Giant cast for Neuqua's 'Crazy for You'
Director Matt Grigas shares his thoughts on Neuqua Valley High School's production of "Crazy for You."
When the music and theater department at Neuqua Valley chose "Crazy for You" as our spring musical, we knew we were opting for a show that would require a cast that was capable of not only learning difficulty harmonies, but tap-dancing as well. Two-and-a-half-months later, Neuqua has produced a musical that is a two-and-a-half-hour extravaganza of entertainment. Both the kids and staff have dedicated themselves to a vision of excellence that will come to fruition this weekend.
The musical takes place in bustling New York City, and tumbleweed-ridden Dead Rock, Nev. From funny one-liners to old gold miners, this show has numbers guaranteed to delight audiences both young and old with hilarious dialogue, impressive choreography and sensational music.
As for the students, they bring this show to life. Their energy, enthusiasm and dedication have created a unique theater experience the audience will cherish.
Our goal from Day One was to incorporate as many students as possible. Since Neuqua is not only brimming with students, but also talent, we felt the best direction was to involve the most people possible.
"Crazy for You" originally was written for a cast of 24 and bumping that up to almost 80 initially was a daunting task. But after seeing all the dramatic, vocal and dancing talent we had this year, we found ourselves easily filling the auditorium with some of the strongest performers we've ever come across.
If you're looking for something to do this weekend and would love to see a show that not only has you humming along to your favorite tunes, but also inspires you to get up and dance in the aisles, check out our production this weekend.
If you go
What: "Crazy for You"
When: 7:30 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday
Where: Neuqua Valley High School auditorium, 2360 95th St., Naperville
Cost: $5 students, $10 adults
Info: (630) 428-6858
The cast
Bobby Child: Anthony Sullivan
Bela Zangler: Bryson David Hoff
Lank Hawkins: Mickey Terlep
Everett Baker: Jake Korrel
Polly Baker: Darliyn Burtley
Irene Roth: Grace Heimerl
Eugene Fodor: Sean Vadas
Patricia Fodor: Madaline Acquaviva
Mother: Vicki Price
Follies dancers: Melissa McNeill, Maria Caballero, Kyra Rysiewicz
Cowboys: George Luke, Ryan Lacey, Nathan Sliwa, Connor Boyle
Cowboy Trio: George Bischoff, Elliott Litherland, Michael Catudo
Card players: Dondre Keeler, Connor O'Leary, Zack Hersch
Follies Girls: Ally Gargano, Rachel Dusenberry, Kira Rysiewicz, Caitlin Bergstrom, Hannah Elmgren, Vicki Price, Maria Caballero, Melissa McNeill, Gretchen Andsager, Anna Dvorchak, Nikki Ways, Olivia Krauss, Hannah Dole, Katelyn Fink, Elissa Rabin
Guys: Zach Hersh, Connor O'Leary, Elliott Litherland, Sean Vadas, Anthony Sullivan, Bryson David Hoff, Jake Korell, Ryan Lacy, Mickey Terlep, Matt Pinion, BJ White, Brian Dunckel, George Luke, Joey Kim, Nathan Sliwa, Michael Cahill, Mateusz Tkacz, Mark Yacullo, Michael Coduto, Dondre Keeler, George Bischoff, Bill Andrews, Jeffry Harmon, Don Dvorak, Connor Boyle, Danny Hess, Dominic Glimco