By Andrea Genovese Soares (October 16, 2003)

Glittery dresses, contrasting sets, amazing tap dancers, incredible singers, wonderful musicianship, and picture-perfect musical numbers were all part of "Crazy for You," a Gershwin musical now at the Ernst Theatre by the American Music Stage Theatre Company and conducted by our very own music director Mary Jo Webster. 
 

The male lead, Timothy Adams, played the part of "Bobby," the man who falls in love with "Polly," played by Kristen Jepperson, the female lead. They were both extraordinarily effective. Adams danced and sang as if it were the easiest thing in the world, and Jepperson played her part enthusiastically. The ladies from the chorus added a wonderful spice to the play with showy, colorful, glittery dresses and dazzling dance numbers.  The music was very strong. About half of the songs, including "Embraceable You," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and "Nice Work if You Can Get It," were recognizable even to untrained ears. As Michael Toscano from the Washington Post stated, these songs "are beautifully reproduced as conductor Mary Jo Webster leads a 17-piece band noticeable for a smooth, rich sound."  He goes on to say, "Webster expertly explores the Gershwins' dynamics, cranking the band up to full energy for the traditional Broadway showstopper ‘I've Got Rhythm,’ then dialing it back for the lilting, romantic ballad of regret, ‘But Not for Me.’"

Mary Jo Webster's expert conducting was  cited in the Washington Post review of the  Gershwin musical "Crazy for You"

After the play, Mason junior Fran Thielman said, "The costumes were great, and so was the music." 

If you like great show music, amazing dancing, and a cute boy-meets-girl story line, attend this show Showtime is at 8:00 p.m.. October 17 and 18^th, and a matinee Sunday the 19^th at 2:00. Visit http://www.americanmusicstage.com for tickets and more information.