In Girl Crazy, a philandering New York playboy is sent to mend his ways in a small western town. The misunderstandings, confusions, and love affairs that follow are set to some of George and Ira Gershwin very best songs, including standards such as "I Got Rhythm," "Embraceable You," and "But Not For Me." In 1930, when the musical opened, the Great Depression was being felt in the streets, but not yet on the stage. The lavish production also introduced some legendary talent, including the Broadway debuts of Ethel Merman and Ginger Rodgers as the romantic lead. Within a few years, the talented, vivacious Rodgers would go on to film stardom as Fred Astaire's on-screen partner.