Monday, January 13, 2014

Lyrics and Lyricists: Going Hollywood: MGM Musicals

When my friend and I took our seats at Lyrics & Lyricists, a series at 92Y celebrating the American Songbook, the women next to us remarked that we were probably the youngest people there. But I, like many of the audience, grew up watching MGM movies like The Wizard of Oz, Singin' In The Rain, and An American in Paris.

The revue featured a mix of the most popular and lesser-known songs of the MGM catalogue, performed by the talented cast of Cameron Adams, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Joshua Henry, Rob McClure, Jeremy Jordan, and Rachel York. At other Lyrics and Lyricists programs I've been to, the lyricists are actually there discussing the songs, but in this show, director/choreographer Kathleen Marshall spoke in between numbers to give context. It wasn't so much about the lyrics as about the history of MGM musicals, but it was very informative, ranging from basic facts to more insider information, so that no matter their age or prior knowledge, everyone was bound to learn something.

There are two remaining performances on Monday, January 13 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

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