UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Centre Stage, in the College of Arts and Architecture, will present “Crazy for You” — music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin, book by Ken Ludwig, directed by Christine O’Grady, with music direction by Darren Cohen and choreography by Michele Dunleavy — Oct. 21 to Nov. 1 at the Playhouse Theatre.
Put on your dancing shoes and step back into the Roaring Twenties with “Crazy for You,” the Tony Award-winning, toe-tapping romantic musical comedy. Bursting with favorites including “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “I Got Rhythm” and “Embraceable You,” this high-energy production delivers dazzling dance numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy and fun for the whole family.
“Our first musical of the season is a joyful celebration of music, dance, and design that showcases what it takes to create theatre at its highest level,” said Artistic Director A. Kikora Franklin. “A production of this scale depends on the talent and passion of our student performers, designers, and craftspeople, along with the artistry and expertise of our faculty, staff and creative team. Every element — from choreography and performance to scenic, costume, lighting, sound and stage management — reflects the collaborative spirit of our school.”
Franklin explained that theatre is an inherently interdisciplinary art form, bringing together countless moving parts — many unseen by the audience — into a seamless whole.
"What you see on stage represents months of planning, design, rehearsal and coordination: a living example of the craft, collaboration and creativity we value deeply in the School of Theatre and the College of Arts and Architecture,” Franklin said.
Productions like "Crazy for You" are made possible through the extraordinary talent within the School of Theatre community and the generosity of those who support Penn State Centre Stage. The school is especially grateful to the Leone Family Foundation and to Jeane and Richard Singer for their contributions to this production, Franklin said. Their support — and that of many others — helps ensure that Penn State students continue to learn, create and share transformative experiences with audiences.
Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m., with matinees at 2:00 p.m. Evening tickets are $32; previews and matinees are $27; and student tickets are $19. For tickets and more information, visit theatre.psu.edu/centrestage, call 814-863-0255 or stop by the Arts Ticket Center.
All prices include a $4 Ticketmaster fee, which will be waived for in-person or phone purchases. Non-Penn State arts and architecture students can attend for free by visiting the Arts Ticket Center during the week of the production.
Penn State Centre Stage is the producing arm of the Penn State School of Theatre and serves as a professional training program for emerging theatre artists.