Crazy For You, Birmingham Hippodrome - review with pictures and video
Strictly Come Dancing has produced some talented winners over the years, showing that hard work, determination and dedication can result in another string to the bow and the opportunity to branch out within an already successful career.
Two outright winners of the crown are Tom Chambers and Caroline Flack, both of whom have lifted the Strictly glitterball and are now starring in director Paul Hart’s stunning production of Gershwin’s classic musical comedy, Crazy for You at the Birmingham Hippodrome from October 24-28.
Crazy for You is musical comedy at its biggest, brashest and best. The rather flimsy storyline concerns a privileged young banker, Bobby Child, who is sent to close down a theatre in a one-horse town in Nevada, but ends up saving it instead, whilst of course falling in love with the owner’s daughter, but the show benefits from rip- roaring ensemble numbers, laugh out loud comedy moments and Tom’s taptastic feet along the way to compensate!
The cast cleverly transform the one piece set with simple touches to depict New York and then Dead Rock, while atmospheric lighting sets the scene. Watch out for super special effect in the finale too. No spoilers here though!
The costumes are by and large very “cowboy” but there is sparkle too, courtesy of a troupe of beautiful 1930’s styled girls who certainly bring some glitz and glamour.
Tom Chambers is well into his musical theatre career by now, having taken the West End and indeed the country by storm in Top Hat and while the role of Bobby in Crazy for You is much less sophisticated, it still requires a song and dance man as well as strong physical comedy skills, comedic interaction and characterisation. Chambers delivers on every level here with confidence and self-assurance, lapping up the laughs and enjoying the audience reaction.
His stylish dance technique is polished and delivered with panache and the audience were wowed by his highly honed tap solos throughout the show.
Caroline Flack as Bobby’s fiancée, Irene received a warm welcome from the Birmingham crowd. This is not an easy role, as the second female in a show will always be compared to the leading lady and perhaps Caroline needs a little more experience before she is ready to take a show by storm, but her solo in Act Two, Naughty Baby, was amusing and well delivered, but could still benefit from even more pizzazz.
There is a lovely cameo by Hollie Cassar as Tess, whose New York accent was spot on and Ned Rudkins-Stow as Moose also stands out.
However, there is no doubt that the evening really belongs to the superb Charlotte Wakefield as Polly, whose West End worthy vocals, incredibly feisty, yet warm characterisation of the country girl, not to mention exceptional dancing and brimming personality which completely flow across the floodlights, fills the theatre with sheer delight.
The score is nothing less than splendid and includes the unforgettable Gershwin standards Someone to Watch Over Me, I’ve Got Rhythm, Slap that Base, But Not for Me, I Can’t Be Bothered Now and Nice Work If You Can Get It; the list is endless. These are songs that although were written way back in the day, you will not be able to get out of your head for days and days, never mind the urge to tap dance all the way back home!
The show is the latest to be presented by actor musicians who play instruments live on stage and although this obviously takes exceptionally talented performers, it also means that some of the tap dancing content for which Crazy for You is well known is missing. While the leading couple execute excellent tap skills, because the focus is on playing the instruments, the choreography in the ensemble numbers, for me was a little disappointing.
Even so, the outstanding cast do work their socks off to create show stopping production numbers required to please, rendering Crazy for You a wonderfully uplifting musical comedy guaranteed to thrill.
Who can ask for anything more?
For tickets visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000.
