Crazy for You (1992 Original Broadway Cast)
If you're looking for one do-it-allGershwincast recording,Crazy for Youfits the bill. Touted as "the new Gershwin musical comedy" when it hit Broadway in 1992, it's actually a substantial reworking of the Gershwins'Girl Crazy, the story of a New York song-and-dance man who conquers the West (and a fair maid there) by putting on a show. (The original 1934 cast featured Ginger Rogers and a Broadway novice namedEthel Merman.)Crazy for Youpreserves the best of the songs from the original (including "Embraceable You," "I Got Rhythm," and "But Not for Me") and adds a number of later songs fromFred Astairefilms as well as some undiscovered gems, resulting in an embarrassment of riches.Harry GroenerandJodi Benson(The Little Mermaid) are in strong voice (and they danced too!). The only shortcoming of this recording is that it couldn't capture Susan Stroman's dazzling choreography. The booklet includes a synopsis, full lyrics, and a historical perspective. Not an innovative show, but a rollicking good time.--David Horiuchi