Crazy For You

Crazy for theater? Crazy for musicals? Then come out to see Dexter Drama’s production of Crazy For You. This iconic Gershwin musical features classic songs such as “Someone to Watch Over Me” “I’ve Got Rhythm” “Nice Work If You Can Get It” and “Slap that Bass”! This heartwarming musical follows aspiring actor and dancer, Bobby Child, who as the son of a banker, is sent to foreclose the Gaiety Theater in Deadrock, Nevada.   Once there, however, he falls in love with the daughter of the theater's owner, and becomes involved in a scheme to save the day by putting on a magnificent show.  From New York to Deadrock this fabulous ensemble depicts Follies girls to gun-slingin’ cowboys.  Come out to see a night of dancing, saloon fights, mistaken-identities and love that conquers all.  With a production that features over 120 Dexter students within the cast, technical crew, and pit orchestra, this production promises to be a wonderful night at the theater!

Bobby Child is played by the incredible Harrison Kane, a senior at Dexter. This is his first time being the main lead in a musical. Kane, along with most of his peers, have put in over a hundred hours preparing for the show. He says that at times it can get difficult remembering all the right lines or dance moves, yet is worth it to have a cast member look to him, the lead, for support. Kane says, “I try helping out a fellow cast member when I see them struggling to rehearse lines. Also, I try very hard to always put a good foot forward because it’s a lot easier for the play to go well when we all work together.” When asked if this was his favorite character he has played so far he responded, “Yes and no, I like that I’m an important character but at times it can get stressful with all the lines and memorization. I think one of the reasons why it may not be my favorite is because the character isn’t like me. Meaning, Bobby Child knows what he wants and sets out to get it while I kinda go with the flow. Overall I like the character and am really eager to see how the whole show turns out.”

No puzzle is complete without the little pieces. Sam Musgrove, another senior, is part of the chorus. Most people remember the main characters of the show, but what would it be without the background dancers? Musgrove, like Kane, has put in hours of dancing and rehearsal and says that it has been one of the hardest shows of her career. She works hard in hopes of seeing all the faces of the loving fans.

From the lights of the show to behind the scenes, the work of the students can be seen in the professional appearance of the show. Senior Kristin Cotner, costume mistress, and Junior Chrissy Mortensen, hair mistress, have been working since day one. The entire cast has fifty one members. This means each one of the cast members has their own hairstyle and costume. This particular show reaches beyond normal costume standards, it has a total of one hundred thirty two costumes. Mortensen describes the process of the show as long but worth it. She also comments that, “doing hair for a period show comes with its challenges but the more work put into the research for the show’s hairstyles, the more the audience believes in the illusion.”

Ms. Erin Palmer directs her 7th season at Dexter High with vocal director, Julie Bassett.  Ms. Tomi Dres is the assistant director, and Amanda Webster and Jessie Wise are the production's choreographers.  We are excited to welcome back alumni Charlie Kemp as pit director. Crazy For You premieres Friday, January 31st at 7pm, with three more evening performances on February 1st, 7th, and 8th also at 7pm. There will be only one matinee performance on February 2nd at 2pm. Tickets are $8 for students/seniors and $10 for adults and can be purchased at the door.

So, saddle on up and ride down to watch this unforgettable show!