BWW Interviews: Patricia Ward Kelly on Her Husband and Love, Gene Kelly and What His Legacy Means to Her

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with me and BroadwayWorld today!

You are welcome. I am delighted to have this opportunity.

So you are actually from Colorado, is this trip more of a homecoming for you?

I was born in Fort Collins Colorado. I worked summer jobs in Denver and had the great opportunity to attend Colorado College in Colorado Springs on a Boettcher Scholarship. My parents still live in the same house in Fort Collins where I grew up. I visit them each year, but this is the first time that I was able to bring Gene Kelly: THE LEGACY to my home state. So, in a way, it is a kind of homecoming and a very joyful one as it gives me an opportunity to share the remarkable stories from my decade with Gene.

Talk to me about your relationship with Gene Kelly...how did you two first meet?

One of the questions I am asked most frequently is: "How did you meet Gene Kelly?" I answer the question in detail in my one-woman show, so I'll just say briefly here that I met him in Washington, D.C. in 1985 when I was a writer on a TV special about the Smithsonian for which Gene was the host/narrator. He eventually brought me out to California to write his memoirs and married me five years into that process. Most wives are not charged with recording everything their husband says, but that was my job-first and foremost-so I have an amazing record of Gene talking very candidly about a multitude of subjects. I often refer to my stories as "Gene on Gene" or Gene "unplugged." When I did the show in Gene's hometown of Pittsburgh, the headline in the paper the next day read: "And we thought we knew Gene Kelly." People do not know the many dimensions of Gene. The show exposes them to the depth of his character and the layers of his artistry.

Your production sounds like a lovely homage to your late husband, how was this process for you?

I have spoken about Gene around the world for many years, so this show grew out of that. He would have been 100 years old last year. I knew that people around the world would want to celebrate him and his legacy, so I decided to create a show based on the way that Gene himself wished to be remembered. He was very specific about this in our many conversations. He wanted to be known for changing the look of dance on film and, particularly, for creating an American style of dance. Many people don't know the breadth of Gene's training as a dancer nor do they know the depth of his involvement behind the camera. I chose clips to reveal the many dimensions of his innovative work as a dancer, director and choreographer. People often ask if it is difficult for me to share this very personal story. In fact, it helps in many ways. The absence of Gene is great. To be able to connect with so many people who have been touched by him or influenced by him in some way is very moving for me. And to be able to introduce his legacy to young people who see him as "cool" and still relevant is very rewarding.

What does Gene Kelly's legacy mean to you?

In many ways Gene's legacy represents the importance of the pursuit of excellence and of dedication to one's craft. Gene was a man of great integrity, who was determined to be the best in his field. He took things as he saw them and made them different. He wanted to leave a mark. Gene's legacy really speaks for itself. I simply show audiences the work he did and share his reasons for doing it. It is exciting for me to know that his work still resonates and still inspires so many people around the world.

How has this show been received?

I have received many amazing letters from people after the shows-some from friends and many from perfect strangers. One young woman said, "I was truly moved by your intimate portrait of Gene Kelly-the artist, the man, the husband. For the audience the experience feels like a rare privilege to be in a room with Gene Kelly's beloved wife while she shares so personally her memories and accounts of their courtship, Gene's brilliant mind, his attention to detail and his thoughts about life and work." Since I try to make audiences feel like we're just sitting in the living room having a chat-even if the house seats 1000 people-I was touched by her response.

What do you hope that audiences take from this production?

I hope audiences appreciate the real genius of Gene Kelly-as a performer and as a creative artist behind the camera. I also hope they will come away with a sense of his humanity and his humility. He was, of course, captivating on screen. But he was also a true Renaissance man, who spoke multiple languages, wrote poetry, studied economics, often read a book a day. I hope people will be moved and inspired by clips and the stories.

Any thoughts into turning this show into a film or HBO Speical?

I am always looking for ways to reach larger audiences, so some other format might be a possibility down the line. Right now, I love the very personal interaction with the live audiences. I learn a great deal from the people who attend my shows.

Is there a play or musical that you absolutely adore and would like to perform in?

I did Chekhov and Shakespeare when I was in a literature class in college and loved it. It would be great fun to do that again, but I doubt anyone will be banging on my door anytime soon.

What's next for you, any other productions in the works?

The show is currently touring here and abroad. I am also working to finish the memoir as I travel with the show. I have several other projects in the works that include film and other media. So stay tuned!

Again thank you so much for speaking with me and BroadwayWorld today and I look forward to your production of Gene Kelly: The Legacy!

Thank you Michael! Please encourage everyone to go to GeneKelly.com to "subscribe" so they will receive notices about upcoming Gene Kelly: THE LEGACY shows and also other Legacy projects. They can also "like" Gene's official page on Facebook: Gene Kelly The Legacy.

The late and great Gene Kelly

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