Marblehead Little Theatre Presents
Book by Heather Hach
Music and Lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin
Based on the movie Legally Blonde
Directed by Steve Black
Musical Direction by Lianne Goodwin
Choreography by Lara Finn
June 21-July 1
At the MLT Firehouse Theatre
12 School Street, Marblehead
New Biographical Review of Berlin’s Life and Music
Written and Directed by Anne Lucas for The Marblehead Little Theatre
Musical Director, Betty Kent Lautner
Choreographer, Kelliann Nave
Performances July 27-29, Aug 3-5
MLT’s summer production is a musical review of Berlin’s Life and it includes all of America’s favorite songs GOD BLESS AMERICA, EASTER PARADE, WHITE CHRISTMAS, BLUE SKIES, THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS, and many great songs from Tin Pan Alley, B’way and the golden age of Hollywood musicals. You won’t be able to stop tapping your toes as we revisit Fred Astaire dance numbers like TOP HAT WHITE TIE AND TAILS.
He has long been praised as America’s musical chronicler. Jerome Kern said of Berlin’s music;” He honestly absorbs the vibrations from the people, manners and life of his time, and in turn, gives these impressions back to the world-simplified-clarified-glorified. Irving Berlin has no place in American music . He is American music.”
A poor Russian immigrant at the turn of the last century he rose to prominence in America, the only country where a child of poverty could become a leader of society. His gratitude to this country was expressed in many of his songs and a commitment to support of the Armed Services in both World Wars. His is an amazing life story of 101 years of vibrant life in the “American Century”.
Berlin said of himself, ”I’ve always thought of myself as a songwriter. What else would I want to be? Do you want big words like composer? ...whether the songs are good or bad, I’ll continue to write them, because songwriting is not alone a business or a hobby with me. It’s everything!”
