The drama department is taking York’s annual spring musical to new heights this year. The production is called “Crazy For You,” and Michael Camenisch, the show’s director, says that “the musical receives rave reviews wherever it shows and I am excited about the chance for us to perform it.”

Camenisch is not the only one excited about this year’s show. “I’m really glad I decided to do musical,” says Heather Nuckles (Fr.). “I like everyone in the cast, and our instructors are great!” Blair Elder (Sr.) is the backstage manager of the show. “The story is about a city boy who falls for a tough country girl. He was sent to foreclose on her father’s theatre, but instead goes undercover to win her heart by reviving the town. It’s very energetic and has lots of tap dancing in it,” she said. Michael Lasris (Sr.) plays the part of Bobby Child, the city boy who dreams of making it big on Broadway. He says that the show is “a showcase of Gershwin’s greatest hits strung together to make a completely new musical.” He adds, “This show is GOOD!” Morgan Forehand (Sr.) plays Polly Baker, the only woman in a broken-down mining town in Nevada. “The show is going well. It really paid off to start early!” she said. Brianna Shields (So.) plays “a high-maintenance vixen named Irene. I’m still trying to break out of my conservative personality to really get into the part!” Becca Ledebuhr (Jr.) plays Patsy, one of the follies girls. “All the follies are really ditzy,” says Ledebuhr, “but Patsy is definitely the dumbest!”

Performers say that this year’s production will be more professional than the past few years. This is the third York musical that Maria Booth (Sr.) has been in, and she is impressed. “Everything is more organized and professional than last year. Our dance rehearsals are more efficient – last year we had to learn a lot of last-minute choreography.” The cast has been rehearsing since Thanksgiving. Dance lessons take place at Wilkins’ School of Dance with Amy Kidwell, a professional dancer and acclaimed teacher. The stage in the York auditorium is also getting a complete makeover. The sets for the show will be huge and elaborate, featuring an 8-foot bridge and retractable buildings. The entire backstage – and the stage itself – will be painted black to give the auditorium a more professional edge.

For the first time, there will be four performances instead of two, which will give people more opportunities to come see the show. Tickets are on sale now.