Musicals101 Lectures - Lives and Legends, Fall 2005

The Jewish Center of Jackson Heights
presents
SHOWBIZ AND A BAGEL
Lives and Legends in American Entertainment

A Series of Free Sunday Breakfast Lectures by
JOHN KENRICK
Theatre Historian & Author of Musicals101.com

Sept. 11 - Murder on Broadway
In 1906, America's most famous architect was murdered while attending the opening night of a new musical. The resulting scandal marked the first time that Broadway took center stage in the nation's consciousness. A look back at the story of Evelyn Nesbit, the murder of Stanford White, and New York City as it was a century ago.

Sept. 25 - Jerome Kern
This native New Yorker brought a new, sophisticated and undeniably American sound to Broadway. A book collector and gambler, Kern had a unique gift for melody that sparkled in Show Boat and films for Astaire and Rodgers. We'll discuss his music and his colorful personality.

Nov. 6 - The Gershwins
Composer George Gershwin was famed for fusing the diverse worlds of Broadway, jazz and the classical concert hall, but his brother Ira's gifts as a lyricist are often overlooked. Together, they fashioned unforgettable popular songs, and brought opera to Broadway with Porgy and Bess. An affectionate tribute to both of these extraordinary talents.

Nov. 20 - Oscar Hammerstein II
Named for his legendary grandfather, this gentle giant became an even greater theatrical legend in his own right. His songwriting partners included Jerome Kern, Sigmund Romberg and Richard Rodgers. Stephen Sondheim was his protégé. From Show Boat to Oklahoma and beyond, this innovative lyricist and librettist did more than any other individual to reshape the Broadway musical.

Dec. 4 - Beverly Sills
Born "Bubbles" Silverman, this Brooklyn girl rose to operatic stardom, becoming one of the world's most beloved divas. She brought opera into the mainstream of American popular culture, then retired from performing so she could redefine the role of women in arts management. We'll celebrate one of our town's living treasures.

Dec. 18 - Julie Andrews
A child soprano in English music halls, she achieved stardom on Broadway in The Boyfriend, My Fair Lady and Camelot. Turned down for the film version, her performances in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music made her the last bona fide superstar of the musical screen. A long overdue retrospective on one of the world's most popular entertainers.

New Series on MGM's Legendary Musicals
Begins Jan. 8th

Admission Free - All Welcome - Come Join Us!

Each talk includes a slide show and video clips
Complimentary Coffee & Bagels at 10:00 AM
Lectures at 10:15 AM

BY SUBWAY: Take the E, F, R, G or 7 Train to 74th Street-Roosevelt Avenue in Queens. Then walk along Roosevelt, turn left on 77th Street and walk two blocks.

Corner of 37th Avenue and 77th Street
Jackson Heights, NY
More information at (718) 429-1150

PLEASE NOTE: The Tuesday afternoon concerts originally scheduled for November and December have been cancelled due to scheduling conflicts at the Center.