'Crazy for You' Opens Friday in Royal Oak

From left, Matt Harmon, Kristen Dubicki and Michael Miller star in Royal Oak High School Drama Club’s George Gershwin musical comedy “Crazy for You.” (Photo submitted)

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The Royal Oak High School Drama Club’s production of “Crazy for You” opens at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Kimball Auditorium at the high school, 1500 Lexington Blvd.

Additional performances for the public are planned at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 students at the door.

Reservations are being taken now for reserved seating at rodrama.com, for $11 and $6 for adults and students, respectively.

The play is directed by well know Royal Oak attorney and ROHS Drama Coach Edward Nahhat (Water Works Theatre Company), and choreographed by Brittany Ward. Both are graduates of Royal Oak High Schools.

“Crazy For You” is a high-energy comedy which includes mistaken identity, plot twists, fabulous dance numbers and classic Gershwin music, including the memorable “Someone To Watch Over Me,” “I Got Rhythm,” “Embraceable You,” “Nice Work If You Can Get It” and others.

The musical tells the story of Bobby Child, played by ROHS Senior Mike Miller, a well-to-do 1930s young banker whose dream is to dance on Broadway. His mother, the bank president, sends Bobby to foreclose on an old theater building in a depressed and dusty town, Deadrock, NV.

Bobby falls in love with the local postmaster, Polly, played by ROHS Junior Kristen Dubicki. In true Mickey Rooney form, he decides to put on a show to win the girl and save the town.

“We are crazy for Crazy For You this fall,” Nahhat said in a news release. “I am so proud of these students who are jumping head first into the songs and dances of their grandparents, and having a ball at it. We guarantee a top notch time!”

“Crazy for You” also stars Matt Harmon as famed Broadway Director Bella Zangler; Leah King as Bobby’s fiancé, Irene; Kara Barbieri as Follies Director Tess; Damon Shea as Lank; and Sarah Britton as Bobby’s socialite Mother.

The cast and crew features more than 70 Royal Oak High School students; from actors, dancers, singers, musicians, and student leaders working backstage on stage management, stage crew, set construction, lights, sound, props, and publicity.

A complete company list is found here.

Nahhat emphasizes that

Every aspect of the performance is run by students, and many students also design parts of the show.

“We have award-winning professional coaches and talented parent volunteers help the students though rehearsals”, Nahhat said. “But this Drama Club prides itself on turning the live performances over to student leadership.”

Vocal coaching is from ROHS Choral Director Deborah Buffa, the orchestra is led by ROHS orchestra teacher David Jensen. Audio mentoring is from ROHS Teacher Mike Conrad.

ROHS junior Tess Mooney is assisting Ward with choreography.

Crazy for You is presented by special arrangement with Tams-Witmark Agency.