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The Play Guide for Crazy for You was created by:
Jenna Turk Artistic Associate
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Crazy for You runs from April 18 to May 20th, 2017 For tickets, visit theatrecalgary.com or call (403) 294-7447
Front cover design by Punch & Judy Inc. and photo by David Cooper
Table of Contents THE BASICS The Company Song List Who’s Who? The Story A Synopsis
1 3 4 5 5
EXPLORATIONS The Call Ken Ludwig The Gershwins Cowspeak Citadel Theatre Crazy for Crazy for You: Then and Now
8 9 1111 12 14 16
CONVERSATIONS Conversation Starters Sequins! Sequins! Sequins! The Fantastic Follies Movie Night Recommended Reads from Calgary Public Library
18 19 21 23 24
Sources
26
THE BASICS
1
The Company Max Bell Theatre at Arts Commons
April 1 8 to May 20, 2017
CRAZY FOR YOU® A co-production with the Citadel Theatre
The New Gershwin® Musical Music and Lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin Book by Ken Ludwig Co-Conception by Ken Ludwig and Mike Ockrent Inspired by Material by Guy Bolton and John McGowan Originally produced on Broadway by Roger Horchow and Elizabeth Williams Original Broadway Choreography by Susan Stroman
Director & Choreographer
DAYNA TEKATCH
Music Director
DON HORSBURGH
Set & Costume Design
CORY SINCENNES
Lighting Design
GERALD KING
Sound Design
PETER MCBOYLE
Fight Director & Associate Choreographer
JONATHAN PURVIS
Assistant Director
FARREN TIMOTEO
Associate Lighting Design
APRIL VICZKO
Associate Sound Design
MICHAEL LAIRD
The worldwide copyrights in the music of George and Ira Gershwin® for this presentation are licensed by the Gershwin Family. CRAZY FOR YOU®, THE NEW GERSHWIN® MUSICAL is presented by arrangement with TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY, INC. 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022. GERSHWIN is a registered trademark and service mark of Gershwin Enterprises. CRAZY FOR YOU is a registered trademark and service mark of CRAZY FOR YOU Enterprises.
THE BASICS
2
People of New York Bobby Child Irene Roth Lottie Child Bela Zangler Evelyn Rose Patsy Tess Betsy Mitzi, Dance Captain
ANDREW MACDONALD-SMITH RACHEL BOWRON SUSAN GILMOUR JOHN ULLYATT NADYA CORSCADDEN ELIZABETH GREER KELSEY LACOMBE MAKAYLA MOORE ALISON ROBERTS SARAH VANCE
People of Deadrock Polly Baker Everett Baker Lank Hawkins Pete Moose Billy Mingo Junior Jimmy Perkins, Custus
AYRIN MACKIE LARRY HERBERT JESSE GERVAIS JONATHAN CULLEN SHELDON ELTER ALEX KELLY WILL LAMOND GREGORY PEMBER ANDREW TAYLOR CHRISTOPHER WILSON
Patricia Fodor Eugene Fodor
ELIZABETH STEPKOWSKI-TARHAN BLAIR YOUNG
Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager
EVAN R. KLASSEN EMMA BRAGER AL GADOWSKY
Head of Lighting Head of Sound (Mixer) RF Tech Head Stage Carpenter Wardrobe & Wig Master Stage Hands Follow Spot Operators Lead Dresser Dressers Wig Running Wig Maintenance Wardrobe Maintenance
CATHARINE CRUMB BRONWYN BOWLBY CHRIS JACKO SCOTT MORRIS RON SIEGMUND ANDREW KERR, DAVID DENNIS MIKE BOOTH, TRISHA HERBERT RACHEL MICHELLE SHERIDAN JULI ELKIW, KATIE KLINGVALL BRENDA BOUTET LAURA DEMOISSAC CARLEY LAINE POWELL
Cameras and audio/visual recording devices are not permitted in the theatre. Video and audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
CRAZY FOR YOU has one 20-minute intermission.
THE BASICS
3
Song List ACT ONE OPENING: K-RA-ZY FOR YOU I CAN’T BE BOTHERED BIDIN’ MY TIME THINGS ARE LOOKING UP COULD YOU USE ME? SHALL WE DANCE? GIRLS ENTER NEVADA SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME SLAP THAT BASS EMBRACEABLE YOU TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT I GOT RHYTHM
Bobby Bobby & Girls Cowboy Trio & Men Bobby Bobby & Polly Bobby & Polly Chorus Polly Bobby (as Zangler) & Company Polly & Bobby (as Zangler) Chorus Polly & Company
ACT TWO THE REAL AMERICAN FOLK SONG WHAT CAUSES THAT? NAUGHTY BABY STIFF UPPER LIP THEY CAN’T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME BUT NOT FOR ME NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT FINALE
Cowboy Trio & Chorus Bobby & Zangler Irene, Lank & Male Quartet: Billy, Custus, Jimmy, Junior Eugene, Patricia, Bobby, Polly & Company Bobby Polly Bobby & Girls Company
MUSICIANS Music Director & Keyboard Reed 1 (Flute, Clarinet, Soprano & Alto saxes) Reed 2 (Flute, Clarinet, Alto & Tenor saxes) Reed 3 (Clarinet, Bass Clarinet & Tenor sax) Trumpet 1 Trumpet 2 Trombone 1 Bass Trombone/Tuba Drums Percussion Synthesizer Violin Cello Bass Orchestra Contractor
DON HORSBURGH JEREMY BROWN GERRY HEBERT CEDRIC BLARY JIM MURRAY JAY MICHALAK CARSTEN RUBELING DAVE REID JIM JOHNSTON ROBERT FENSKE MICHELLE GRÉGOIRE JONATHAN LEWIS MORAG NORTHEY KODI HUTCHINSON DAVE REID
Subs Reed 1: Reed 2: Trumpet 2: Bass Trombone/Tuba:
KEITH O’ROURKE ANDREA CIONA LEANNE PAISLEY NATHAN CHANDLER
THE BASICS
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Who’s Who? People of New York Bobby Child: A banker who loves musical theatre Irene Roth: Bobby’s fiancé of five years Lottie Child: Bobby’s wealthy and domineering mother Bela Zangler: A Broadway impresario and the face of Zangler’s Follies Evelyn: One of Zangler’s Follies Rose: One of Zangler’s Follies Patsy: One of Zangler’s Follies with a high speaking voice Tess: The dance director of Zangler’s Follies Betsy: One of Zangler’s Follies Mitzi/Dance Captain: A principal dancer in Zangler’s Follies
People of Deadrock Polly Baker: Postmistress and daughter of Everett Baker, an “All American Girl” Everett Baker: Owner of the Gaiety Theatre/post office Lank Hawkins: Proprietor of the Deadrock saloon Pete: A cowboy Moose: A cowboy Billy: A card player Mingo: A cowboy Junior: A card player Jimmy: A cowboy
THE BASICS
5 Perkins/Custus: Lottie Child’s business assistant and a cowboy Patricia Fodor: An English tourist Eugene Fodor: Patricia’s brother
The Story When a young banker is sent to the sleepy town of Deadrock to foreclose a rundown theatre, his heart and his life are turned completely upside down. This hilarious song-and-dance extravaganza features the classics “I Got Rhythm,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” and “Nice Work If You Can Get It.” High-energy fun!
A Synopsis The musical opens backstage at the Zangler Theatre in New York City during the 1930s where chorus girls (members of “Zangler’s Follies”) are finishing up rehearsal when Bobby Child appears hoping to audition for the famous Broadway producer, Bela Zangler. A banker by day, Bobby flubs his audition and is further humiliated when his fiancée Irene shows up demanding he give up his dreams of stardom. Bobby’s overbearing mother appears and orders him to go to Deadrock, Nevada to foreclose on an old theatre to save the family business some money (they run the bank). In Deadrock, Everett Baker receives a letter warning him the bank will be foreclosing on his theatre, called Gaiety Theatre. The town’s saloon owner, Lank, tries to convince him to sell him the space, but Everett refuses as the
THE BASICS
6 theatre is where his late wife was a star. An old gold-mining town, Deadrock has seen better days, and the last remaining woman is now Everett’s daughter, Polly, who works as the postmistress. When Bobby arrives, he is suffering from heat-stroke and Polly appears like a mirage – Bobby falls instantly in love. When he finds out who she is, he realizes that foreclosing on the theatre would lose him the girl of his dreams, so he decides to help her save the theater by putting on a show like “Zangler’s Follies.” However, when Polly discovers why he’s in Deadrock, she loses all trust in him. Unwilling to give up on Polly, Bobby disguises himself as Bela Zangler to orchestrate the show. In preparation for opening night Deadrock is abuzz with cowboys learning to dance and chorus girls arriving from New York City to help out. Meanwhile, Polly has fallen in love with Bobby’s impersonation of Zangler and Irene has arrived in town. But when the big night arrives, only two tourists show up to the performance. Luckily, the town realizes that putting the show together woke them up and reenergized Deadrock. The end of Act One arrives with the reappearance of the real Bela Zangler. Act Two begins with Bobby intent on confessing his impersonation of Zangler to Polly, but Polly won’t believe it and instead kisses the real Zangler to prove Bobby a liar. When Polly leaves, Zangler seeks out Tess, his lover, and tries to reunite, but she rejects him. Finally the two Zanglers meet in a drunken stupor in Lank’s saloon and share their sorrows. When Polly discovers Bobby wasn’t lying about playing dress up she slaps him and storms off. Impassioned by his feelings for Polly, Bobby breaks off his engagement with Irene, who then seduces Lank. Meanwhile the townspeople have all met to discuss whether or not to proceed with the show.
THE BASICS
7 Dejected, Bobby heads back to New York City just as Polly realizes too late that she loves him. The real Zangler takes over Deadrock’s show and casts Polly in the lead. Six weeks later, Bobby’s mother gives him the Zangler Theatre for his birthday – it turns out that Zangler has given all of his attention the Gaiety Theatre in Deadrock. Although happy with the present, Bobby realizes his love for Polly is worth more and heads back to Deadrock with his mother to find her. Seemingly at the same time, Polly has realized she must be with Bobby too and so she has left town for New York. As Bobby learns he has just missed Polly, his mother and Everett Baker catch eyes and they instantly fall in love. Suddenly, Polly reappears as her ride to the train station ran out of gas, and with the town’s help she and Bobby are reunited!
Ayrin Mackie as Paolly Baker and Andrew MacDonald-Smith as Bobby Child in
Crazy for You
(Photo by David Cooper)
THE BASICS
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The Call
The cast of Crazy for You (Photo by David Cooper)
In 1990, Ken Ludwig got a telephone call from a Texas millionaire with an idea: Roger Horchow wanted Ludwig to resurrect a 1930 musical called Girl Crazy by George and Ira Gershwin. Ludwig had never written a musical before in his life. He was a part-time lawyer (Ludwig studied at Harvard Law) and part-time playwright with one hit comedy under his belt, Lend Me a Tenor. But Horchow, the wannabe Broadway producer, insisted that Ludwig was the man for the job, and after much pestering he took the gig. With Horchow’s support and the rights to many of Ira and George Gershwin’s greatest hits, Ludwig completely reworked Girl Crazy into the musical we know today as Crazy for You. He kept many of the original musical’s songs like, “Bidin’ My Time,” “Embraceable You,” and “I Got Rhythm,” but he also added loads more Gershwin gems like, "Someone to Watch Over Me" "K-ra-zy for You," and "They Can't Take That Away from Me." Ludwig also changed our leading man from Danny Churchill to
THE BASICS
9 Bobby Child and shifted the plot so that instead of the leading man returning to Nevada to run his family’s ranch, he was now banished to Deadrock to foreclose on a rundown theatre. Together, Horchow and Ludwig produced a bonafide Broadway hit! Crazy for You opened in 1992 and promptly won the Tony Award for Best Musical. The next year when it moved to London’s West End it won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, and when it was recently revived there in 2012 it won the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. Thanks to a part-time lawyer and a pushy Texan, the Gershwins’ music was reborn into a musical comedy classic.
Ken Ludwig
Ken Ludwig (Photo by Leslie Cashen)
KEN LUDWIG (Playwright) has had 6 shows on Broadway and 7 in London’s West End, and his plays and musicals have been performed in more than 30 countries in over 20 languages. Lend Me a Tenor, which the Washington Post called “one of the classic comedies of the 20th century,” won two Tony Awards and was nominated for seven. He has also won
THE BASICS
10 two Laurence Olivier Awards, the Charles MacArthur Award, two Helen Hayes Awards, and the Edgar Award for Best Mystery of the Year. His plays have been commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Old Globe and the Bristol Old Vic. His 24 plays and musicals include Moon Over Buffalo (with Carol Burnett), Twentieth Century (with Alec Baldwin), The Game’s Afoot, Leading Ladies, The Fox on the Fairway, Baskerville and A Comedy of Tenors. His adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express will premiere in March at the McCarter Theatre and his newest play, Robin Hood!, opens at the Old Globe in August. His book How To Teach Your Children Shakespeare (Random House) won the Falstaff Award for Best Shakespeare Book of 2014. He holds degrees from Harvard, where he studied with Leonard Bernstein, Haverford College, and Cambridge University. For more information please visit www.kenludwig.com
“There’s no business like show business.” -Irving Berlin
EXPLORATIONS
11
The Gershwins
George and Ira Gershwin (Photo courtesy of Warner Publications)
Brothers George and Ira Gershwin were born just before the turn of the 20th century, and together they created some of the most famous musical numbers in American music history, like: “I Got Rhythm,” “Embraceable You,” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Older brother Ira was the creator in the family and his lyrics helped win the musical, Of Thee I Sing, the first Pulitzer Prize ever for a piece of musical theatre. He lived a long life, happily married for 57 years, writing for both the stage and screen, before passing away at the age of 86. His younger brother, George, however wasn’t quite so fortunate. A songwriter and pianist, George is often thought to have been the more promising of the two, but unfortunately, his life was cut short by a malignant brain tumor at the age of 38. Together George and Ira were surely successful having collaborated on more than a dozen scores including musicals Strike Up the Band, Let ‘Em Eat Cake, and Porgy and Bess, but George’s most famous works were actually done on his own. With his jazzy Tin Pan Alley influenced style, his orchestral compositions remain
EXPLORATIONS
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some of the most world-renowned like: “Rhapsody in Blue” and “An American in Paris.” Throughout their careers Ira had always managed his brother’s affairs, and after George’s death he continued to do so, advocating for the maintenance of his legacy. His work paid off as the George and Ira Gershwin Collection is now housed in the Library of Congress. Not only does the Gershwins’ music live on, but their name holds incredible weight both in the musical theatre playbook and in the classical music canon.
Cowspeak
The Cast of Crazy for You (Photo by David Cooper)
Calgary and Deadrock, Nevada, may both share a western heritage, but that doesn't mean we're all cowboys and cowgirls! For your cowpoke interpreting needs, here is a translation guide of some key terms.
Deadrock, Nevada: A fictional sleepy little Western town in the middle of nowhere
EXPLORATIONS
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Saloon: A venue serving alcoholic drinks, popular in the western United States in the 19th century Lock, stock and barrel: A figure of speech meaning all or everything. Its various parts itemize the parts of a musket rifle. The phrase popularized in the 1800’s when muskets began being mass-produced and now all of the gun’s parts could be made together The junction: A place where roads or railroads come together. Where passengers could get on and off. Dumb cuss: A derogatory term for someone you find stupid, derived from the shortening of “customer” Gunfights: Popular in the Old American West where lawmen, outlaws, and cowboys would resolve disputes by squaring off in a duel using guns Wyatt Earp: A famous American Old West gambler and sheriff known as the hero of the O.K. Corral shootout where three outlaws were killed Billy the Kid: A gunfighter infamous for escaping jail and evading capture. He was shot and killed at age 21, but some rumours also suggest he escaped to live a long life Leather fringe: A staple of western wear, the leather keeps the wearer warm and the fringe keeps them dry as it wicks off rain Gal-darn: An exclamation of amazement; a derivative of goddamn Foaled: When a mare gives birth to a baby horse, a foal Drifters: A person who moves from one place to another, from one job to another. Prevalent during the Great Depression as people were forced to seek out work
EXPLORATIONS
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Yip-pie I Oh Ki-ai Kai-oh: Likely derived from the term yip meaning to chirp excitedly, but the full phrase was first used in 1936 in the cowboy movie- musical, Rhythm on the Range, in a song by Bing Crosby Cowpoke: An informal term meaning cowboy Wide open spaces: The West is known as the land of opportunity and its big blue skies appeal to many. For years people have sought their freedom and their fortune here The Dalton Boys: A team of outlaws that included three brothers who were known for robbing trains and sticking up banks The Clanton Gang: A group of outlaw cowboys, including Ike Clanton who was killed at the O.K. Corral, who specialized in hold-ups High hat: Used to refer to people who are snobbish or self-important. This began as a reflection of those who literally wore tall hats
Citadel Theatre
Citadel Theatre (Photo via Theatre Alberta)
Crazy for You is a co-production between Theatre Calgary and Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre and marks a collaboration between two of Canada’s top regional theatres.
EXPLORATIONS
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The Citadel was founded more than 50 years ago, originally opening in the old Salvation Army Citadel on 103rd Street. The current Citadel opened in Edmonton’s arts district in 1976. It houses five performance spaces: the Shoctor Theatre (a proscenium stage), the Maclab Theatre (a thrust stage), The Club (a cabaret-style venue also known as the Rice Theatre), as well as Zeidler Hall, the Lee Pavilion and the Tucker Amphitheatre. The Citadel is also home to the Academy which encompasses The Citadel/Banff Centre Professional Theatre Program (a rigorous advanced training program for established and emerging theatre professionals); Young Companies (offering advanced training and mentorship in Acting, Musical Theatre, Playwriting, and Theatre Production to youth between the ages of 16-21); The Eldon and Anne Foote Theatre School (the oldest and largest theatre school in Edmonton, providing year-round classes for all ages and experience levels since for almost 50 years); and Play Development (supporting playwrights with the opportunity to collaborate with some of Canada’s most celebrated writers). On now at the Citadel are Peter and the Starcatcher from April 1st to April 23rd and Sense and Sensibility from April 22nd to May 14th. For more information about our partners to the north, visit the Citadel website: http://www.citadeltheatre.com/
Christopher Wilson as Perkins, Andrew MacDonald-Smith as Bobby Child, and Susan Gilmour as Lottie Child in Crazy for You (Photo by David Cooper)
EXPLORATIONS
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Crazy for Crazy for You: Then and Now
The cast of Crazy for You (Photo by David Cooper)
When Crazy for You premiered on Broadway in 1992 it was a runaway hit. Featuring songs from the nineteen-thirties set in archetypal locales like a Broadway theatre and an old western saloon, the musical had an innate sense of timelessness. But while the music may have had a classic Gershwin feel, its energy was electrifyingly present. Crazy for You, the first musical ever written by Ken Ludwig, was nominated for nine Tony Awards and took home the prizes for Best Choreography, Best Costume Design, and the top honour of Best Musical. The following year the original Broadway director, Mike Ockrent, directed the show in London, England. The West End production ran for nearly three years and repeated its wins at the Laurence Olivier Awards. Since 1992, Crazy for You has been done all over the world from community stages to professional productions, but in 2011 an official revival debuted in the West End. Together Theatre Calgary and Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre are thrilled to bring this stunning show to Alberta this spring.
EXPLORATIONS
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In 1992, the world was a tumultuous place full of political change. The Soviet Union had collapsed, and while the Cold War was finally over, the Gulf War was just beginning. An ailing President Bush was the leader of the United States and a young Bill Clinton was waiting in the wings. In Canada, Conservative Brian Mulroney was finishing up as our 18th Prime Minister and our country would soon be under a Liberal government with Jean Chrétien at its helm (by way of Kim Campbell, of course). Today in 2017, things are similar with both Canada and the United States recently electing new leadership. Many feel unsure of the future and scared of the direction in which our globe is heading. With worries and fears dominating our collective consciousness, everyone needs an escape – from 1992 to 2017 that much hasn’t changed. Thankfully, Crazy for You with its hilarious script, delightful cowboys and showgirls, and its infectiously joyful spirit is the perfect release.
“To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.” -Jane Austen
CONVERSATIONS
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Conversation Starters
Have you ever been involved in a show of some kind?
Was it a positive experience? Why or why not?
Do you think Calgary is more like New York City or Deadrock?
Are you proud of where you’re from?
Is there a sense of community where you live?
Is there such a thing as true love?
How do you know that you’re in love?
Do you like musical theatre? Why or why not?
Does singing and dancing enhance the show’s story?
What was your favourite part of Crazy for You? Why?
How did this musical leave you feeling?
The cast of Crazy for You (Photo by David Cooper)
“If music be the food of love, play on.” -William Shakespeare
CONVERSATIONS
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Sequins! Sequins! Sequins! An Interview with Theatre Calgary’s Wardrobe Coordinator Katie Klingvall
The cast of Crazy for You (Photo by David Cooper)
A co-production with Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre, Crazy for You is a true celebration of collaboration with every theatrical element being touched by both the Citadel and Theatre Calgary. Not only do the talented performers and jazzy music thrill audiences, but so do the dazzling costumes made with yard upon yard of sequined fabric! Theatre Calgary’s Artistic Associate, Jenna Turk, talked to Theatre Calgary’s Wardrobe Coordinator Katie Klingvall about how these costumes came to life. What was it like working with designer Corey Sincennes? Well, we had a prior relationship as he designed ‘da Kink in my Hair, Bad Jews, and Mary Poppins. So, he and the Citadel know and trust our skills. We communicated mostly through email, sending photos back and forth, but because he knows us we understood that we weren’t going to hurt each other’s feelings. There was room for us to predict what he would like and really interpret their design.
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What was Theatre Calgary’s Wardrobe Department in charge of? We did the more showgirl pieces. We were in charge of the female ensemble. “Zangler’s Follies.”
How was this show’s design unique from other shows you’ve worked on? With Crazy for You we could really push it to the extreme. Like, using a classic pannier (two hoops traditionally worn as undergarments on the side of a woman’s body under her skirt to hold it wide and create the illusion of a full skirt; popular in the 17th and 18th centuries) in a modern way. Not every show allows that, but with these Vegas showgirl-type costumes Crazy for You necessitates that kind of creativity. You know, we used layers of sequins in pink, purple, black and white chevron. We were using materials that we don’t usually get to work with.
Was it a challenge? It was a fun creative challenge. The question of ‘how do I do this’ is always exciting. How can I make this work? How can I bring it to life? No one normally asks me to make a huge hula hoop musical-note backpack.
The cast of Crazy for You (Photo by David Cooper)
CONVERSATIONS
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The Fantastic Follies
The cast of Crazy for You featuring “Zangler’s Follies” (Photo by David Cooper)
The singing and dancing showgirls of “Zangler’s Follies” featured in Crazy for You bring real razzle dazzle rhythm to a true cowpoke musical. Inspired by the Ziegfeld Follies, these chorus girls hold an iconic place in the world of show business. First mounted in 1907, the Ziegfeld Follies took their inspiration from a Parisian cabaret music hall, the Folies Bergère. Incredibly popular during the Belle Époque, the Folies Bergère was famous for offering light entertainment with a mix of popular songs, comic operettas, and gymnastics. However, it was most legendary for its titillating content – and its beautiful women (venerably immortalized by Édouard Manet in his painting, A Bar at the Folies-Bergère). Elaborate costumes were worn and then unworn to the delight of those that frequented the cabaret. Broadway impresario Florenz Ziegler Jr. was charmed by the Folies Bergère and in search of an inexpensive summer money-maker, he produced his first revue in New York City called Follies of 1907. A smash hit, Ziegfeld put his name in the title renaming the show Ziegfeld’s Follies and sold it as the highlight of the Broadway season.
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Like the showgirls of the Folies Bergère, Ziegfeld made the beauty of his dancing choristers a priority. “Ziegfeld Girls” were personally chosen by Mr. Ziegfeld, were dressed in elaborate costumes, and were expected to perform intricate choreography in perfect synchronization. Being a “Ziegfeld Girl” gave young aspiring starlets another route to fame, as they were not only beautiful, but talented. The press gossiped about the women, and it became sport to try to guess which fresh ingénue was biding their time before becoming the next big star. Notable showgirls included: Barbara Stanwyck, Gypsy Rose Lee, and Josephine Baker. In fact, all those working on Ziegfeld’s Follies were the best in the business (this was no small-time venture) and that included music by Mr. George Gershwin.
A Bar at the Folies-Bergère By Édouard Manet
Ziegfeld’s Follies ran in New York City through to 1931, with renewals in 1932 and 1936, but its legacy lives on in the spectacle it celebrated. Broadway was certainly influenced by its opulence as well as Ziegfeld’s penchant for extravagance. Crazy for You is truly an ode to the joy that can be found in banding together to put on a show, with much of the legwork being done by the brilliant Follies singing and dancing all the way from New York City to Deadrock, Nevada.
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Movie Night Part of what makes Crazy for You special is how easily it blends two classic genres: the western and the musical-comedy. Interested in exploring their tropes? Here are some films that pay homage to both chorus girls and cowpokes alike.
Girl Crazy This 1943 musical film is based on the original musical of the same name – which was the initial inspiration for the creation of Crazy for You. This movie features Hollywood legends Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney as its young lovers.
Oklahoma! A 1955 movie musical based on the 1943 stage show that tells the tale of cowboy Curly’s quest for love. Known for such songs as “Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” “The Surrey with the Fringe On Top,” and of course “Oklahoma!” A classic.
Back to the Future III The third and final installment of the Back to the Future trilogy premiered in 1990 and takes Marty McFly and Doc back in time to the Wild West where they gun fight, hop trains, and even fall in love. It may be science-fiction, but it is delivered with humour and heart.
Moulin Rouge A movie musical by the visionary Baz Luhrmann starring Nicole Kidman as a courtesan/cabaret singer in 1900’s Paris. This love story from 2001 is full of vibrant characters who would have felt right at home at the Folies Bergère – the primary inspiration for “Zangler’s Follies.”
CONVERSATIONS
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Recommended Reads from Calgary Public Library By Rosemary Griebel
The Gershwins and Me: A Personal History in Twelve Songs by Michael Feinstein Nonfiction. 2012. An intimate look at the groundbreaking careers of the Gershwin brothers, as told through an exploration of their most iconic songs.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck Fiction. 1939. This epic tale of the Great Depression chronicles the Dust Bowl migration of the 1930s and the trials of the Joad family who journey west to the promised land of California. Intensely tragic and majestic in its moral vision, this book has been called the most American of American classics.
Musicals: The Definitive Illustrated Story by Elaine Paige Nonfiction. 2015. Featuring more than 140 stage and film productions, this illustrated guide is full of images and insights into the history of musical theatre from ancient times to the present. A true showstopper for anyone interested in theatre or cultural history.
Click on the book covers to check availability at the Calgary Public Library!
CONVERSATIONS
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Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan Fiction. 2010. Two of the biggest names in young adult fiction team up to tell the story of a meeting between Will Grayson and‌Will Grayson; a meeting which ultimately leads to journeys of selfdiscovery and the most epic high school musical of all time!
The Secret Life of the American Musical: How Broadway Shows Are Built by Jack Viertel Nonfiction. 2016. This delightful, accessible guide explains why your favourite musical productions work. It is a little bit history, a little bit memoir, a little bit criticism and, for any theatre fan, a whole lot of fun.
Water for Elephants By Sara Gruen Fiction. 2006. This novel follows Jacob as he navigates life during the Depression as he takes up with the circus and meets the magnificent misfits that call the big top their home. An exploration of love in a time where love is a luxury few can afford.
*Water for Elephants is Theatre Calgary’s book club selection for TC Reads!
Click on the book covers to check availability at the Calgary Public Library!
CONVERSATIONS
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Sources “A Brief History of Yippee-Ki-Yay” http://blog.wordnik.com/a-brief-history-of-yippee-ki-yay
Citadel Theatre Website http://www.citadeltheatre.com/
“Historical Events in 1991” http://www.onthisday.com/events/date/1991
Hyland, William G. George Gershwin.Wesport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 2003.
Long, Michael. “’Crazy for You’: Broadway playwright Ken Ludwig, a York native, is hitting his stride,” Lancaster Sunday News, June 03, 2006.
Ken Ludwig’s Official Website http://www.kenludwig.com/news/articles/crazy_for_you_broadway_play wright_ken_ludwig_a_york_native_i.php
“Prime Ministers of Canada Biographical Information” http://www.lop.parl.gc.ca/ParlInfo/Compilations/FederalGovernment/Pri meMinisters/Biographical.aspx
CONVERSATIONS
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The Presidents https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600/Presidents
“The Word Detective” http://www.word-detective.com/2008/04/lock-stock-and-barrel/commentpage-1/
“Ziegfeld Follies” http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/feature/ziegfeld-follies/