On Saturday night, I had the privilege of attending the closing night of the dazzling display of talent put on by the Bath University Musicals Society, in their rendition of Crazy For You.
On Saturday night, I had the privilege of attending the closing night of the dazzling display of talent put on by the Bath University Musicals Society, in their rendition of Crazy For You. A joyous rom-com set in the 1930s, Crazy For You follows the story of a New York banker, Bobby Child (Xander Payne), a wannabe stage star, and his quest for the love of Polly Baker (Emma Fothergill) from Deadrock, Nevada. Sent to Nevada to foreclose her family’s theatre, old showbiz magic and high energy follow the plot as Bobby disguises himself as famous producer Zangler (Alex Forsberg) to save the theatre and win her heart. Originally premiering in 1992 as a reimagining of classic Gershwin songs, Crazy For You pays homage to the golden age of Broadway, and this production captured that old-Hollywood glamour while infusing it with the fresh energy of a student ensemble.
The aspect that brought this whole production together was the comedic timing. Many names from the production stand out, and the performance would not have been as excellent as it was without the outstanding casting of Xander Payne, whose portrayal of Bobby Child was both hilarious and unwavering. The show would stand out for its sheer volume of content alone, yet the cast tackled it with unfaltering confidence, leaving barely a stumble or moment hanging. In the same vein, the standout vocals came from Emma Feathergoll as Polly Baker, whose powerhouse voice catapulted the audience into the world of musical theatre and left no doubt she’s destined for the stage.
A mention must go to the antagonists of the story, Bobby’s fiancée Irene (Anna Richards) and Polly’s unwanted suitor Lank (Charlotte Swan), whose portrayal of villains-turned-lovers was both amusing and flirtatious, and added depth and charm to the show. Highlights of the evening came in the mirror routine between Child and Zangler- a brilliantly choreographed moment of physical comedy that showcased the cast’s timing and chemistry- a cameo from a British couple and witty one-liners from the cowboys were clever enough to round this performance into something truly hilarious that had the audience laughing every step of the way.
While Crazy for You delivered plenty of charm and energy, several small details held it back from reaching true perfection. The lack of realism in certain moments–such as stage kisses that didn’t quite land, fight scenes that lacked proper stage-fight training, and the humorous but noticeable instances of characters “drinking” from bottles with the caps still on– slightly broke the audience’s immersion. At times, the pacing also felt stretched, with a few scenes running longer than necessary and weakening the otherwise tight comedic rhythm. Technical issues, including inconsistent microphone levels, occasionally disrupted the flow of dialogue delivery. Additionally, whilst clearly a decision to attempt to blend in with the cowboys, the visibility of crew members not dressed in blacks during scene changes drew attention away from the performance space. While these were minor imperfections, addressing them would have elevated an already engaging production into a more professional, seamless experience. However, none of these issues detracts from the sheer amount of content these non-professional actors had to learn, who all did an incredible job, with next to no mistakes that detracted from the seamless delivery of the singing, acting, and dancing.
Choreographed into the show was a fair amount of dancing, including the tap that the musical is famous for, which the cast approached with unflinching enthusiasm. Lots of this was executed perfectly by the Follies’ girls, and backed up by the incredible live musicians who provided full scores for the musical. Whilst there were slight issues with microphones cutting in and out, the backstage team, including the ingenious set design and lighting, did extremely well, adding a lot to a professional-seeming performance.
Overall, this production from the Bath Musical Theatre Society was nothing short of a masterclass in student-led performance. From start to finish, it dazzled the audience with its sharp direction, vibrant choreography, and an energy that never faltered. The cast delivered powerhouse vocals and nuanced acting performances, all tied together with a ribbon of intuitive comedic timing that kept the crowd engaged and laughing throughout. Whilst not as polished a professional show, what made it all the more impressive was the sheer level of talent on display- talent that far exceeds what one might expect from a student society. Many of the performers are clearly destined for future success in the performing arts, which is especially remarkable given that most of the cast are pursuing degrees in STEM rather than theatre. Their dedication, professionalism, and passion shone through every number, making this a performance that will be remembered long after the final bow.