Music on Stage to perform Gershwin comedy

Ira and George Gershwin have entertained folks for decades. With their help, Music on Stage hopes to continue that pattern.

The not-for-profit community theater group, now in its 50th season, will present the Gershwin gem "Crazy For You" at Cutting Hall in Palatine.

Music on Stage officials are hoping audiences will enjoy the Tony Award winning musical comedy, which follows Ken Ludwig's script.

"Set in the 1930s, the story is about a well-to-do playboy who's always had a dream to dance," said Kris Reiner, vice-chair of marketing for Music on Stage.

"The comedy has a lot of funny things in it, but eventually he is able to achieve his dream."

The show's director, David Belew, describes the production as a classic old-fashioned musical where boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl.

"The key is the characters have to be big and bright," Belew said. "They have to go beyond their comfort zone and go over the top."

The main role of Bobby is played by Dan Collins of Chicago. The lead female part, Polly, is played by Harmony Barry of Carol Stream.

"There's a lot of comedy with the mistaken identity aspect and the Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland 'let's put on a show' attitude," Belew said. "The highlight will be the big tap numbers. It's really a show you can come to and forget your troubles and just sit back and enjoy."

As always with Music on Stage, with the exception of the orchestra, choreographer and musical director, most of the production is under the charge of volunteers, including 30 performers, 30 technical personnel and several costume designers.

"The costumes are elegant, sophisticated and gorgeous," said Kathy Pazdioch, chairman of Music on Stage. "They are reflective of the time period, which is the 1930s."

The production requires five costume changes for many of the characters. Pazdioch noted that plopping such New York chic apparel right smack dab in the middle of Deadrock, Nev., where the story takes place, will add comical flare.

"There will be Ziegfeld Follies type costumes, saloon showgirl outfits and some pink costumes that look like confection for a dream sequence of Bobby's," Pazdioch said.

Those looking to expand their theater-going experience will have the opportunity to add a dinner with their show. You can get your ticket and a meal from Vince's Italian Restaurant for $30.

If a meal seems too much, if you attend opening night Saturday, you'll be able to indulge in buffet-style appetizers, including meatballs, dips and cheese and crackers for the cost of the ticket.

"On opening night, we will have a champagne gala for the staff and the audience," Reiner said. "This is the only time the performers will mingle with the audience. It gives them an opportunity to see the performers up close as real people."

If you go

What: Music on Stage's production of "Crazy for You."

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays, Saturday through March 2

Where: Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St, Palatine

Tickets: $18

Call: (847) 289-4419 or visit www.musiconstage.org.