Talented young actors from across Oxfordshire take to the stage this week for their latest musical production, writes Stuart Macbeth

I like a Gershwin tune” sang Judy Garland back in 1941. How could anyone disagree? Take the popularity of Crazy For You.

Opening on Broadway in 1992 to rave reviews, the musical features songs from the days when the Gershwin brothers bubbled at the height of their fame. It’s the simple tale of a 1930s banker whose only dream in life is to dance.

Crazy For You bounces back to the Oxford Playhouse in a new production by Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre that runs from today (Wednesday) until Saturday.

As director Paul Andsell explains: “the musical is full of well-crafted, timeless melodies. It’s wonderful for young people to become acquainted with these songs”.

Paul first became acquainted with Crazy For You when the musical transferred to the West End in 1993. Tasked with putting a show together for Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre Paul remembered Crazy For You and realised he had found the perfect fit.

“We were looking for a show that had all the elements of acting, singing and dancing. Crazy For You is a show that suits a large youth company, and which will entertain audiences of all ages,” he said.

The current production boasts excellent, period sets. Choreography comes from Jess Townsend, who has based her work on the original Broadway and West End shows.

Audiences can expect to enjoy smash hits such as Embraceable You and I Got Rhythm alongside rarer numbers which – prior to the success of Crazy For You – were consigned to the dustier shelves of 78rpm enthusiasts.

Paul admits his personal favourite is Slap That Bass, best known for its virtuoso performance by Fred Astaire back in the 1930s.

Why do the songs of George and Ira Gershwin continue to have such a lasting appeal?

“The joy of any great lyric and song writing is that there are enduring themes, themes that remain as relevant today as when they were written,” Paul explains.

And they might seem particularly relevant to the cast of this production. Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre – which has previously scored great successes with musicals including The Boyfriend, The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz – work with actors as young as 15.

George and Ira Gershwin’s songs of romance and unrequited love may well be most believable when best performed by a cast as young as this. But where do you find the actors, singer and dancers who fit the bill? Each year, the company audition for the new show where they are asked to perform a song, a monologue, and participate in a group dance. We hope to make it much more enjoyable than terrifying. There’s no sitting in the dark shouting “Next!”

Even the backstage crew are youthful and keen to learn from Paul’s experience.

One of the stars of this year’s production is Douglas Broad, who plays the role of Bobby Child, a lovestruck wannabe-performer in the ‘Zangler Follies’.

“Douglas is 17 and Crazy For You will be his third production with Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre” says Paul, pointing to Douglas‘ name in the programme. “Last year he was The Engineer in Miss Saigon and the year before he was a member of the chorus in The Wizard of Oz.

Also starring is Darcy Rak, also 17, and celebrating her third year of performing in the role of Tess. Actors in this company seem to go from strength to strength and some may be inspired by the successes of previous members: “It’s been very inspirational for all of us,” says Paul. “With previous members like Ed Campbell-Bird, Joseph Prowen and Tom Wolstenholme currently involved in West End shows, in plays and on television”.

Wolstenholme is appearing in the musical Once at the Phoenix Theatre and Campbell-Bird has been with the ENO at The Coliseum.

How would it have felt for Paul, at that age, to take part in a production like Crazy For You?

“As a teenager, performing on a famous, working, professional stage like the Oxford Playhouse is what most young actors can only dream of,” he says.

“Opportunities like these are among the reasons that Oxfordshire is such a great place to grow up in. I’m very proud that such a young company as this can rise to that challenge, working tirelessly to ensure that’s it’s a great success.”

Crazy for You is on today and tomorrow at 7.30pm, Friday at 8pm and Saturday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets range from £11-£18 from oxfordplayhouse.com and 01865 305305.