Crazy for the Gershwins
The songs of George and Ira Gershwin are spotlighted in Theatre by the Sea’s production of the Tony award-winner Crazy for You, which opens June 17 and plays through July 11.
Loosely based on the Gershwins’ 1930 musical hit Girl Crazy, Crazy for You is a musical comedy about Bobby Child, the son of a wealthy New York banking family, whose desire in life is to dance on Broadway. Despite protests from his mother and fiancée, Bobby flees to Deadrock, Nevada, where he meets the feisty local postmistress and falls in love.
The score features such standards as "Someone to Watch Over Me", "I Got Rhythm", "Nice Work If You Can Get It", and "Embraceable You".
TBTS’ Producing Artistic Director Amiee Turner, who previously helmed productions of George M! and Evita, is directing the production.
"I saw the original Broadway cast and really fell in love with it," Turner told EDGE. "It was happy and funny and the dance numbers were outrageously creative. It was such a great show and I thought the audiences here would really enjoy it."
Turner also has a lot of admiration for the Gershwins and their music.
"They certainly were an incomparable team, but also very talented independently," Turner noted. "Ira’s lyrics always had a good sense of humor, intelligence and word play. It’s funny but the world doesn’t really change much when it comes to love, human foibles or politics. I think George had an understanding of composition and orchestration so his music soars in a way that only great composers are able to accomplish. He had the ability to utilize such a wide variety of musical styles which helps express the innate emotion and storytelling of music."
The cast is a mix of theater veterans and newcomers. Stage and television actor, Sean Montgomery, will portray the role of Bobby Child, with Laurie Hymes portraying Polly Baker and Ira Denmark, appearing in the role of Bela Zangler in his sixth production of Crazy For You. Kate Arthur will portray the role of Patricia Fodor and native Rhode Islanders Jonathan Cooper and Beckley Andrews return to the Ocean State in the roles of Pete and Elaine.
"This is a lovely group," Turner says of the cast. "There is a wonderful mix of those who are doing their first professional job to those who are in the midst of long careers. They are working so hard to learn these amazing dance numbers and sing, and act, and be funny all at the same time."
Turner also praises the work of music director Andrew Smithson and choreographer Barbara Hartwig.
"With so much music woven throughout this piece it has had to be a true partnership between each and every one of us," Turner explained. "Our production recreates Susan Stroman’s brilliant choreography so there are some truly wonderful dance numbers."
Crazy For You will be presented from June 17-July 11, with preview performances on June 17 and 18 and opening night scheduled for June 19. The theatre is located at 364 Cards Pond Road, Matunuck, RI. Tickets for preview performances, Wednesday, June 17 and Thursday, June 18 are $35 and $39-$49 for all other performances. Discount rates are available for groups of 20 or more by calling (401) 782-3800 x18.
Tickets are on sale at the box office Mon-Sat from 10 am - 4 pm, online 24-hours-a-day at www.theatrebythesea.com and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (401) 782-TKTS (8587). The box office will also be open one hour prior to every performance.
