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It's Got Rhythm: Musical Features Old Favorites

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By Cheryl  Bentley | The Suncoast News

Published: March 4, 2009

New York City's Hell's Kitchen never sleeps.

John Masterson talked about walking around that gritty-turned-gentrified community on the west side of Manhattan in the wee hours of the morning and seeing dancers go through their routines and hearing piano players pound out music for them.

"It's alive," he said.

It is that energy he wants to express in "Crazy for You," a musical now playing at the Richey Suncoast Theatre that Masterson is directing.

The musical won a Tony Award for best musical in 1992.

Music is by George Gershwin and lyrics by Ira Gershwin. The play is based on the Gershwins' 1930 musical "Girl Crazy" and features beloved Gershwin hits such as "Embraceable You," "But Not For Me" and "I Got Rhythm."

"I guarantee you everyone walking out of the theater will be humming one of the songs," Masterson noted.

It is the story of 1930s New York playboy Bobby Childs who ends up in Deadrock, Nev., to foreclose on the Gaiety Theatre that he owns.

Instead, he falls in love with Polly Baker.

To court Polly, Childs decides to put on a show instead of foreclosing.

The play includes mistaken identity, sudden plot twists and fabulous Gershwin music.

"I'm blessed with a magnificent and exceptional cast," said Masterson. Richey Suncoast favorite Jim Poe plays Bobby.

"He reaches all dimensions," the director noted. "He can be both subtle and over the top."

Jesslyn Kostopoulos is Polly. "She sings from her heart, not from her mouth," Masterson said. "She can walk on that stage and bring the audience right into her feeling."

Marie Skelton is choreographer. The play features four major dance numbers with about 15 dancers. Stella Gaukhshteyn is musical director.

The passion and energy of Hell's Kitchen seems present in the production, Masterson said. "It brings the stage to life."

He has previously directed and acted in plays for the Richey Suncoast and Stage West Community Theatre in Spring Hill.

The lowdown

The Richey Suncoast Theatre production of the musical "Crazy for You" runs through March 15. Performances are 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $16 adults and $8 children under 12. Richey Suncoast Theatre is at 6237 Grand Blvd, New Port Richey. For tickets call 727-842-6777.

Cheryl Bentley can be reached at 727-815-1069 cbentley@suncoastnews.com.

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