Kristian Andrewson as Bobby leads the dancing in Davidson Community Players' "Crazy for You," which debuted Thursday night at Davidson College.

By CONNIE FISHER

George and Ira Gershwin may well be known as the master composers of rhythm, and Davidson Community Players deserve accolades bringing the Gershwins’ sound to Davidson College’s Duke Family Performance Hall in a production of “Crazy for You.” A rollicking troupe of tap dancing singers frolicked across the stage for a couple of hours Thursday evening to earn a standing ovation from a cheering, full-house opening night audience.

Before the opening curtain, Davidson Community Players’ executive director Matt Merrell accepted the North Carolina Theater Conference’s 2011 Community Theatre of the Year from NCTCs president Ron Law, executive director of Theatre Charlotte. Mr. Law and NCTC Executive Director Angie Hays recognized the company for its “contributions to theater in the state of North Carolina,” praising the company’s “excellence in performance, service of mission and community outreach.” Davidson Community Players won the award once before, in 2004.

“Crazy for You,” with music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin and a book by Ken Ludwig, originally opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre in 1992. The show went on to win three Tony, two Drama Desk and five Outer Critic Circle awards.

The plot is simple, though it has a bit of everything—romance, conflict, humor and drama. Davidson Community Players have turned that simplicity into a spectacular production of energetic song and dance staged by a vivacious group of performers rendering such well-known numbers as “Embraceable You,” “Naughty Baby,” “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” and “I Got Rhythm.”

The production, in DCP’s 47th season, lives up to the company’s reputation for staging excellent summer musicals. The multi-aged cast is headed by a couple of young newcomers to the Davidson boards. Lexie Wolfe as Polly Baker engages the audience early on singing the touching ballad “Someone To Watch Over Me” and never lets up. She falls in love—twice— and hoofs her way around the stage rendering an endless array of tunes in her lovely melodic voice.

DCP may well have discovered the next Tommy Tune, in the agile, long-legged dancer Kristian Andrewson. He plays Bobby Child, a nerdy but determined would-be dancer who will not be put off by the established impresario Bela Zangler. Zangler is played by Kevin Roberge, a talented actor familiar to the Davidson stage. Their inebriated duet “What Causes That?” leaves the audience rolling with laughter.

It’s hard to believe that most of nearly 50 actors didn’t know how to tap dance when rehearsals began back in February. Everyone, from a 10-year-old youngster to white-headed seniors, tap with electrifying energy to the lively tunes played by an orchestra under the direction of pianist John Smith. The Follies Girls rock and both male and female ensembles dance and sing with enthusiasm. Bravo to choreographers Emily Hunter and Felicia Davis. The costumes, designed by Jamey Varnadore, are spectacular, and the superb sets are well designed under the capable hands of Anna Sartin.

“Crazy for You” is directed by Melissa Ohlman-Roberge, DCP’s talented artistic director, who has been at the helm of the organization’s summer musicals for the past decade. Her professional touch is evident.

WANT TO GO?

Performances in the Duke Family Performance Hall at Davidson College continue at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, June 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30. A 2 p.m. matinee performance is on Saturday, June 30. For reservations call 704-892-7953 or visit www.DavidsonCommunityPlayers.org. “Crazy for You” is a fun musical that may be enjoyed by the entire family.