TOE-tapping numbers and show-stopping tunes brought a touch of musical magic to the Theatre Royal on the opening night of Crazy For You, on Tuesday.

Packed with Gershwin favourites and snappy routines the production follows the adventures of love-struck banker Bobby Child who sets out to save a run-down theatre in the dusty town of Deadrock, Nevada.

With a strong cast, excellent lead roles and tight production, the sparkling show could warm even the coldest heart.

Marc Kerr is excellent as the frustrated dancer Bobby, who defies his mother’s orders to foreclose the Gaiety Theatre.

Instead, he decides to stage a production to save Deadrock’s failing playhouse and win the girl of his dreams.

Impeccably supported by Julie Merrick in the role of his hen-pecking mother, Kerr carries the role with perfect comic timing and nifty footwork, performing classic songs such as Crazy for You, They Can’t Take That Away from Me and Nice Work if You Can Get It.

Emily Mizen is excellent in the role of Polly Baker and Andrew Deane puts in a fantastic performance as theatre owner Bela Zangler, whose cold heart is won over by the charms of Deadrock and the shapely curves of dance director Tess, played by Karen Long.

Lavish choreography by director Sian Couture brings the show alive and a rousing chorus line adds depth to the production, which drew cheers and laughs.

Kathryn Smith added some spice to the mix as the sulky seductress Irene while Brian Enever gave a faultless performance as gruff Lank Hawkins, proprietor of the town’s saloon, and Brian Cole is extremely sweet as Polly’s loveable father.

But the real stars of the show were Ian Norris and Christian Jenner as the delightfully blundering English tourists Eugene and Patricia Fodor, who stumble into town and vow that the show must go on.

Charming, pacey and full of life, this performance is not one to miss.

JO THEWLIS