You'd be crazy to miss out on Surflight's 'Crazy for You'
By SCOTT CRONICK For The Press, (609) 272-7017
BEACH HAVEN - Surflight Theatre's rendition of "Crazy For You," the musical where Gershwin meets the Wild West, is a rollicking good time. Filled with outstanding choreography by Reed Parley, masterfully directed by Steve McCoy and wonderfully acted by a strong cast, the Equity theater proves once again that it is a professional organization that ranks with the best in the state.
"Crazy For You" has a simple story - rich city boy Bobby Child's (Tim Falter) dream of dancing comes true when he visits a remote Nevada town on business and falls in love with tough country girl Polly Baker (Elena Gutierrez) - and it certainly isn't original. But the dialogue is whimsical and sets a light-hearted tone for the wonderful Gershwin music, including classics such as "Embraceable You," "Someone to Watch Over Me" and the showstopper "I Got Rhythm."
The show is not worth doing without a strong performer playing Bobby Child. Falter is more than solid; he's remarkable. A great dancer who excels in tap, he is also a credible singer and outstanding actor.
Gutierrez is equally impressive as the tough-as-nails Polly. A strong dancer, likable actress and fine vocalist, the young talent has really made her mark at the Surflight this year and appears headed for great things.
The rest of the performers, with the exception of the over-the-top Alan M-L Wager as saloon owner Lank Hawkins, works well with the leads, providing solid backing vocals and some tremendous ensemble dance numbers, particularly in "I Can't Be Bothered Now," "Girls Enter Nevada" and the knee-slapping "Slap That Bass."
Particularly impressive last Thursday was Gennaro Savastano, an understudy who had to take the stage at the last minute to play a crucial character, Bela Zangler. The non-Equity Savastano showed great cornic timing.
Another great set by David Esler captures the essence of the Big Apple as well as the West, and the small orchestra sounded stronger than usual.
It's hard not to go crazy for the Surflight's latest. Check it out. To e-mail Scott Cronick at The Press:
Reprinted From:
The Press Of Atlantic City
July 16, 2003
X
|
|
Brigadoon
Surflight Theatre, NJ (2000)
"McCoy, a member of the Actors Equity Association, was by far the most amusing actor on stage. Although he didn't have any musical numbers, McCoy's dry wit and sarcastic humor served the production well."
Reprinted From:
The Press Of Atlantic City
X
|
|
Bye Bye Birdie,
Surflight Theatre (2004)
Director Steve McCoy returns to Surflight after his wildly successful "Crazy For You" last season, which can be counted on as one of the best Surflight productions in recent memory. McCoy does not let audiences down with his latest show either. From the energetic and clever set of "Telephone Hour" to the performances he coaxes out of his actors, McCoy and his team are just what you're looking for to spice up a late summer's night. -
Reprinted From:
The Islander, August 2004
|
|
Bye Bye Birdie,
Surflight Theatre (2004)
Ever fall in love with someone you thought was perfect and then feel the fire raging inside you? That's how I feel about Bye Bye Birdie, Surflight's latest production. The excitement starts building as soon as you walk into the theater. Then we hit a high point of the evening when the teens of Sweet Apple sing "The Telephone Hour", a brilliantly staged paean to the preoccupations of the mid century teenaged girl. The number was so good and so well directed, that the applause just rocked the house. That one song alone is worth the price of admission. Will you fall for Bye Bye Birdie? I think so. I did! -
Reprinted From:
The Beachcomber, August 2004
|
|
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
"Director Steve McCoy and Smithtown's talented cast provide a delightful night of harmony, horticulture and homicide. McCoy's direction is abundant in detail. Be sure to see this fine production of Little shop of Horrors, and discover for yourself the one truth that might save humanity - that evil can grow roots when we give into our selfish desires."
- THE LONG ISLAND PRESS May 2005
|
|
THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG
"Steve McCoy as Vernon Gersh was top notch and his singing voice was golden. He is a gifted actor with a strong and supple voice that takes you away."
- THE SMITHTOWN NEWS February 2005
|
|
JEKYLL & HYDE
"Steve McCoy's presence as Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde is utterly compelling. His face, his demeanor, and his voice, even his singing voice, change utterly with his transformations. The strong musicality of Dr. Jekyll lowers to an impassioned bass, ocassionally growling and snarling, always exulting his fearsome freedom. He is sexually frightening in his duet with Lucy, Dangerous Games, exudes heat, passion, and loathing."
- TIMES BEACON September 2005
"McCoy underplays the megahit from the musical, This is The Moment. Not that he can't sing it, he does so with a melodramatic conviction this preamble to Jekyll's sacrifice deserves. But he leaves room for doubt. The standard Jekyll/Hyde dichotomy, which in the hands of most interpreters has been reduced to flipping shoulder length hair into and out of the face, is reinvented by McCoy, who crouches crablike, then straightens of to gave prayerfully into a shaft of light, while alternating a growling bass with a resounding baritone to distinguish the war between selves. McCoy's performance is heroic."
- NEWSDAY October 2005
|
