FSHS musical comedy opens Nov. 10

Fort Scott High School student Craig Davenport as Bobby Child is surrounded by dancers in a scene from the FSHS production of "Crazy For You." Clockwise from lower left are dancers Jordan Sather, Sophia Martin, Amanda Wolf, Blaik Holland, Sammi Therwhanger, Jenni Wilson and Rebekah Moyers. --Submitted Photo

The show will open at 7 p.m., Nov. 10, and run at 7 p.m., Nov. 12-14.

Nearly 50 students and staff are involved in the production, according to director Patty LaRoche. They began rehearsals for the show in September.

"For the past several weeks these high school students have worked long and hard to learn the songs and dances for this performance," LaRoche said.

The Broadway musical "Crazy for You" won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1992. It features songs written by Ira and George Gershwin and was loosely based on their 1930 musical, "Girl Crazy." It's the story of Bobby Child, who longs to leave his boring life as a 1930s New York City banker for a career in the theater. When he is sent to Nevada to foreclose on a rundown theater, he falls in love with Polly, the daughter of the building's owner. With the help of some friends from Zangler's Follies, Child decides to try to save the old theater instead. In the end, the town is reinvigorated, the theater is saved and Child finds love.

Students from across the student body auditioned and were selected for parts in the musical. Others were involved in the production including FSHS music instructor Pat Harry, FSHS art instructor Ellen Kendrick as the set and costume design, and choreographers Susan Stern, Kristina Parsons, Abbie Kramer, and Anna Toll.

Seating is limited in the FSHS auditorium. Advance tickets are on sale now at the Country Cupboard, 12 N. Main, or at the Fort Scott High School office.

"It is so exciting to see how far these young men and women have been pushed to put on a first-class performance," LaRoche said. "I hope people in the community will support the efforts of these amazing students."