Performances are 7 p.m. today; 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the MVL Fine Arts Center. Ticket may be purchased at the door.

Directed by Jennifer Uher and produced by Becky Berg, “Crazy for You” is a romantic comedy featuring the music of George and Ira Gershwin. 

The story follows Bobby Child, a New York banker sent to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a struggling theater. Child instead decides to stage a Broadway-style show to save the venue and win the heart of local resident Polly Baker.

The production is the third major show to be staged in the MVL Fine Arts Center since the facility opened a year ago. The venue, a renovated former gymnasium, has allowed the drama department to move away from using outside venues and consolidate its technical operations on campus.

Members of the "Zangler’s Girls" perform a choreographed routine during Thursday’s final dress rehearsal for Minnesota Valley Lutheran’s production of “Crazy for You.” The musical features several large-scale tap dance numbers set to the music of George and Ira Gershwin. (Photo by Amy Zents)

“We are really blessed to have people who care enough to want to make this space for us and help keep it,” said Paige Berg, who plays the lead role of Polly Baker. “We are just able to do so much more now than we could previously. Here, we get to have our set, lights, and sound weeks before we would have otherwise. That has allowed us to do many more complicated shows.”

The transition to a permanent performing space has allowed for more ambitious set designs, which Berg noted was impossible in years past. The production timeline for the show began with auditions in January, providing the cast with several months of preparation.

“The ability to rehearse with a full set and integrated sound system for several weeks prior to opening night has been a huge blessing,” said Uher.

Uher chose this production first of all because of Gershwin’s music, as well as the current talent of the student body and the appeal to the audience. It’s a show filled with classic tunes, tons of dance, and a story line that brings fun and laughter to all.

“I want the audience to leave with a song in their heart and a dance in their feet!” she said.

Paige Berg and William Kerkow star as Polly Baker and Bobby Child in Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School’s production of "Crazy for You." The musical opens Friday at 7 p.m. in the school's Fine Arts Center. (Photo by Amy Zents)

The show, which the cast and director describe as “energetic,” “hilarious,” and “riveting,” relies heavily on high-energy choreography and classic Gershwin arrangements.

The musical features a collection of iconic songs, including the show-stopping tap number “I Got Rhythm” and the romantic ballad “Embraceable You.” Other featured classics include “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Shall We Dance?,” and “Nice Work If You Can Get It.”

Berg described her character, Polly Baker, as a headstrong and determined individual.

“She is very stubborn and it is hard to change her mind,” Berg said.

While the musical is primarily known for its comedy and large-scale dance numbers, Berg said a more serious moment in the second act serves as the emotional anchor of the story.

Savanna Sweely takes a break during rehearsal at the Minnesota Valley Lutheran Fine Arts Center. Sweely and the rest of the "Crazy for You" cast will perform Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. (Photo by Amy Zents)

“It’s a bit of a sad moment and I think it’s so different from the rest of the show that it really stands out,” Berg said. “They have to be driven apart before they can be together.”

William Kerkow stars as Bobby Child, the New Yorker who discovers his passion for the stage while navigating the challenges of rural Nevada. 

The production includes a large ensemble of cowboys and showgirls who provide the momentum for the show’s musical sequences.

“My character is a New York guy who goes to the West to chase after his dream,” Kerkow said. “I definitely have a lot of energy. It is just so much fun and we have an amazing group of people.”

Jonah Hermanson, who plays the role of theater producer Bela Zangler, said the camaraderie among the actors has been a highlight of the season.

Jonah Hermanson performs as theater producer Bela Zangler during the final preparations for Minnesota Valley Lutheran’s production of "Crazy for You." The musical opens Friday at 7 p.m. in the school's Fine Arts Center. (Photo by Amy Zents)

“It’s an amazing group of people and an amazing cast,” Hermanson said. “It’s such an enjoyable memory.”

Savanna Sweely, who plays the role of Tess, also highlighted the physical demands of the rehearsal process and the importance of maintaining high energy from the beginning of the show to the final bow.

“The energy each other gives is what makes it,” Sweely said. “It’s a lot of time, so once you’re out there, it’s not hard to smile.”

Berg noted that the school’s distance from the center of New Ulm should not discourage community attendance.

“Just because we’re not in town, doesn’t mean that we’re not involved,” Berg said. “We would like other people to be involved with our activities.”

The musical features a wide cast of characters including Judah Guenther as Lank Hawkins, Maddie Meitner as Irene Roth, Jake Bruegger as Everett Baker, and Sophia Ulrich as Lottie Child. The Cowboy Chorus features Ezra Spike, Nathaniel Carlovsky, and Jamis Martens, while the Follies and showgirls are led by Sweely and Liz Halvorson.

The production is supported by student stage managers Izzy Jimenez and Emma Crabtree.

The technical complexity of “Crazy for You” requires precise timing between the live music and the choreographed tap numbers.

This weekend’s performance represents months of work beginning with the initial January casting calls.

Tickets for the production are available at the door. School officials noted that previous musical productions in the Fine Arts Center have reached seating capacity and recommend that attendees arrive early.