‘Crazy For You’ –Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin. Book by Ken Ludwig. Direction and Choreography by Angelique Ilo. Music Direction by Ken Clifton. Scenic Design by Adam Koch. Lighting Design by Richard Lara. Original Costume Design by William Ivey Long. Sound Design by Daniel Lundberg. Wig/Hair & Make-Up Design by Roxanne De Luna. Presented by Ogunquit Playhouse, Ogunquit, Maine, through July 13, 2024. 

By Linda Chin

Written by sensational songwriters George and Ira Gershwin for their 1930 musical comedy Girl Crazy, the much-loved tune “I Got Rhythm” was introduced to the New York theatre world by a young singer with a sensational belt who was making her Broadway debut. Practically overnight, the catchy song became a hit, and before long, the newbie – whose stage name was Ethel Merman – became a star. The song’s brilliant chord progressions inspired new jazz variations by Duke Ellington and Charlie Parker; its inventive rhyme sequences and uplifting lyrics sparked recordings by Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, and other notable artists; and tap dance greats Gene Kelly and Gregory Hines. “I Got Rhythm” was featured prominently in the Gershwin’s’ 1992 Tony Award-winning Crazy for You. 

Read more “Ogunquit Playhouse’s ‘Crazy For You’ has Got Rhythm, Music, and Starlight”