Palomar Performing Arts will present Crazy for You with music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin and book by Ken Ludwig from March 8 – 17, 2024, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at7:00 p.m.; Sunday at 2:00 p.m. (HBT) in the Howard Brubeck Theatre located on the campus of Palomar College as part of its Three Theatre Classics Reinvented for the 21st Century & A Crazy Musical series.
Kathy Brombacher will be directing the upcoming production of Crazy for You at Palomar Performing Arts on the campus of Palomar College. As Moonlight Stage Productions Founder and Emeritus Producing Artistic Director in Vista, she developed the City of Vista Cultural Arts program for 31 years, recently celebrating its 42nd anniversary. In recent years, the Moonlight Amphitheatre stage house was named the Kathy Brombacher Stage.
Photo Courtesy of Moonlight Theatre
During her tenure as Artistic Director, Kathy saw major milestones: in 2009, the completion of the new Amphitheatre stage house; and in 1995, the City’s renovation of the Avo Playhouse from a 1948 movie theater to a beautiful rental theater space for the community where she helmed a Winter Season for 20 years. Holding an MFA degree in theatre, Kathy has been honored by the San Diego Critics’ Circle with a Craig Noel Award for “Theatrical Trailblazer” in 2005; and a KPBS Shiley Patte Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2006, along with multiple awards for theatrical excellence. Most recently, Kathy was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by Oceanside Theatre Company in September 2023. Her favorite directing projects include: “Little Women, The Musical”, “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”, “My Fair Lady”, “Ragtime the Musical”, “Lucky Stiff”, “The Spitfire Grill”, “Into the Woods”, “Noises Off”, and “Outside Mullingar”. She is thrilled to be working with Palomar College to create their production of “Crazy for You”!
Directed by Music Direction by Dr. Ellen Weller and Choreography by Valerie Clark with a set designed by Tony Cucuzzella.
A zany rich-boy-meets-hometown-girl romantic comedy, Crazy for You tells the story of young New York banker Bobby Child, who is sent to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a rundown theater. In Deadrock, Bobby falls for spunky Polly Baker, the theater owner’s daughter. But Polly takes an instant dislike to the city slicker, so Bobby vows – through cunning, razzmatazz, and a hilarious case of mistaken identity – to win Polly’s heart and save the theater. Memorable Gershwin tunes from the score include “I Got Rhythm,” “Naughty Baby,” “They Can’t Take That Away from Me,” “Embraceable You,” “But Not for Me,” “Nice Work If You Can Get It” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Adapted from the Gershwins’ 1930 musical Girl Crazy, Crazy For You opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on February 19, 1992, starring Harry Groener and Jodi Benson. The show ran for four years, playing for 1,622 performances.
Kathy Brombacher said, “I am excited to return to Palomar College to work with the students on this remarkable musical comedy with its sassy and romantic musical score by George and Ira Gershwin. The tap-dancing choreography alone will be memorable in the hands of Valerie Clark, who actually performed as a dancer/singer in this show on Broadway, under the tutelage of Susan Stroman.”
She went on to say, “I am a big fan of playwright Ken Ludwig, who wrote the script for the show; and audiences should be thoroughly entertained by the physical humor, the mistaken identities, and the heart of this beautifully constructed classic musical. I feel very fortunate to work with both Valerie Clark and Dr. Ellen Weller who will teach music and conduct the production with a full live orchestra. And Tony Cucuzzella has cleverly designed scenery perfect for the 1930’s which reflects New York City and Deadrock Nevada.
“Crazy For You” has a long history of lifting audiences out of the everyday and into a world of Ziegfield Follies, cowboys and showgirls, and a guy and a girl who can tap dance their troubles away. Who Could Ask for Anything More?”
Parking is free in lots 1 & 15 for this performance. Howard Brubeck Theatre is located at Palomar College, 1140 W. Mission Road in San Marcos, CA 92069. Tickets and updated information can be found at www.palomarperforms.com or by calling or texting 760-214-9109. Group rates are available. Ticket prices range from $14 – $22.
Media Contact:
Carl Thompson – Marketing and Program Coordinator cthompson2@palomar.edu 760-744-1150, ext. 3997
