Crazy or You at the State Theatre.

The normally high standards at The Production Company (State Theatre) were somewhat lacking this week. 'Crazy For You' opened poorly with the Overture ruined by the sound balance. It is always tricky putting the musicians on the stage but to have the string section almost completely drowned out by the rest of the orchestra, particulaly the brass section, was off-putting and caused quite a stir in our seating area. Christopher Parker singing 'Bobby Child' started out very wooden and weak as the male lead. His dancing, however was excellent and that saved his day. He later relaxed and showed talent imitating the (Siegfield) impressario. Even my favourite Chloe Dallimore was awkward as Irene. A special mention for Natalie O'Donnell singing Polly Baker. She was excellent as was the chorus. (I am not sure who the Chorus Master/Mistress is but the standards are absolutely first class.) The Gershwin numbers were glorious but the overall impression tended to be a little toe-curling. I would rate it a shaky 5 points out of 10 saved only by O'Donnell and the Chorus Line.