Inside Look at Trumbull High School's Crazy for You

Logo of THS's Crazy for You

Today marked the closing of Trumbull High School's 2013 Spring Musical, Crazy for You. With music created by the Gershwins, it was an instant classic when it hit the Broadway stage in 1992. In Trumbull's production, over 110 students auditioned, but only around 70 people actually made it into the show. Leading the cast was Matt Johnson as Bobby and Gabby Gottschall as Polly.
Now I know what you're thinking: Crazy for You is a tap show.
Trumbull High, in the past, has done tap shows (most recently 42nd Street). TYA (Trumbull Youth Association) did Anything Goes in 2011, so many people weren't too shabby on their tap skills.Various tap workshops were also held, so students who attended could know a few tap moves before the auditions.
Based off of the musical Girl Crazy, Crazy for You contains music from various shows, such as (but not limited too): But Not For Me, Could You Use Me, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Can't Be Bothered Now, and I Got Rhythm. Crazy for You is what I like to call an "old school musical": The theme is very much like older movies and shows, where there is a love connection until a conflict rises up.
This show was not easy. Directed by Jessica Spillane, Musically directed by Jerold Goldstien and Choreographed by Frank and Abby Root, all who made the show knew it was going to be a challenge. In the end, we had flawless dancing, beautiful and strong voices to carry out those beautiful Gershwin melodies and amazing choreography. I am not just saying this because I was in it. I am only mentioning what many random strangers have said when they walked up to cast members and crew.

The Follies Girls dancing in "I Got Rhythm"

The life of a musical is amazing. You have 50+ people who don't know each other, no sets, no costumes, not even lights. In 3 months, you have another family, amazing sets, colorful costumes and lights that change the mood of every scene. Crew just doesn't do it alone. Parents and students were working together to make this show a success. In the words of Polly, just because we didn't sell out "doesn't mean we're a failure." You don't need to sell out a show in order to have a successful show. You need a cast and crew who understands each other 100% in order to succeed. I guess that is "Nice Work if You Can Get It".
Long story short: Crazy for You was, well, crazy, but in the end, it was well worth it as well as an honor to perform one of Broadway's finest musicals with amazing music made by George and Ira Gershwin.

Next show any of you do, you need to not say: I am not going to make any friends. You will make at least 10 new friends. You will have another family. You will find a home away from home.
Break a leg everybody.

Matt Johnson (center) and the Follies Girls performing "Can't Be Bothered Now"

~ Nathan Clift, 15 Trumbull High School, VP of NPT's Youth Board