Their music became the soundtrack for the Twentieth Century and saw America through some of her darkest days of the Great Depression and the tumultuous years of World War II. George and Ira Gershwin, the song-writing brothers penned such standards as “They Can’t Take That Away from Me,” “Embraceable You,” and “I Got Rhythm.”
Unfortunately, the books behind the musicals for which they were writing could not hold a candle to the music. That is, until Ken Ludwig stepped in more than 50 years after George Gershwin died to rework the story behind the Gershwin’s Girl Crazy (1930). The result was the 1992 Tony Award winning–including Best Musical–Broadway smash hit musical Crazy for You.
Crazy for You ran four years on Broadway, three in London, and has become a fixture in the world of musical comedy since its debut. Set in the 1930s, it is the story of Bobby Child, the sweet son of a wealthy New York banking family, whose dream in life is to dance on Broadway. Despite protests from his battle-axe of a mother and wealthy soon-to-be-ex-fiancé, Bobby flees to Deadrock, Nevada where he falls in love with Polly Baker the only girl within 50 miles and achieves his dream. Memorable Gershwin tunes include “I Can’t Be Bothered Now,” “Shall We Dance,” “Bidin’ My Time,” “Naughty Baby,” “But Not for Me,” “Nice Work if You Can Get It,” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.”
Crazy for You is a high energy, screw-ball comedy complete with mistaken identity, plot twists, fabulous dance numbers and classic Gershwin music.