St. James Community Theatre presents 'Crazy For You'

The Gershwin musical "Crazy for You" comes to the Northwest suburbs for the next three weekends, the 48th show performed by the St. James Community Theatre in Arlington Heights.

A tale of boy meets girl in the Wild West, the plot centers on Bobby Child, the rich son of a banking family who is sent to foreclose a mortgage on a theater in Deadrock, Nevada. He meets and falls in love with Polly, the daughter of the theater owner, then sets out to save the theater and win Polly's heart.

The musical features George and Ira Gershwin tunes such as "Someone To Watch Over Me," "I Got Rhythm," "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and "Embraceable You."

Lead roles are double casted, with Bobby Child being played by Mitch Kedzior from Cary and Bob Hussey from Arlington Heights. Polly Baker is played by Kristen Zanini of Arlington Heights and Kara Handy of Chicago.

Audience favorites frustrated fiancé Irene, played by Kirsten Smigiel of Arlington Heights and Erin Saflarski of Wheeling, and over-the-top showman Bela Zangler, played by Jack Saflarski of Wheeling, each perform their show-stealing numbers and bring comic relief, along with saloon owner Lank, played by Case Carvell of Schaumburg.

"Crazy for You" is produced by Michael Wilder, directed by Rachael Proulx, with musical direction by Tam Conseur, choreography by Jocelyn Adamski, and costumes by Sharon Kelly.

The show features high-energy tap dancing, challenging choreography and l costumes in line with the original 1992 Broadway musical, which won the Tony for best musical, best choreography and best costumes.

The St. James Community Theatre production of "Crazy for You" opens Friday, July 14, and runs through Saturday, July 29, with performances at 7 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and matinees at 2:30 p.m. Sundays at 820 N. Arlington Heights Road.

Tickets are $12 to $15 and can be purchased at stjamestheatre.org or at the door.