Cache Regional Theatre goes “Crazy” in downtown Logan
Tap dancing, live singing and synchronized choreography will attempt to prove to audiences that “I’ve got rhythm” is more than just a song in the Cache Regional Theater’s upcoming musical “Crazy for You.” Under the direction of Floyd Salisbury, the cast of 58 members has engaged in four months of continuous rehearsal to prepare for their exciting rendition of this Tony-award-winning musical running February 16-18, 20, 23-25 in the Ellen Eccles Theater.
The plot, based primarily on romance and the occasional brawling saloon, revolves around the romantic chaos of main characters Bobby Child and Polly Baker. As Bobby comes into the small town of Deadrock, Nev., he becomes infatuated with the only woman in town. Bobby’s situation appears hopeful until Polly discovers that Bobby’s purpose is to close down the local theater. With underlying themes of deception, confusion and fair-weather love, the story provides ample opportunity for humor and entertainment.
The largely musical basis of the production is fine-tuned with the help of a live orchestra in the performance of Gershwin favorites such as, “Nice Work if You Can Get It,” “Someone to Watch Over Me” and “Embraceable You.”
“This production requires more than just vocals,” musical director Helen Cooper said.
The cast has to be able to demonstrate skills in acting, dancing, singing and, ultimately, entertaining, with the ability to use garbage can lids, wash basins and other unusual props, intricate attention to choreography is a large focus in the musical’s broad range of performance melodies.
As opening night approaches, the cast has spent hundreds of hours perfecting their toe-tapping numbers. Having relied primarily on local schools for past rehearsal, the production has had only four days of rehearsal time within the performance hall.
“It’s really kind of amazing it comes together like it does,” Salisbury said.
While adjusting to their new setting, the cast’s flexibility has become an integral part of rehearsal.
“If it works it works, otherwise, we start over,” Salisbury said.
Behind the scenes, assistant director/costume designer Kody Rash and Kenneth Bell, technical director, have dedicated great effort to the fine details and authenticity of the set. Such detail is scrupulously attended, sometimes requiring materials a year in advance. The cast also includes young students, some as young as middle-school age.
“Making them look like sexy showgirls is quite a feat,” Cooper said.
From showgirls to scenic romance, “Crazy for You” aims at a performance designed to spark the audience’s interest, Salisbury said. The light-hearted atmosphere and the purely entertaining qualities of the show are what people can expect to enjoy. The production’s purpose is largely to entertain and make sure it is a good experience for everyone, she added.
“It’s really a non-stop show,” Salisbury said.
-cynthiadiane@cc.usu.edu