The other day at the Highland Park Poetry Open MIC, we were discussing the importance of meter and rhyme. One gentleman suggested, “that popular music is all about meter and rhyme. Like Cole Porter.”
Fred Astaire stars and Vincente Minnelli directed this 1953 classic
Some believe the Porter’s productive years of 1934 through 1956 were the golden age of popular music and popular culture. If you were around to enjoy this era, or just want to learn what it was all about, Susan Benjamin presents programs on two giants of the time: Fred Astaire and Vincent Minnelli. Both programs will take place at the Wilmette Theatre.
Benjamin, after a distinquished career as a public high school teacher and school administrator – including English Department Chair at Highland Park High School and Assistant Superintendent at Deerfield and Highland Park High Schools, now presents “musical biographies” in a series called, “Shout Hallelujah Come On Get Happy: Musical Theatre Legends.”
Through the use of video clips, recordings, and Benjamin’s very engaging style (as a teenager, Benjamin began her performing career at Tenthouse Theater in Highland Park), Benjamin provides her unique and entertaining take into the works and lives of these well-known stars.
Fred Astaire: Top Hat, Top Dancer
Fred Astaire defined the outstanding American dancer for much of the 20th century. Charming and debonair on screen, he was the ultimate workhorse behind the scenes. With several film clips, this two-part program explores the star’s motivations as he created the model of the suave, sophisticated dancer and singer.
Benjamin is also an expert on Gene Kelly, so let the Astaire-Kelly debate continue!
Wednesday, January 13th @ 10:30am
Wednesday, February 3rd @ 10:30am
Vincente Minnelli: Dreaming in Color
An innovative film director, Vincente Minnelli turned the Hollywood musical into a colorful
Vincente, Liza and Judy (1948)
extravaganza. Using his knowledge and passion for visual art, he lit and costumed his actors to bring out their best qualities. His ability to accentuate the finest in characters was especially true with his star and wife, Judy Garland. This two-part program contains examples of several of his best works including Cabin in the Sky, Meet Me in St. Louis, The Band Wagon, An American in Paris and Gigi.
Not just Liza’s father!
Wednesday, March 3rd @ 10:30am
Wednesday, April 7th @ 10:30am
GENERAL ADMISSION: $12
GROUP RATE:
(10 or more tickets) $10 each
(20 or more) $8 each
SERIES TICKET: $40
Tickets available online at www.wilmettetheatre.com or call Box Office at 847-251-7424
Here’s a great scene from The Band Wagon:
Like your new tag line, “midlife in the midwest.”