Shout Hallelujah Come On Get Happy: Musical Theatre Legends
Jerome Kern: Musical Theatre Pioneer
Jerome Kern took musical theatre through an American door into the 20th century. His legacy, from 36 musical shows, features songs that are still played at personal, special occasions today and are part of our collective American memory. Although demanding of both himself and others, his body of work contains dreamy, beautiful love songs such as “They Didn’t Believe Me” and “The Way You Look Tonight.” He also changed American theater with his integrated book and score of Showboat.
Irving Berlin: America’s Songwriter
A look (and listen) to the music of Irving Berlin, performed through the chronology of his life. In addition to sharing his personal story, this program explores how his music affected national feeling.
Cole Porter: Master of Style
Although Cole Porter’s life may have seemed outwardly charmed, personal challenges and passions led to his body of work. In this program, stories of his personal history are juxtaposed with examples of his contributions to American culture.
George Gershwin: The American Composer
Gershwin’s brief life was packed with events and accomplishments, such as melodies that are some of our most recognizable even today. Through the story of his life, accompanied by examples of some of his best work, this program focuses on what and how he achieved so much in so little time.
Ira Gershwin: Master Wordsmith
From an early age, read avidly and wrote poetry, to adulthood, Ira Gershwin knew how to express human emotions through a turn of a phrase. His most famous collaboration was with his brother, George, but he also wrote lyrics for several other composers. This program provides examples of some of his most memorable songs as well as stories about what inspired him write.
Harold Arlen: Beyond the Rainbow
Often considered the “songwriter’s songwriter,” Harold Arlen is sometimes not recognized for his significant contributions to the American Songbook. Through the chronology of his life, this program demonstrates how and why Arlen transcended The Wizard of Oz with such greats as “Stormy Weather," "The Man That Got Away,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” “That Old Black Magic” and “Get Happy.”
Some Enchanted Afternoon: The Stories and Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein
In some ways, these musical partners were more than songwriters and musicians: they were social activists. This program demonstrates how, through their music and stories, Rodgers and Hammerstein disseminated important messages about social issues of their time that are still relevant today.
Lerner and Loewe: "Loverly" Music for the Ages
The unlikely pairing of a Frederick Loewe, a Viennese musician, and Alan Jay Lerner, a dapper New Yorker, dominated the musical stage of the 1950’s. Their musicals, including My Fair Lady, Brigadoon and Camelot, mixed a bit of social commentary with fantasy and are still lovely to listen to and enjoy today.
Richard Rodgers: The Sweetest Sounds
Richard Rodgers wrote the world’s most listened-to melodies. His gorgeous tunes were primarily complemented by the lyrics of Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein. No matter what personal demons he faced, he churned out singable, original melodies. From “We’ll Take Manhattan” to “Climb Every Mountain” his music is not only beautiful to listen to, but helps to advance inspirational stories.
Lorenz Hart: Musical Wordsmith
Lorenz (Larry) Hart was a great talent with an unbelievable affinity for rhyming. His lyrics were witty and clever and, in many ways, his work was a perfect complement to that of his composing partner, Richard Rodgers. This program juxtaposes examples of Hart’s extraordinary work with stories of his tumultuous personal life.
Oscar Hammerstein II: Lyrical Optimist
Oscar Hammerstein was born into a storied theater family; yet, following his father’s wishes, he tried to become a lawyer. But musical theater was his calling, and with a number of collaborators, his work re-shaped and re-defined this American art form. This two-part program features some of Oscar’s most memorable lyrics, from Showboat to The Sound of Music, with explanations of how his personal life led to his writing songs that read like poetry.
Johnny Mercer: Songbird
Johnny Mercer’s music was permeated by images of nature. This multi-talented: singer, composer and lyricist produced songs including "Something’s Gotta Give” and “Dream” –music and lyrics and “That Old Black Magic” and “Moon River” – lyrics only. Eighteen Academy Award nominations and four Academy Awards only begin to demonstrate how his work was recognized by others. This program highlights his great body of work as well as examples from his mercurial personal life.
Frank Loesser: A Most Musical Fella
Frank Loesser has been called “the most versatile of all American composers.” He wrote lyrics for over 700 songs, and composed entire scores of several musicals. His works such as Guys and Dolls, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Hans Christian Andersen, and The Most Happy Fella, were recognized with critical acclaim and audience enthusiasm. In this program, we’ll explore aspects of his best work and delve into what drove him and why he didn’t feel satisfied with success.
Stephen Sondheim: Art Isn't Easy
Stephen Sondheim reshaped American musical theater in the 20th century. From his early days as lyricist for West Side Story and Gypsy to composing music and lyrics for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum to serving as composer and lyricist for Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sunday in the Park with George and more, Sondheim’s originality and genius shine through. This program will feature examples of that genius as well as stories of how talent and mentorship combined to bring forth unbridled creativity.
Jerry Herman: Savoring the Show Tune
Jerry Herman has the distinction of being the only composer-lyricist in history to have three musicals that ran over 1500 performances each on Broadway. Master of the hummable show tune, his show-stopping numbers in Hello Dolly, Mame, Le Cage Aux Folles and other musicals have left an indelible imprint on musical theater. This program highlights elements of his personal story as well as his show-stopping musical numbers.
Al Jolson: You Ain't Seen Nothin Yet
Al Jolson changed the entertainment world through his boisterous singing, dancing and comedy routines and through his starring role in the fist, full-length “talkie,” The Jazz Singer. This complicated, driven man led a life that in many ways paralleled the plot of The Jazz Singer. This program explores what motivated Jolson in both personal and professional arenas. It also highlights his great performances with video clips of Jolson performing as well as clips from the two movie biographies about his life.
Leonard Bernstein: America's Maestro
Leonard Bernstein's talent and contributions to music made him seem like he was at least six people: classical composer, musical theater composer, coductor, pianist, teacher, TV personality and author. His work, ranging from Candide to On the Town to West Side Story and more helped to define American music in the 20th century. This two-part program highlights his multi-faceted contributions juxtaposed with stories of his complicated personal life.
Andrew Lloyd Webber: Musical Theater Prodigy (Part 1)
Andrew Lloyd Webber changed the face of musical theater when he “crossed the pond” from London’s West End to New York’s Broadway. Andrew perfected the “sing through” musical from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat to Jesus Christ Superstar to Evita to CATS. Along the way, he collaborated with and discarded both musical and romantic partners. This program focuses on the creation of his early musical triumphs.
Andrew Lloyd Webber: Musical Theater Master (Part 2)
Following the trajectory of his early musical hits, Andrew Lloyd Webber enhanced success with works such as Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love, Sunset Boulevard and School of Rock. For his prolific accomplishments, he was knighted in England and received the Kennedy Center Honor in the United States. This program intertwines elements of his expansive body of work as well as his expanding family.
Eddie Cantor: Oh, Oh, Oh, What a Man!
At one time Eddie Cantor was a multi-media superstar and the "biggest" entertainer in the country. He rose a long way from the depths of poverty, yet was truly a great humanitarian. In addition to clips of some of his best work, this program features stories of his show business stature as well as his place in history as a philanthropist and role model.
Danny Kaye: Consummate Entertainer
From the borscht belt in the Catskills of New York to London's Palladium Theatre, Danny Kaye amazed his audiences with the sheer versatility of how he could entertain. Although much of his material was created by his wife, Sylvia Fine, Danny transcended her material and could do it all: sing, dance, act, perform comedic acts… and the list goes on. He was also a chef, pilot, orchestra conductor, amateur surgeon and a humanitarian. This program profiles his full life along with examples of some of his most memorable work.
Judy Garland: Over the Rainbow, Over the Top
Judy Garland's extraordinary performing career began when she was just two years old. Though her personal life was turbulent, her contributions to the Great American Songbook are legendary. This program integrates some of Judy's personal stories with highlights of her great performances.
Doris Day: Box Office Queen
Doris Day was an enormous draw at movie theaters across the country; for four years she ranked as the number American box office attraction. In her movie roles she typically displayed sunny optimism, yet her personal life was another story entirely. In this program, scenes and songs from her movie triumphs are featured along with stories of personal upheaval and fortitude.
Ethel Merman: Who Could Ask for Anything More?
Ethel Merman lit up the stage and, with her powerful voice; she sang to the rafters. Some people said that she lived for her audiences. She certainly played to them, as she upstaged everyone else in a production. This program juxtaposes challenging incidents in this great star's personal life with her performance triumphs.
Barbra Streisand: The Soul of Stardom
Barbra Streisand's current status as an American diva belies her early struggles with low income and low self-esteem. Her rise to, not only stardom, but to multi-faceted heights (writing, producing, directing, etc) provides an inspirational story. This two-part program is sprinkled with examples of her best film work, from Funny Girl to the present.
Bing Crosby: American Crooner
Bing Crosby's mellow voice and comforting persona helped people get through the Depression and World War II. However, his personal life as a husband and father did not coincide with many of the roles he played. This program features anecdotes of Crosby's personal and professional life as well as samples of some of his best-loved work.
Frank Sinatra: The Voice
Frank Sinatra's career and personal life have been compared to the peaks and valleys of the Himalayan Mountains. He was a complicated man with a roller coaster life. However, his voice connoted romance for more than two generations of Americans. This two-part presentation features a new perspective on stories of his personal life as well as samples of his most outstanding film work.
Dean Martin: The King of Cool
Dean Martin was the life of the party, and his audience was thrilled to be invited to the celebration. He made entertaining appear effortless, as if we could just share in his relaxed enjoyment. This program describes how Dino Crocetti created the aura of Dean Martin and how his personal life was sometimes at odds with his professional appearance. This presentation includes stories about Dean's marriages and divorces, including his most well-known divorce from his performing partner, Jerry Lewis.
Sammy Davis Jr.: Entertainer Extraordinaire
Sammy Davis Jr. grew up on the road, watching his father perform. As a young child, he became part of the dance act. Although not schooled in any traditional sense, he learned the craft of entertaining superbly – and, in his multi-faceted approach, he did it better than anyone else: dancer, singer, actor, comedian, impressionist and musician. This program focuses on his extraordinary talent, along with personal tragedy and triumph.
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 examples, this two-part program explores the star's motivations as he created the model of the suave, sophisticated dancer and singer.
Gene Kelly: Singing and Dancing in the Rain – and Everywhere Else
Gene Kelly was more than a song and dance man: he was a teacher, choreographer and director. His immense contributions to American musical theatre include "masculinizing" American dance on film. Among other great performances, his "Singin in the Rain" song and dance stands out as an all-time favorite moment in American cinema. This two-part presentation intertwines examples of his incredible work ethic with products of that ethic.
Debbie Reynolds: America's Sweetheart
Although she was sweet and adorable in films, Debbie Reynolds had to be tough to survive unusual personal situations. From her impoverished, early background to the financial and emotional upheaval of her three disappointing marriages, Debbie kept a smile on her face while she entertained others. She also retained her public composure through a challenging relationship with her daughter, Carrie. Complete with highlights of her personal and professional life, this tribute program explores how Debbie Reynolds became a great star.
Julie Andrews: Dauntless Diva
Dame Julie Andrews began her show business career when she was a young child as she toured around England with her mother and stepfather. However, her true stardom began in New York as Americans embraced Julie and her great talent. Julie’s performing career and personal life have intertwined as she transformed herself from a vocalist to actor to author. This presentation provides examples of her Broadway, television and movie triumphs.
Mary Martin: She Had to Crow
From her tomboy, Texas youth to her starring Broadway roles, Mary Martin was an original. She began her performing career as a dancer; yet with her impish, joyful demeanor, she flourished on stage as a singer and actress. Although her personal life did not always mirror her happy presence on the stage, Mary Martin was truly a star in every way. This program features personal and professional stories as well as samples from her work including Peter Pan, Annie Get Your Gun, South Pacific and others.
Vincente Minnelli: Dreaming in Color
An innovative film director, Vincente Minnelli turned the Hollywood musical into a colorful 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.
Bob Fosse: Life is a Cabaret
From his early dance training and performances in Chicago cabarets, Bob Fosse was an original. His dance style altered much of American musical theater. From performing to choreographing to directing, Bob’s hard-driving personality created a dazzling product. This presentation provides personal stories as well examples of his work as performer, choreographer and director.
Lena Horne: Activist Artist
Lena Horne passed through racial barriers to become an exceptionally popular American singer and actor. However, she suffered indignities and insults that motivated her to try to change the way the American entertainment business functioned. This program features examples of how her performance style changed as she matured, not only as an artist, but as a Civil Rights activist as well.
Jerome Robbins: Master of Movement
Jerome Robbins did more than dance or choreograph: he created concepts for some of our most successful American musicals. How did he come up with the idea for West Side Story? What led to his staging of Fiddler on the Roof? These and many other questions are answered in this program which features stories of his personal life in conjunction with examples of some of his best-loved musical theater work.
Donald O'Connor: No Business like Show Business
Donald O'Connor was a quadruple threat: singer, dancer, actor and comedian. He made his show business debut at three days old, earned his first pay check at 13 months, and never looked back. His "Make 'Em Laugh" song and dance number in Singin in the Rain demonstrates that he would do ANYHING for a laugh. This program intersperses moments from his personal life (not always so jolly) with examples of some of his finest work.
Marilyn Monroe: From Norma Jeane to Movie Queen
Norma Jeane Mortensen Baker was a lonely, isolated child who believed that no one saw her – she was invisible. Through desire, talent and perseverance, she transformed herself into Marilyn Monroe – one of the most visible stars in the world. With stories and film clips, this program shares the story of her transformation from solitary child to movie goddess.
Louis Armstrong: From Jazz Master to Musical Icon
Born into the depths of poverty, Louis Armstrong grew onto a musical icon. However he performed, from playing his trumpet to singing, his personality was a compelling as his artistry. This program details significant moments in his personal life complemented by examples of his musical mastery.
Shirley Temple: Sparkling Star
Shirley Temple, the adorable, precocious child, helped lift people's sprits in the darkest days of the Great Depression---and beyond. From the time she was three years old when she obeyed her mother's admonition, "Now sparkle, Shirley," into adulthood and middle age, Shirley performed and contributed to her culture and society. In this two-part program, samples of Shirley's most memorable performances complement stories of her unusual personal life.
Betty Grable: Pinup Princess
Betty Grable's film career started early with her domineering stage mother lying about her adolescent daughter's age. Her mother's assertiveness reaped rewards: Betty became 20th Century Fox's top star during the 40's. Her iconic photo made her the Number 1 Pinup Girl during World War II. Betty put personal turmoil aside as her screen presence made her a pleasure to watch. This program profiles her personal story along with examples of her effervescent performances.
Bert Lahr: The Lion's Roar and More
Bert Lahr earned a reputation as one of the funniest men on Broadway and in Hollywood. The lyrics that the cowardly lion sang in The Wizard of Oz were actually written for Bert himself, not for the character of the lion. However, in contrast to his on-stage persona, his personal life took on dimensions of wildly fluctuating moods, mostly settling on distant moroseness. This program features examples of his best work through the decades, along with stories of personal challenges.
Howard Keel: Leading Man
Born into an impoverished, coal-mining family in southern Illinois, Howard Keel rose to great heights in the entertainment world. With his tall, rugged, manly, good looks and his beautiful, baritone voice, he was a dashing leading man in musicals from Annie Get Your Gun to Showboat to Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. This program demonstrates Howard's rise in the entertainment world, his personal and professional challenges and his ultimate triumph.
Maurice Chevalier: French Charm
Maurice Chevalier left an impoverished childhood behind to become the highest paid French performer –ever. His inimitable charm and personal performing style led to cabaret and cinema success. Songs like "Louise" and "Mimi" became his trademarks. In the transition from France to the United States, his apparent politics clouded his true intentions. This program showcases his talent and brings to light his personal priorities.
Gordon MacRae: Oh What a Beautiful Voice
Although he was occasionally compared to Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, Gordon MacRae had a style all his own. As a young man, he played romantic leading roles with Doris Day and June Haver, among others. The roles of Curly in Oklahoma and Billy Bigelow in Carousel sealed his reputation as a commanding leading man with a beautiful voice. His marriage and family life, which appeared to be models of perfection, masked inner demons. This program explores Gordon MacRae's career progression with examples of soaring melodies.
Alice Faye: Cozy Crooner
Alice Faye did not think of herself as ambitious, yet she turned in several starring film performances per year for twelve consecutive years. Although Darryl Zanuck, 20th Century Fox Studio Boss, admitted, "No one can sell a song like Alice Faye," her career transcended singing. She was a comedienne with her husband, Phil Harris, and, in later life, she served as a spokesperson for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Her hit song, "You'll Never Know" transmitted the longing felt by those separated during World War II. This program demonstrates how a young girl from Hell's Kitchen slums can thrive in show business and become a major star.
Jane Powell: Innocent Ingénue
As a child actress and singer, Jane's wholesome image came across as the innocent "girl next door." This image, transmitted in the movies, reflected her real-life situation. Her fresh, wholesome nature, along with her beautiful soprano voice and skillful dancing, made her a major star in movie musicals. From A Date with Judy, where she loses her man to Elizabeth Taylor, to Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, where she gets the man along with several male siblings, Jane 's natural appeal made audiences happy and ready to sing her praises. This program provides details of her personal life, including five marriages, as well as samples of some of her best work.
Liza Minnelli: Show Business Royalty
The daughter of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli—how could she not become a star? Dancer, singer, actress --Liza could do it all. She won a Tony Award while she was still a teenager, and then an Oscar for a tour de force performance in the movie Cabaret. She also won an Emmy award for a television program built around her, Liza with a Z. Despite her prodigious talent and hard work, Liza has faced significant professional and personal challenges. This program celebrates Liza's courage and triumph over adversity as well as her performance highlights.
Bob Hope: Thanks for the Memories
Bob Hope, best known as a comedian, began his performing career as a dancing vaudevillian. Although he was well known as a patriotic American, who generously supported the troops through several wars, he was a transplant – from England. This program spotlights his musical performing ability, with excerpts of singing and dancing, from Paree, Paree in 1934 through the "Road" pictures and more. A few examples of his memorable humor and personal stories complete the program.
Shirley Jones: Angel Face/Angel Voice
From the time of her early childhood, Shirley Jones demonstrated talent with a beautiful voice. In addition, with a lovely face and figure, she won beauty contests. She also had early success with Rodgers and Hammerstein, as she starred in two blockbuster movies, Oklahoma and Carousel. Yet, her personal life was sometimes less than satisfying, as the man of her dreams left her, and her sons tested her maternal capabilities. In the 70's, she reinvented herself as a television mother on The Partridge Family. This program focuses on Shirley's personal and professional growth, from dewy-eyed singer to mature performer and mentor to others.
Jimmy Durante: Inka Dinka Delightful
Jimmy Durante began his performing career as a pianist and branched into singing, song writing and comedy. With enough spunk and spirit for several men, he turned what could have been liabilities into assets: his nose (Schnozzola) and his mangling of the English language became sparks for humor. With his warmth and generous spirit, he was one of America's most beloved entertainers. This program focuses on the progress of his career as well as on significant moments in his personal life.
Vic Damone: Singing Star
Vito Farinola (Vic Damone) wanted to be a singing star, but this accomplishment was a long shot. However, recognition by Arthur Godfrey, Milton Berle and Frank Sinatra moved him toward success. Despite his checkered personal life (five wives and unsavory acquaintances), Frank Sinatra promoted him as "the kid with the best pipes in the business." This program spotlights Vic's personal trajectory and provides examples to demonstrate why he became a star.
Jerry Lewis: The Total Entertainer
Jerry was the first comedian to act like a manic boy, and, from his early career with Dean Martin, audiences loved him. However, he was much more than a comedian; he was a singer, dancer, writer, producer and director. This two-part program focuses on varied aspects of his career along with personal stories and examples of his unusual performing talent.
Dick Van Dyke: A Jolly Holiday
Despite years of personal struggles, Dick Van Dyke ascended from rags to riches by virtue of charm, talent and hard work. Along the way, he had three long-term romantic relationships, four children and established himself as the consummate performer in wholesome, family-oriented entertainment. This program provides insights into his personal life along with samples of his delightful on-screen and on-air presence.
Jule Styne: Let Him Entertain You
Immensely talented, Jule Styne composed the scores for Gypsy, Bells are Ringing, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Funny Girl, in addition to hundreds of other popular songs. All told, he wrote about 1400 melodies, many of which are still often heard today. However, his compulsive gambling compromised his personal life, as he ran from keyboard to the racetrack. When asked about who could best compose for their voices and styles, both Ethel Merman and Frank Sinatra insisted, "Get me Jule Styne." This program demonstrates why Ethel, Frank and many others thought that Jule's work could lead to outstanding entertainment.
Tony Bennett: Timeless Troubadour
After over 60 years as an entertainer, Tony Bennett's popularity continues to soar. Frank Sinatra called Tony "…the best singer in the business." With his storytelling ability through song, his consistently sunny performing persona sometimes masked private demons, such as difficult marriages and substance abuse. However, with sold-out concerts and platinum records, he embodies the lyrics of one of his frequently performed songs, "The Best is Yet to Come."
Rosemary Clooney: Versatile Vocalist
Rosemary Clooney, an immensely talented singer, conveyed stories and emotions through her vocal styling. From an impoverished childhood in Maysville, Kentucky, she rose to become Hollywood royalty. However, a nervous breakdown derailed her career and threatened her success. This program examines Rosemary's personal travails as well as her career rise, fall and ultimate triumph.
Walt Disney: Making Mickey – The Mouse That Roared
From humble beginnings, Walt Disney evolved to become the Prince of Hollywood. Following the launch of the Mickey Mouse character, Disney's studio became a major force in film and television production. But all of Walt's creativity and success could not compensate for his troubled childhood and personal demons. This program showcases Walt Disney's famous creations, as well as what motivated his personal and professional actions.
Dick Powell and June Allyson: Sweetheart Stars
Dick Powell's charm, charisma and strong singing voice helped lead to the success of Warner Brothers musicals in the 1930's and 40's. June Allyson, an ingénue with a low, hoarse voice, had a crush on Dick Powell for years before they met, and, after his divorce from Joan Blondell, June and Dick married. Eventually her musical career eclipsed his. This program describes how their relationship survived most of Hollywood's pressures as she evolved into a musical star, and he evolved into a media mogul.
Carol Burnett: Musical Comedienne
From an impoverished little girl who dreamt of being a movie star to a multi-talented Broadway, television and movie star, Carol Burnett persevered her way to the top. Along the way, she was married three times and became the mother to three daughters. With humorous and poignant examples, this program illustrates Carol's journey, which includes surviving personal heartbreak and charting new entertainment territory.
MORE THAN MUSIC: A Force for Uniting America
This presentation focuses on how disparate groups with various priorities can be brought together through the transformative power of art – specifically the art of musical theater. From the 1920’s to the present, musical theater composers have addressed issues of human relations and have encouraged empathy for “the other” through their work. Composers and lyricists whose work is featured include Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein, Richard Rodgers, Alan Jay Lerner, Frederick Loewe, Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman and others. This program combines elements of several musical biographies around a theme.
Film Reviews
Participants view the DVD before the discussion. Some of the films include Greenfingers, Calendar Girls, Crash ,Capote, Cinderella Man, Mrs. Henderson Presents, Little Miss Sunshine, Thank You for Smoking, Little Voice, The Namesake, The Lives of Others, The Visitor, The Reader, Then She Found Me, The History Boys, Good Night and Good Luck, Defiance, The Holiday, Gran Torino, Charlie Wilson’s War, An Education, Antwone Fisher, My One and Only, The Great Buck Howard, The Kite Runner, Arranged, Lars and the Real Girl, Shattered Glass, City Island, Whatever Works, Mao’s Last Dancer, Adam, The Fighter, The Concert, The Company Men, Everyone Says I Love You, In a Better World, Midnight in Paris, Incendies, Last Chance Harvey, Moneyball, Water for Elephants, Invictus, The Ides of March, Fair Game, After the Wedding, The Help, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, Kinky Boots, Separate Lies, The Words, The Invention of Lying, To Rome with Love, Parental Guidance, Match Point, Love Actually, Flight, Bee Season, Robot and Frank, 42, The Hunt, Monsieur Lazhar, The Jewish Cardinal, Saving Mr. Banks, Philomena, Nebraska, Pride, In a World, In Her Shoes, Locke, The Hundred Foot Journey, Blue Jasmine, The First Grader, Woman in Gold, Whiplash, This is Where I leave You, Love and Mercy, Million Dollar Arm, a Borrowed Identity, Adult Beginners, The Intern, Desert Flower, Infinitely Polar Bear, The Good Lie, Remember, Amreeka, Left Luggage, I'll See You in my Dreams, Trumbo, Florence Foster Jenkins, Eddie the Eagle, Hell or High Water, The Queen of Katwe, The Second Mother, Get Out, Eye in the Sky, The Zookeeper’s Wife, Tommy’s Honour, Gifted, The Wedding Plan, A United Kingdom, The Wilderpeople, The Big Sick, Lucky, The Band’s Visit, Battle of the Sexes, A Better Life, The Florida Project, Class Rank, The Founder, Beatriz at Dinner, A Fantastic Woman, The Cake Maker, For My Father, Boy Erased, Backkklansman, What They Had, The Last Suit, If Beale Street Could Talk, Fill the Void, The Hate U Give, The Children Act, To Dust, Denial, Unorthodox, Peanut Butter Falcon, Luce, Bad Education, Unbelievable, Just Mercy, Menashe and Up in the Air. We explore aspects of plot, theme, character development, mood, cinematography, relevance to our own lives, etc. The reviews take the form of lecture/discussion.
Book Reviews
Some titles include Devil in the White City, Capote (the biography), In Cold Blood, The Great Gatsby, Mr. Pip, The Piano Teacher, Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, The Paris Wife, Beartown, The Book Thief, Before We Were Yours and Waking Lions. The programs involve one-to two-hour literary analysis and discussion of each work.