The Cast Photo by Diane Sobolewski

The story begins at the Zangler Theatre in New York in the 1930s as Bobby Child (Will Burton), hoping to get into show business, tries to audition for Bela Zangler (Edward Juvier). Bobby's mother (Michele Ragusa) sends him to Nevada to foreclose on some property. Bobby, meanwhile, is musing about the Zangler Follies' young women, and he combines with them on a song called "I Can't Be Bothered Now." Bobby then finds his way to Main Street in Deadlock, Nevada where a collection of cowboys greet him with some lovely harmony on the familiar "Bidin' My Time." It's practically an all-male town save for one woman, Polly Baker (Brittany Zeinstra).

Bobby decides that foreclosing on the theater means he will lose any chance of coupling with Polly, whom he instantly finds attractive. Putting on a show, however, could save this place, which has been a mix of theater, restaurant, and saloon. The girls, like a group vision appearing in the middle of nowhere, or, in this case, the desert, arrive in Deadrock. The snappy, kinetic company rendition of "Girls Enter Nevada" is a first-act highlight. Polly, a perceptive soul, soon finds herself alone and she plaintively sings the memorably classic "Someone to Watch Over Me."

A few weeks later, as Bobby prepares for the show, everyone collaborates on up-tempo "Slap That Bass." Bobby and Polly then collaborate for a sweetly appealing duet delivery of "Embraceable You." The leads join with the company on a peppy "I Got Rhythm" just before intermission. In the second act, we witness mistaken identities and discover whether the young principals do or do not come together.

Kelli Barclay's dance numbers require deft tap dancing and Will Burton as Bobby Child leads the way. He's nimble on his feet and seems to be inexhaustible, bringing elasticity to his role. Versatile Brittany Zeinstra succeeds as Polly, the beckoning solitary woman in town. The exciting dancing girls are glamorous.

Music director Adam Souza is pivotal. He and conductor David Kidwell coordinate a skillful group of instrumentalists whose accompaniment is active throughout the show. Costume designer Joseph Shrope provides creative, sometimes even fetching, costumes, especially for the dancing women. The jazzy wardrobe choices glow with appeal. Scenic designer Ann Beyersdorfer's pleasing settings shift from Manhattan to Deadrock and, finally, back to New York City as the show concludes. The Goodspeed epitomizes intimacy within the confines of its comfortable space.

Will Burton catches the audience's attention from his first moment on stage, one with proximity that invites all to practically partake in the proceedings. Burton, whose vocal pitch is precise, appeared at this East Haddam theater in Hello, Dolly! and Fiddler on the Roof. Some might know him through his role on TV's "The Blacklist." His range as an actor distinguishes his Crazy for You performance. He will dance with pizzazz or with nuance and he portrays Bobby as a persistent young person who has drive and passion. Brittany Zeinstra's Polly is just feisty enough to hold her own in a town dominated by men. She sings sweetly on solos, especially the second act "But Not for Me." She plays a Polly who needs to determine the veracity of a potential soul mate. Hers is a demanding role and the young actress, with Broadway credits to her name, is up to that challenge.

Throughout, the Goodspeed Musicals presentation prompts laughter through a brisk, confident, vigorous production. Cast members must be athletic to succeed, and the cast is more than capable. The Gershwins' songs, robust or bewitching, continue to shine and captivate the audience.

Crazy for You runs through August 16, 2026, at Goodspeed Musicals, 6 Main St., East Haddam CT. For tickets and information, please call 860-873-8668 or visit Goodspeed.org.