When Center Stage Performing Arts Academy continues its run of “Crazy for You” at the Dutchtown High School Cafetorium July 18-20, the talent on stage is sure to impress theatergoers.
“A lot of times the talent finds us,” said Director Larry Schexnaydre said during a rehearsal Wednesday night. “These kids want to do a quality show, and they know they will be challenged to do that at Center Stage.”
Center Stage’s growing reputation as a proving and training ground for young theatrical talent ticks upward each summer when the latest musical production opens.
This year, the juxtaposition of Gershwin music performed by teenagers in “Crazy for You” works like a charm.
Schexnaydre said he saw elderly audience members hugging each other in one performance during the song “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” as the teenage Center Stage performers took the audience down a musical memory lane paved before they were born.
Praising his young performers, Schexnaydre said they mastered a very tough musical score with difficult vocal parts, and dance numbers that included elements of ballet, jazz, tap and vaudeville.
“The genius of ‘Crazy for You’ is in its simplicity,” Schexnaydre said. “It’s simple but very hard to perform, and the kids picked up on all the nuances quickly.”
Performances are at Dutch-town High School July 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. and July 20 at 2 p.m. Performances are also at at the Baton Rouge Theater Aug. 1, 2 and 3 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 2 at 2 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased by calling Center Stage at 644-4242.
