Performers tap into 'life imitates art' scenario to save theatre

The Arcadians – fast gaining a reputation in the Illawarra as the little theatre that could – just happens to be putting on a show about ... a little theatre that could.

In the grips of a money crisis, the group has done what any bunch of troupers does – they just get on with the show, in this case Crazy For You, a musical mined from deep in the genre's golden era.

There's a love story (surprise!), Gershwin tunes, enough tap-dancing to rattle a battleship ... and a storyline that revolves around a young banker trying to rescue a theatre. It's even set in a mining town.

It was a natural pick for producer Matthew Verhelst, whose obsession with Crazy For You began in the UK three years ago.

"We loved that central premise because it mirrors our own world so perfectly," Matthew said. "We’re currently working hard to raise funds for vital renovations to protect and save our beloved Miner’s Lamp Theatre, making the story feel remarkably close to our hearts.

"I stumbled across the West End cast performing Slap That Bass (from the show) at an outdoor musical festival, fell head over heels right on the pavement, raced to buy a ticket, and ended up seeing the production four times.

"Whenever family or friends came to visit, I didn’t just suggest it – I practically dragged them to the theatre. My sister Victoria (our director) and our choreographer Brittnee both visited at completely different times ... both walked out spellbound, declaring it one of the best musicals they’d ever seen."

Matthew and Victoria took a massive step last year when they put on Oliver! with Arcadians – a giant undertaking that taught the sibling team plenty.

"We certainly didn’t start small! We went huge with a massive cast of 71, including 48 kids," Matthew said. "It was a steep learning curve, but it proved to us just how powerful our combined backgrounds are."

Victoria brought her NIDA training and professional theatre background (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child among other shows), while Matthew leaned into his international business and marketing career. Despite being in their 20s, they have nearly two decades of stage experience each. Crazy For You is Matthew's 42nd production on stage or behind the scenes.

"Having that lived experience of being performers ourselves gave us a deep empathy for what the company needed," he said.

"While we were thrilled to earn fantastic reviews and sell out all 12 performances, our proudest takeaway was that our cast and crew had an absolute ball doing it. That positive, supportive culture is everything to us."

Casting such an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza presented more challenges.

"You can’t stage Crazy For You without genuine triple-threats who can effortlessly nail blisteringly fast tap choreography, complex physical comedy and soaring vocals," Matthew said. "Having seen the West End production so many times in London, I can say with total sincerity that our two leads are genuinely just as great – I have zero doubt both of them will be smashing it on Broadway or the West End in a couple of years.

"Playing Bobby Child is William Christie, an extraordinary emerging Sydney-based talent who trains at the elite Brent Street. William is an absolute powerhouse with unbelievable stamina. As Bobby, he carries the entire evening, shifting seamlessly between a starry-eyed Broadway dreamer and his hilarious disguise as Hungarian Follie Directori, Bela Zangler.

"Opposite him as Polly Baker is Ella, who has been lighting up stages across the Illawarra from a young age... performing with companies like So Popera (Strictly Ballroom, School of Rock, Annie) and Woods-Ray Theatricals (The Little Mermaid, Seussical Jr), as well as even starring as Mary Poppins early this year.

"When William and Ella share the stage, their romantic chemistry and comedic timing are electrifying. Watching them go toe-to-toe in numbers like 'Shall We Dance?' is pure theatre magic."

Anyone who has seen social media clips of Crazy For You rehearsals can see how the dancing is coming together in impressive fashion and will know that doesn't happen overnight.

"Our choreographer is Brittnee, who is without question the perfect fit for what this mammoth show demanded. She has brought that West End standard straight to our stage, transforming that London inspiration into full-throttle 1930s glitz and glamour," Matthew said.

Bringing a high level of dance know-how has been guest choreographer Brendan Cascarino, who worked with entertainment icons such as Hugh Jackman, Kylie Minogue, and Olivia Newton-John.

"We invited Brendan to come down from Sydney specifically to choreograph Bobby's solo. Wow, did he deliver... it has become a show-stealing, stunning Fred Astaire/Gene Kelly moment that will blow audiences away," Matthew said.

"Matching that creative firepower is our cast. South Sydney, Illawarra and South Coast have a deep pool of extraordinary dance talent.

"There are no 'background' roles in this show; every single Follies girl and cowboy is tapping flat-out with pickaxes, pie pans, and telephones.

"What you’re seeing in those reels is months of pure dedication and well rehearsed feet... when 20 pairs of tap shoes hit unison on the Miner’s Lamp boards, the entire theatre vibrates!"

Crazy for You runs at the Miner's Lamp Theatre from November 6-21. Tickets can be bought here.