Crazy For You

Music:  George Gershwin

Lyrics:  Ira Gershwin

Book:  Ken Ludwig

About the Show

The new Gershwin musical features high energy, screw-ball comedy, mistaken identity, plot twists and fabulous dance numbers. It follows Bobby Child who dreams of dancing on Broadway, despite protests from his mother and wealthy fiancé.  Classic tunes include I Got Rhythm, Embraceable You and Someone to Watch Over Me.

Notes from Artistic Director Charles Burr

“Crazy for You” was awarded the 1992 Tony Award for Best Musical.  It’s subtitle, “The New Gershwin Musical Comedy,” tells you almost everything you need to know about this tuneful, delightfully silly, tap dancing gem of a show….but of course I’m gonna tell you more….

“Crazy for You” is a reworking of the old George and Ira Gershwin show “Girl Crazy” that starred Ginger Rogers and introduced Ethel Merman to Broadway in 1930.  While there was a 1932 film, you are more likely to remember the 1943 version with Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney.  The plot device of a city slicker adrift in a western tumbleweed town is about all they have in common.  For what makes “Crazy for You” special is that the book is re-written by none other than Ken Ludwig, author of the “Lend Me a Tenor” and “Leading Ladies” so you know it’s going to be funny.

Ludwig retained most of the original score (‘I Got Rhythm,’ ‘But Not For Me,’ ‘Embraceable You’) but also made room for more Gershwin favorites (‘Nice Work if You can Get It,’ ‘Someone to Watch Over Me,’ ‘They Can’t Take That Away From Me.’)  I think the song list is close to 22 numbers.  In an average musical you have about 14….

The original production ran for 1,622 performances where it racked up an additional 8 Tony nominations or wins and 8 Drama Desk Award nominations, including a win for Outstanding Musical.  When it opened in London it earned 7 nominations of the coveted Laurence Olivier Award and won Best New Musical.  It stayed on the West End for nearly three years.   

You only have 8 chances to see it at the Tibbits from July 8 thru 17.

presented with the generous support of:

VANDERVOORT, CHRIST & FISHER, P.C.

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