por Alex Owens<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been 20 years since Peter Pan Junior Theater (PPJT) performed \u201cCrazy For You,\u201d the 1990s-era Broadway musical based on several classic Gershwin songs, but La Mesans who saw the show went, er, \u201ccrazy\u201d for it.<\/p>\n
Now this noteworthy show is coming back for five performances April 10-13 at the Joan B. Kroc Salvation Army Theater.<\/p>\n
PPJT director Dr. Mark Arapostathis understands the reasons people have sung the play\u2019s praises \u2014 and it comes down to the tunes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe appeal of the show is based on music,\u201d Dr. Arapostathis, who is also La Mesa\u2019s mayor, said. \u201cPeople left the production saying that was the best show and they\u2019ve brought that up in the two decades since then. I think it\u2019s because of the music. It\u2019s Gershwin and people have some familiarity with it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The actual play, \u201cCrazy For You,\u201d is an adapted version of a 1920s-era musical \u201cGirl Crazy\u201d with a new book written for modern audiences.<\/p>\n
Arapostathis wants each show PPJT puts on to be educational for the 90-plus performers in the show. This time around, he wanted to make them familiar with songwriters George and Ira Gershwin, whose work still resonates with people nearly a hundred years later.<\/p>\n
\u201cCrazy For You\u201d includes dancing girls, fighting cowboys, mistaken identities and, a challenge for the young actors \u2014 kissing scenes.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor that, we\u2019ll do stage kissing where they\u2019ll conceal the kiss so you can\u2019t actually see it,\u201d Arapostathis said.<\/p>\n
Many of the young actors preferred the fight scenes, which use special bottles designed to break safely on stage.<\/p>\n
\u201cI made 45 bottles \u2014 two hours for each one,\u201d Arapostathis said. \u201cThe challenge has been getting the kids to stay in character and not look like they\u2019re anticipating the battle. They\u2019re getting better at it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another challenge: Building a whole new set as well as props for the show. Typically, PPJT tries to recycle 85 percent of previous sets and costumes into each new production, but the previous sets for \u201cCrazy For You\u201d were rented and currently unavailable.<\/p>\n
That means parent volunteers have spent weekends creating the new sets and costumes since September.<\/p>\n
Performances for \u201cCrazy For You\u201d begin at 7 p.m. for the evening shows, 1 p.m. for Saturday\u2019s matinee. In addition, Thursday night is \u201cAlumni Night,\u201d where former PPJT cast members are encouraged to attend. All performances take place at the Ray and Joan Kroc Salvation Army Performing Arts Center, 6611 University Ave., San Diego.<\/p>\n
This year, the company is also inviting people who want to support the program but can\u2019t make a show to purchase tickets that will be donated to families who might not otherwise be able to see the show.<\/p>\n