Crazy for You
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Crazy for You: A Gershwin Delight on the West End
"Crazy for You," a romantic comedy musical with music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin and a book by Ken Ludwig, first graced London’s West End at the Prince Edward Theatre on March 3, 1993. Running for nearly three years until January 1996, it delivered 1,143 performances of pure theatrical exuberance. Revived in 2023 at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman, the show returned from a sold-out Chichester Festival Theatre run, closing on December 31, 2023, after a six-month stint. This Tony and Olivier Award-winning production follows Bobby Child, a banker with showbiz dreams, as he transforms a sleepy Nevada town and wins Polly Baker’s heart through song, dance, and a touch of chaos.
Origins and Evolution
The musical’s roots lie in the Gershwins’ 1930 Broadway show "Girl Crazy," which Ludwig reimagined, weaving in additional classics like "Someone to Watch Over Me" and "They Can’t Take That Away From Me." Producers Roger Horchow and Elizabeth Williams envisioned a fresh take, enlisting Ludwig for the book, Mike Ockrent to direct, and Stroman for choreography. Debuting on Broadway in 1992, it won Best Musical, setting the stage for its West End transfer. The 2023 revival saw Ludwig trim the script by 15 minutes, adding contemporary flair while preserving its Golden Age charm, with Stroman’s direction amplifying its infectious energy.
The West End Legacy
The 1993 production, helmed by Ockrent and Stroman, starred Ruthie Henshall as Polly, Kirby Ward as Bobby, and Chris Langham as Bela Zangler. Its nearly three-year run at the Prince Edward Theatre earned three Olivier Awards: Best New Musical, Best Theatre Choreographer, and Best Set Designer. The 2023 revival at the Gillian Lynne Theatre featured Charlie Stemp, Carly Anderson, and Tom Edden, opening July 3 after previews from June 24. Originally slated to end January 20, 2024, it closed three weeks early due to scheduling shifts, yet its 183 performances reaffirmed its status as a West End crowd-pleaser, lauded for Stroman’s roof-raising choreography.
Musical and Theatrical Highlights
The Gershwin score sparkles with hits like "I Got Rhythm," a first-act finale that erupts into a tap-dancing frenzy, and "Embraceable You," a tender duet for Bobby and Polly. Stroman’s choreography featuring washboards, saws, and swinging pickaxes earned her a Tony in 1992 and ovations in 2023. Beowulf Boritt’s sets whisk audiences from New York’s bustle to Deadrock’s dusty charm, while William Ivey Long’s costumes dazzle with Zangler Follies flair. Stemp’s pratfalling Bobby and Anderson’s spirited Polly, paired with Edden’s comic Zangler, brought Ludwig’s witty script to life, making every number a showstopper.
Revivals and Global Reach
Beyond its initial West End triumph, "Crazy for You" toured Toronto in 1993-1995 and aired on PBS in 1999 from Paper Mill Playhouse. London saw a 2011 revival at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, transferring to the Novello Theatre, and a 2016-2018 UK tour with Tom Chambers. The 2023 Chichester-to-West End transfer, with new orchestrations by Doug Besterman and Mark Cumberland, showcased its adaptability. Though Broadway revisited it briefly in the 1990s, its heart remains in regional and international stagings, where its joyous spirit continues to thrive.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
"Crazy for You" blends old-school showbiz with timeless romance, earning its 1992 Tony and 1993 Olivier for Best Musical. Its 2023 revival, hailed as “a divine production that will leave you giddy” by The Guardian, reaffirmed its escapist allure, drawing over 2 million attendees across its West End runs. Stroman’s choreography and the Gershwins’ melodies keep it a benchmark for musical comedy, influencing later tap-heavy hits. As of March 2025, its legacy endures as a feel-good classic, a love letter to theater that proves rhythm and heart can still steal the show.