Snappy ‘Crazy for You’ a Gershwin Treat

Ready for romance and some immortal melodies? The Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities gives a sparkling revival of a newer version of Ira and George Gershwin’s “Crazy for You” at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center.

With the permission of the Gershwin estate and funding from a Gershwin fan, Ken Ludwig rewrote the book with a plot that he had conceived with the late director Mike Ockrent. Songs were deleted from the original and others were borrowed from various Gershwin shows.

Opening on Broadway in 1992, this version won three Tonys (musical, costume design and choreography).

The story line is corny, with a barely bad guy, but under director Alan Coats, the one-liners snap, and there’s even some crackle in the on-stage chemistry.

As Bobby, the rich boy seeking the Broadway spotlight, David Engle adeptly moves from a dashing lead to a physical comedian. His voice blends beautifully with Stephanie Block as Polly, the object of Bobby’s affection. Tracy Lore’s Irene, Bobby’s fearsome fiancee, heats up the stage in her “Naughty Baby” number in which Irene seduces Polly’s No. 1 suitor, Lank (John Bisom).

Coats’ choreography won’t set the dance world on fire, but as director he seems more interested in sweeping the audience away with the breathless, wide-eyed innocence of this romantic musical. Costume designer Thomas G. Marquez provides some colorfully sassy street outfits for the Zangler girls as well as some glitzy show costumes worthy of Vegas.

This version of the Gershwin musical is pure escapist fun for the family that the Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities delivers with great style.

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“Crazy for You,” Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach. Tuesdays-Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 p.m., 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m., 7 p.m Ends Oct. 7. $35-$50. (310) 372-4477. Running time: 2 hours, 50 minutes.