curley acts as the orchestra’s director.
“Crazy for You involves so many styles of dance from ballroom to tap dance. The audience will be singing and dancing along in their seats with so many of the musical numbers. A great show for the family to enjoy,” said Anna Harsh, choreographer.
Senior Maria Goudy acts as a student leader and Cornforth’s assistant director for the production.
The stage manager for the show is Reese Kefauver. Other Park Player crew heads include Emily Higgs, Faith Richter, Lydia Bischof, Lillian Bischof, Morgan Marquart, Veda Wheeler, Collin Connor, Paige Williams, Nataya Bartlett, Luke Mazure, Vance Mazure, Logan Annett and Spencer Romanek.
Tickets can be reserved by calling the theater at 304-243-0417, the high school’s main office at 304-243-0400 or visit wphswv.booktix.com.