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Alessandra Djurklou Press Telegram Staff Writer
Gershwin brothers live on in 'Crazy for You'
On Broadway, death is no excuse.
The Gershwin brothers may have died in, respectively, 1937 (George) and 1983 (Ira), but that didn't stop them from getting their names on the 1992 Tony-award winning musical, "Crazy For You." '
But with a score including some of their biggest hits, such as "Someone to Watch Over Me," ' "I Got Rhythm," ' and "They Can't Take That Away From Me,'' "Crazy For You" ' is not a revue. It is a recycled musical, based on a '30s show called "Girl Crazy." '
The classic story line revolves around a boy with unsavory intentions falling for the daughter of a small-town theater owner. He disguises himself as a dashing actor to win her over, with initially disastrous results.
In other words, there are few cats and French waifs, but plenty of hoofers, comic misunderstanding and G-rated smooches.
So, why not just revive "Girl Crazy?" '
Impossible, said Jamie Rocco, who directs and choreographs the show for Musical Theatre West's 2003 season. The show opens Saturday at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach.
" 'Girl Crazy" came from a time when songs didn't necessarily further the plot,'' said Rocco, a New York resident and Broadway veteran who makes his directing debut with Musical Theatre West.
The show was also peppered with devices and elements that may not sit well with today's politically correct audience. So, after plenty of retooling by Ken Ludwig and the blessing of assorted Gershwin relatives, "Crazy For You" ' was launched on Broadway, where it won accolades by the bushel.
The show featured choreography
by White Way veteran Susan Stroman, and she is a big reason Rocco allowed
himself to be lured from the Big Apple to Long Beach.
It turns out the two go way back from a talent show they once did as children in Atlantic City, to a fruitful working relationship through their 20s, to occasional work since.
"It" s been a love letter to her,'' said Rocco of his decision to direct "Crazy." '
Although this may be Rocco's first directing job at the Carpenter, that doesn't mean he doesn't have ties to actors here.
He and David Engel, who plays the lead, Bobby, also know each other from way back. They would share cabs on their way home from doing shows on Broadway.
"I was doing 'Cage," you were doing 'Cats, '' said Engel to Rocco at a recent "Crazy" ' rehearsal.
This is, however, the first time the two have actually worked together.
But Rocco needn't worry about Engel's chemistry with his co-star, Tami Tappan, who plays the tomboy Polly.
Tappan and Engel have been each other's romantic leads for at least five shows, including 2001's Musical Theatre West production of "Singin" in the Rain.''
"She's my favorite leading lady,'' said Engel. "It's a mutual admiration society,'' said Tappan.
However, they have worked together often enough that one wonders whether Tappan's off-stage husband may not be a little jealous by now of her on-stage one?
But Tappan is quick to dispel any such nonsense because, apart from the rapport she has with her co-star, she and Engel are doing "Crazy" ' because it's a really fun show.
More fun that "Singin" in the Rain?'' "This has got much more grand dancing; in this one we take the stage more," ' said Engel. "It" s got a lot more comedy.''
And of course, there's always the music.
Just because the Gershwin brothers are dead, that's no excuse for the show
not to go on.
7/10/2003
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