Crazy For You

It was homecoming time in 2003 as one of the founders of Random Lake's summer theatre program, Ryan Klug, returned to direct the Broadway musical Crazy For You. While people may be unfamiliar with the story line, the music is pure Gershwin and a delight for all involved.

Crazy For You is a musical created to showcase the music of songwriter George Gershwin and lyricist Ira Gershwin. "Bidin' My Time", "Shall We Dance?", "Someone to Watch over Me", "Embraceable You", "I Got Rhythm", "They Can't Take That Away from Me" and "Nice Work If You Can Get It" are just some of the songs included.

Jessica Yoder served as music director, while choreography was created by Amanda Ellis and Mallon Mackenzie. Jill Casper directed the 12-member pit orchestra. Diane Ellis handled costume design.

Klug recruited a huge cast (96) that featured Travis Knier as Bobby Child, Amanda Ellis as Polly Baker, Duane Steen as Bela Zangler, Zachary Pledl as Lank Hawkins and Angela Wenig as Irene. Emily Timm was Tess, leader of the Follies Girls. James Freer (Pete) and Sam Vorpahl (Moose) headed up the Cowboys. And then there were the many citizens and children of Deadrock, Nev., living through the challenges of Depression era America.

This show included slapstick humor, rainbow colored costumes, energetic dancing from start to finish, and even the first bar room brawl in LPI history.

In his director's notes Klug described Crazy For You as almost a return to vaudeville and the follies (the two eras that preceded the Broadway musical). "I give you a show that celebrates what is most important in life," he said.

Crazy For You proved to be a huge box office draw, and Lakeshore Productions, Inc., truly returned to its roots in 2003.