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Daniel Mullens, Moffat County High School director of choral activities, has an idea of what his students will feel next week.

"It's that adrenaline rush of finally getting out on the stage and seeing that curtain open and realizing you're in front of all these people - family members, parents, fellow students, community members," he said.

He expects that excitement to propel his cast of about 30.

"A lot of these kids live for it because it becomes a huge part of their lives," Mullens said.

At 7 p.m. Nov. 20 and 21, the cast will perform the George Gershwin musical, "Crazy For You," at the Moffat County High School auditorium, 900 Finley Lane.

A matinee showing is scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. Nov. 22, followed by a final evening performance at 7 p.m.

Tickets cost $5 in advance and $6 at the door. Entry is free to students with an ID.

Students have been practicing for the play since late September. Many cast members have been in a similar production before.

But this year is Mullens' first time directing this kind of musical.

And "Crazy For You" is no easy musical to stage.

It's not that the plot is complicated. Instead, it follows a formula similar to many musical comedies.

"It's a typical Broadway musical," Mullens said. "Boy meets girl, girl shuns boy, boy finds a way to win back girl. And, of course, there's a happy ending."

Rather, it's the music that makes "Crazy For You" a challenge.

The score containing American jazz music increases the difficulty factor for both cast and band members, making the music more difficult to learn.

Still, although preparing for the musical hasn't been easy, it hasn't come without payoff.

"It's been challenging, and it's been tough," Mullens said, "but it's been very rewarding."

For more information about the performance, call MCHS at 824-7036.

Bridget Manley can be reached at 875-1795 or bmanley@craigdailypress.com