This week in Sheffield, a piece of old Hollywood American showbiz appeared on the Lyceum Theatre stage. The loved Gershwin musical, based on the book by Ken Ludwig, had a recent West End revival this year and has now made its way up north with the STOS Theatre Company. Overall, it was a lighthearted, feel-good show with bursts of real glitz and glamour pulling the performance together.
Act 1 introduces Bobby Child, played by Sam Widdowson, a New York banker with dreams of stardom. Sent to shut down a failing theater in Deadrock, Nevada, he instead devises a plan to save it by putting on a show. Along the way, he navigates mistaken identities and falls for the theater owner’s daughter, Polly, played by Ellie Hudson. Featuring beloved Gershwin songs like “I Got Rhythm” and “Someone to Watch Over Me,” it’s a high-spirited romantic comedy with a focus on the magic of performance.
The plot was simple and slightly predictable, lacking much intricacy. However, for the older audience that dominated the theater, it provided enough entertainment with its classical comic relief through stock side characters, slapstick humor, and silly innuendos—particularly from the Cowboys and Fodors.
After some ice cream and drinks, Act 2 was definitely stronger in terms of script, offering more engaging humor and action. The adult jokes at the start of the act were unexpected but welcome, as the musical initially felt like it could be aimed at children, akin to a pantomime. However, the pace towards the end felt rushed, tying up loose ends too quickly before the finale.
Sam Widdowson excelled in the tap solos, showcasing a standout element of the show. Ellie Hudson’s vocals were strong and noticeably great, though the chemistry between the two leads felt lacking. For a romantic comedy centered on love, the romance aspect was unfortunately forgettable.
A standout performance came from Jess Brandao as femme fatale Irene Roth, whose solo was undeniably memorable—strong, feminine, and sexy. The supporting cast brought charm and comic energy, particularly the ensemble Cowboys and Fodors, who added levity to the show.
The use of sound and music was a highlight of the production. The classic Gershwin songs were performed well by the main characters, and the orchestra added an impressive layer of narration, enhancing both the action and the transitions. This attention to detail elevated the overall performance.
The production utilised two primary sets: the bustling New York backdrop and the quaint midwestern town of Deadrock. The cyclical structure—beginning and nearly ending in New York—was a nice touch. However, the sets themselves were minimal, with few transitions or interactive pieces.
The musical numbers, particularly the glamorous 10-girl Follies sequences, were the true visual highlights. These scenes transported the audience to the heart of a Broadway show, thanks to captivating choreography and stunning costumes by wardrobe manager Christine Minott.
Crazy for You was a lighthearted production with bursts of glamour and memorable musical moments. While the romance between the leads fell short, the vibrant ensemble performances, tap solos, and iconic Gershwin score ensured the show’s charm. For fans of classic musical theatre, it’s a nostalgic, feel-good treat – especially for the mums and nans.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Crazy For You is playing until November 23rd at the Lyceum Theatre. Tickets are available here
