Tackling an American classic

When out-of-work siblings Susie and Dickie Trevor decide to become entertainers in the homes of the wealthy, laughter ensues in George and Ira Gershwin’s 1924 Broadway musical “Lady, Be Good.”

Cinnabar’s Young Rep artists bring this classic American screwball comedy to the stage April 24 through May 10.

“It’s a hilarious show and one the kids are really having a good time putting together,” said director Eileen Morris. “Since 1996, we’ve been doing an operetta with the kids every year. We thought ‘Lady, Be Good’ would be a nice change. It’s a fun play that’s also very musically challenging. They’re doing a great job with it.”

“Lady, be Good” was written by Guy Bolton and Fred Thompson, and featured music by George and Ira Gershwin. It was written specifically for Fred Astaire and his sister, Adele, who starred in the leading brother and sister roles during its 330-performance run on Broadway in 1924.

The play features plenty of jazz music and dance.

“We have a wonderful choreographer who is doing such a great job,” said Morris. “There’s a lot of period dance, including tap dancing Fred Astaire-style and some Charleston.”

The performance also features a live student band under the direction of Jared Emerson-Johnson.

“It makes a big difference to sing with a band,” said Morris. “It’s much more fun than having just piano.”

Show times are at 7:30 p.m. April 24-25, May 1-2 and 8-9; and at 2 p.m. May 3, 10 at Cinnabar Theater, 3333 Petaluma Blvd. North. Tickets are $15 general, $10 youth 17 and under.

For more information, call 763-8920 or visit www.cinnabartheater.org.

(Contact Yovanna Bieberich at yovan na.bieberich@arguscourier.com)