![\"Previews:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/680256352_973100712137613_913953053587302794_n.jpg\" "\\"Previews:")
Eight O\u2019Clock Theatre is bringing the Gershwin classic Crazy for You to the Largo Central Park Performing Arts Center from May 1 through 10. The production follows Bobby Child, a New York banker sent to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a rundown theatre, only to fall for Polly Baker<\/a>, the theatre owner\u2019s daughter. What begins as a simple assignment becomes a spirited attempt to revive a forgotten town through tap, mistaken identity, and some of the most iconic songs in the American musical canon, including \u201cI Got Rhythm,\u201d \u201cEmbraceable You,\u201d and \u201cNice Work If You Can Get It.\u201d<\/p>\n\ud83c\udfad NEW! Tampa Theatre Newsletter<\/p>\n
Director James Grenelle has loved this musical for decades and was eager to reintroduce it to audiences. \u201cThis has always been one of my favorite shows since the mid-1990s,\u201d he said, drawn to its comedy, dance, and unmistakable Gershwin sound.<\/p>\n
He shaped the world of Deadrock around a single idea. \u201cPurpose is very much a central focus of the show. Finding that purpose revives the entire town.\u201d<\/p>\n
That theme resonated deeply with Kayley Jewel, who plays Polly Baker<\/a> and first encountered the show as a teenager. \u201cI remember listening to Polly sing her songs and just falling in love with her voice and all of the Gershwin music,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Both director and actor describe a rehearsal room full of energy and commitment. Grenelle shared, \u201cI am in awe of this cast, their talent, their work ethic,\u201d noting that even during breaks, performers could be found tapping in corners or running lines.<\/p>\n Jewel echoed that sense of dedication, especially when it came to the show\u2019s physical demands. \u201cIt\u2019s really rewarding to see all the tap dancing in my living room finally pay off,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n The production honors the show\u2019s Broadway roots while embracing modern theatrical elements. Grenelle explained, \u201cMuch of the choreography is based on Susan Stroman<\/a>\u2019s original staging. Why change brilliance?\u201d<\/p>\n Jewel is thrilled each night to perform one of the musical\u2019s most beloved moments. \u201cThe thing I look forward to the most is singing But Not For Me,\u201d she said. \u201cIt is one of my favorite songs of all time.\u201d<\/p>\n Both Grenelle and Jewel hope audiences leave uplifted.<\/p>\n While Jewel promises laughter and connection, Grenelle hopes the experience lingers long after the curtain falls. \u201cMy biggest hope is that the audience finds the joy throughout the performance; to leave the theatre grinning from ear to ear and humming the music.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Previews:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/670885733_960696066711411_7662187045732677035_n.jpg\" "\\"Previews:")
Building Polly required Jewel to embrace the character\u2019s grit and independence. \u201cShe doesn\u2019t care what anyone thinks of her,\u201d she said. \u201cShe isn\u2019t afraid of speaking her mind or getting her hands dirty.\u201d<\/p>\n