BEVERLY - The third time was the charm for actor Jeffry Denman. After auditioning twice in the past for his favorite musical, "Crazy for You," he's finally landed the lead role of Bobby Child.
Denman, who lives in Manhattan and has performed on Broadway in such shows as "Cats" and "The Producers," will take the stage in "Crazy for You" at the North Shore Music Theatre. The musical, which begins NSMT's 2007 season on Tuesday, is heavy on comedy, romance and tap dance. It tells the story of a New York City boy who ends up falling in love with a girl from a small mining town in Nevada.
Prior to tapping his way onto the stage, Denman talks about learning to dance and getting "Crazy."
Why did you want to be a part of 'Crazy for You?'
'Crazy for You' is like the girl I met freshman year of high school. I liked her in the first week, but she didn't like me back until the high school prom. This is the prom.
What do you like about the show?
Everything. Literally everything. It has unapologetic romanticism. Musical theater is an escape from our reality to see people go forward with faith and hope in their eyes.
Have you been to the North Shore Music Theatre before?
I've always wanted to work at the North Shore Music Theatre. Everyone in New York always talks about it.
Have you always been a big fan of tap dance?
Huge. I started tap dancing pretty late. The choreographer (of my high school dance shows) pulled me out of the background and gave me solos. I took (tap) lessons with her for three years. I would learn a step, and drill it and drill it and drill it. I learned about style from watching Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.
Why did you grasp on to tap?
In tap, it's visual and aural. You get to hear what (the dancers) are feeling. Taps have this light and fun quality. It's another color.
Do you dance when you're at home?
I'm always tapping around the house. Rhythm is very important to me.
Have you ever been to a middle-of-nowhere town like your character, Bobby?
Yes, in New Mexico. Las Cruces. We were on the West Coast (touring with a show) and we drove through New Mexico and to Las Cruces. That was pretty much like, 'Where am I?' You're in the middle of the desert. There are tumbleweeds.
Denman, who lives in Manhattan and has performed on Broadway in such shows as "Cats" and "The Producers," will take the stage in "Crazy for You" at the North Shore Music Theatre. The musical, which begins NSMT's 2007 season on Tuesday, is heavy on comedy, romance and tap dance. It tells the story of a New York City boy who ends up falling in love with a girl from a small mining town in Nevada.
Prior to tapping his way onto the stage, Denman talks about learning to dance and getting "Crazy."
Why did you want to be a part of 'Crazy for You?'
'Crazy for You' is like the girl I met freshman year of high school. I liked her in the first week, but she didn't like me back until the high school prom. This is the prom.
What do you like about the show?
Everything. Literally everything. It has unapologetic romanticism. Musical theater is an escape from our reality to see people go forward with faith and hope in their eyes.
Have you been to the North Shore Music Theatre before?
I've always wanted to work at the North Shore Music Theatre. Everyone in New York always talks about it.
Have you always been a big fan of tap dance?
Huge. I started tap dancing pretty late. The choreographer (of my high school dance shows) pulled me out of the background and gave me solos. I took (tap) lessons with her for three years. I would learn a step, and drill it and drill it and drill it. I learned about style from watching Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.
Why did you grasp on to tap?
In tap, it's visual and aural. You get to hear what (the dancers) are feeling. Taps have this light and fun quality. It's another color.
Do you dance when you're at home?
I'm always tapping around the house. Rhythm is very important to me.
Have you ever been to a middle-of-nowhere town like your character, Bobby?
Yes, in New Mexico. Las Cruces. We were on the West Coast (touring with a show) and we drove through New Mexico and to Las Cruces. That was pretty much like, 'Where am I?' You're in the middle of the desert. There are tumbleweeds.
What are your other favorite musicals?
'Sweeney Todd.' It's one of the best constructed musicals.
What was the first show you saw on Broadway?
'The Mystery of Edwin Drood.' I was 15.
Do you get to see many shows these days?
I go when I can. I see a good six shows a year. I recently saw 'Journey's End.'
What else do you want people to know about 'Crazy for You?'
I'm just so excited about doing it. Amanda (Watkins, playing the female lead, Polly) and I are friends through the theater. (Actor) David Coffee is brilliant. He's so funny.
IF YOU GO
* What: "Crazy for You"
* When: April 24 through May 13. Shows are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.
* Where: North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
r How: Tickets are $35 to $70. Call 978-232-7200 or visit www.nsmt.org.
Get 'Crazy' yourself
The North Shore Music Theatre is hosting a free tap class on Sunday, May 6, at 6 and 7 p.m. Cast members from "Crazy for You" will teach dance numbers from the musical. There is no experience required. Space is limited; to join, call Stacy Whalen-Kelly, 978-232-7290, or e-mail her at swhalen@nsmt.org.
This season at the North Shore Music Theatre:
* "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" May 29 through June 17
* "High School Musical" July 3 through 29
* "The Three Musketeers" Aug. 21 through Sept. 9
* "Forever Plaid" Sept. 18 through Oct. 7
* "Les Miserables" Oct. 23 though Nov. 18
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