Valentine to ‘Crazy’ Lovers

Is there a happier show than “Crazy for You,” Ken Ludwig’s tribute to all things Gershwin?

Though not the fresh revision of old-fashioned musicals typified by “She Loves Me,” or a restaging like Hal Prince’s “Show Boat,” “Crazy for You” pretty much outperforms every other musical for sheer senseless, giddy fun. It’s a purebred backstage show in the “42nd Street” tradition, and it appeals to those who love Hollywood movie musicals.

The hero, Bobby, even cites Mickey Rooney as his inspiration to get a show going in the forlorn theater in downtown Deadwood, Nev.

Somehow--perhaps because it’s done on a shoestring--this Rooney-like gumption seems to infect everyone in Yorba Linda Civic Light Opera director Joshua Carr’s revival at the Yorba Linda Forum Theatre.

Built on the sure foundation of a score of George and Ira Gershwin songs cleverly serving Ludwig’s book, plus a live band fervently conducted by Pete Morris, this is low-budget Broadway with heart.

That’s what “Crazy for You” should be, because it’s about a Broadway-smitten young man (Nicholas Wheat’s ever-confident Bobby) who risks all to put on a show with no money and to win over the gal he loves (Erin Crouch’s sweet Polly).

Though scavenging at times from “Lend Me a Tenor,” the far inferior farce that made him famous, Ludwig (who conceived the original show with British musical veteran Mike Ockrent) creates a dazzling epic for Bobby, whose passions are giddily infectious.

Lanky and limber like a young Tommy Tune (though not close to his dance league), Wheat displays a winsome romanticism and a flair for Astaire. Energetic choreographer Crystal Burden quotes from Astaire licks throughout her peppy numbers, and the show uses tunes from such Astaire-Gershwin movies as “Shall We Dance.”

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Bobby thinks he’s escaped New York and the clutches of both his penurious mother (smooth D.D. Calhoun, also doubling as a funny Patricia Fodor) and his sexy, selfish fiancee, Irene (Amy Rutberg).

But he can’t win over Polly unless he’s disguised as Broadway showman Bela Zangler. This leads to an overly long twin scene with the real Bela (Nick Charles) that echoes “Tenor’s” own doubling farce. It also sets up an emotional tug-of-war that gives this hectic plot a human factor.

When Bobby fails to seduce Polly with such songs as “Could You Use Me” (nicely if not memorably sung), it’s telling us that even great songwriting isn’t enough to steal hearts.

Independent cowgirl Polly misses Bobby in “But Not for Me,” and that does it. Did you think these two wouldn’t get together--and in pure Technicolor style?

Carr has cast so well that there’s no drop-off in smaller roles. That’s especially true of Paul Hasenyager’s jealous bar owner, Lank, and Rutberg in a firecracker performance. She makes every moment sizzle, capped by her steamy “Naughty Baby.” (Rutberg is just 15 and a junior at UCLA, so we may be looking at a prodigy.)

The cast--down to the chorus lines, even the cowpokes--gives its all with flurries of high-stepping, tap-dancing fervor in numbers including “Slap That Bass” and “I Got Rhythm.” Errant curtains and tardy set changes can’t take away from Bobby’s fun adventure or the sense that there’s nothing like putting on a show.

* “Crazy for You,” Yorba Linda Forum Theatre, 4175 Fairmont Blvd. 8 p.m. today-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. Ends Sunday. $10-$18. (714) 779-1932. Running time: 2 hours, 40 minutes.

Nicholas Wheat: Bobby

Erin Crouch: Polly

D.D. Calhoun: Lottie Child/Patricia Fodor

Amy Rutberg: Irene

Nick Charles: Bela Zangler

Paul Hasenyager: Lank Hawkins

Stu Eriksen: Everett Baker

David Poole: Eugene Fodor

A Yorba Linda Civic Light Opera production. Music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin. Book by Ken Ludwig. Conception by Ludwig and Mike Ockrent. Director/music director: Joshua Carr. Choreographer: Crystal Burden. Costumes: Connie Papple, Yoli Bennett and Susan Griffin. Lights: Edward Huber. Stage manager: Karen Roppelt.