BACK IN PICTURES Celebrates Golden Age of Hollywood
By: Reynard Loki Oct. 13, 2008
The Golden Age of Hollywood cinema brought us unforgettable stories, immortal stars, and classic songs that have infused themselves into our lives generation after generation. Back in Pictures celebrates the songs that were originally written for these masterpieces; , featuring music from Casablanca, Easter Parade, A Star Is Born, Pennies From Heaven, Disney, Meet Me In St. Louis, Gentlemen Prefer Blonds, The Wizard of Oz and many more! That’s Entertainment, with music by Arthur Schwartz and lyrics by Howard Dietz, the song was written specifically for the 1953 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical film The Band Wagon, which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Music Score. Back in Pictures is showing at the Reprise Room, 245 West 54th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue, New York, from April 7, 2008 through January 5, 2009.
When I Fall in Love
Written by Edward Heyman and Edward Young, Doris Day debuted the song in the 1952 film One Minute to Zero. That year, it made it to #20 on the Billboard chart. It was recorded in 1956 by Nat King Cole, and in 1957 hit #2 on the United Kingdom charts.
It Might as Well be Spring
A song from the 1945 film State Fair, with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song that year. State Fair was the only original film score by Rodgers and Hammerstein.
Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off
Written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 film Shall We Dance, it was introduced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as part of a celebrated dance duet on roller skates. The song was ranked #34 on AFI's 100 Years... 100 Songs.
Am I Blue
Written and performed by Ethel Waters in the 1929 film On with the Show, which was the first film to be photographed entirely in Technicolor.
When Love goes wrong
Written by Harold Adamson and Hoagy Carmichael, Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe first performed this song in the 1953 film Gentleman Prefer Blondes.
One for My Baby
Written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, Fred Astaire introduced the song in the 1943 movie musical The Sky’s the Limit. It was later popularized by Frank Sinatra, and remained a staple of Sinatra’s concerts throughout his career.
Steppin’ Out with My Baby
Written by Irving Berlin, this song was first performed by Fred Astaire in the 1948 musical film Easter Parade. It has since been recorded and performed by numerous artists, most notably Tony Bennett, who introduced it as the title song in his 1993 Astaire-themed album Steppin’ Out. In 2007, Bennett performed it as a duet with Christina Aguilera at the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards.
Rumble Rumble Rumble
Performed by Betty Hutton in the 1947 film The Perils of Pauline.
“Money Medley": Nice Work if you Can Get It
With music by George Gershwin and lyrics by Ira Gershwin, it was one of nine songs George Gershwin wrote for the 1937 movie A Damsel in Distress. We’re in the Money---- written by Al Dubin and Harry Warren for the film Gold Diggers of 1933, it was originally performed by Ginger Rogers. Three Coins in the Fountain---- from the 1954 film of the same name, the song received an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Pennies from Heaven---- with music by Arthur Johnston and lyrics by Johnny Burke, it was introduced by Bing Crosby in the 1936 film of the same name. That same year, it was recorded by Billie Holiday.
“Disney Trio”: When You Wish Upon a Star
Written by Ned Washington and Leigh Harline and introduced in the 1940 Walt Disney movie Pinocchio, where is sung by Cliff Edwards in the character of Jiminy Cricket. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song that year. Someday My Prince Will Come----- written by Larry Morey and Frank Churchill for Walt Disney's 1937 animated movie Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which was Disney’s first full-length feature. Adriana Caselotti, who is Snow White’s voice in the movie, performed it. A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes---- written and composed by Mack David, Al Hoffman and Jerry Livingston for the Walt Disney film Cinderella (1950).
It Had to be You
Written by Isham Jones and Gus Kahn, this song was first performed by Priscilla Lane in the 1939 film The Roaring Twenties. It went on to be performed in film classics Casablanca (1942) and Annie Hall (1977).
“Judy Medley” --- The Boy Next Door---- written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, it was first introduced in the musical film Meet Me in St. Louis. On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe---- written for the 1946 movie The Harvey Girls, with music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Johnny Mercer, it won that year’s Academy Award for Best Original Song. The Trolley Song---- written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane for the 1944 film Meet Me in St. Louis, it received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. The Man that Got Away----written for the 1954 version of the movie A Star Is Born, with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by Ira Gershwin. Over the Rainbow---with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, it was written to showcase Judy Garland's talents in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. The song tops the "Songs of the Century" list compiled by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts. It also topped the American Film Institute's "100 Years, 100 Songs" list.
Smile
Composed by Charlie Chaplin, with lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons, this song was originally used for the 1936 movie Modern Times. However, the song really gained notoriety in 1954, when Nat King Cole performed it.
As Time Goes By
Originally written by Herman Hupfeld for the 1931 Broadway musical Everybody's Welcome, the song was re-introduced in the 1942 film Casablanca. Tonight’s performance simply wouldn’t be complete with out this song.
Young at Heart
With music by Johnny Richards and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, this song became a million-selling hit when Frank Sinatra recorded it in 1953. It proved to be so popular that the title of the movie Sinatra and Doris Day were filming at the time was renamed, and the song was included in the opening and closing credits for the movie, which was released as Young at Heart.
CAST and CREW
Nicole Johndrow
Nicole is thrilled to be performing the music she was raised on! Over the past year, she has been seen as three different roles in The Full Monty, both at Westchester Broadway Theatre and Little Rock's Arkansas Rep. Other favorite credits include The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas starring Sally Struthers (Angel), A New Brain (Nancy D), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator), Children of Eden (Eve) and Gypsy (Louise). Following her graduation from Emerson College, more years ago than she cares to mention, Nicole spent two years touring the U.S. and Canada with Cats (Jellylorum). Nicole has also been featured at the Bradstan's Nancy LaMott Room in cabaret performance and is a proud member of AEA. Many thanks to Tom and Michael for this opportunity - and to her family and friends for their optimism, ability to make her laugh amidst life's ups and downs, and their unwavering support.
This Boston native is thrilled to be back on the theatre scene and working with Tom, Michael and Lance. Past favorites include: Divas I've Done, Rocky Horror (Janet) and Children of Eden (Eve). Many thanks to this great cast, my urban family, Mom, Dad, Sean and Jesse.
Bob Gaynor
Bob has most recently been seen in this season's Encore! production of Applause as Peter and last season's Stairway to Paradise. He has been seen on Broadway in Aida (Radames), Taboo (Leigh Bowery, Marcus-us), and Sweet Charity (Vittorio-us). Regionally: A Chorus Line (Zach) & Hoagy! NYC: Presto Chango (Roberto-Amas), Common Grounds (Ned-NYMF). Film: “Across the Universe”, “Inspector Gadget”, “Dudley Do Right”, “The Mask”. TV: “Law and Order”, “One Life to Live”.
Dennis Moench
Dennis was last seen in NY as 'Abraham', the Jewish member of the Off-Broadway hit Altar Boyz. He joined the show just six months after its opening and played the role for almost a year with most of the original cast and entire creative team. Other credits include: 'Dennis' in All Shook Up (National Tour), 'Schlomo' in Fame (Off-Broadway), 'Motel' in Fiddler on the Roof (Fulton Opera), 'Woof' in Hair (DTC), NY readings at the York, NYMF, and Makor. More at www.dennismoench.com. Many thanks to Michael and Tom.
Jennifer L. Neuland
Broadway: ANNIE 20th Anniversary Production, The Wizard of Oz in Concert at the Lincoln Center and Turner Broadcasting. Off-Broadway: Annie Warbucks, The Late Night Cabaret Series directed by Martin Charnin. Regional: Goodspeed Opera House - Starcrossed, Honky Tonk Highway. Theatre Virginia – Fair and Tender Ladies. Other regional credits include: Parade, Baby, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Caberet, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Chicago, The King and I, State Fair, My Doris Day and Peace Train. Cast recordings include Annie Warbucks and The Wizard of Oz in Concert. Jennifer was Assistant Choreographer to the late Peter Gennaro. Jennifer choreographed in association with Peter Gennaro the London and Australian productions of ANNIE, which received “Olivier Award” and “Green Door” Award Nominations respectively for Best Choreography.
Michael Duling -- Director
Michael directed and co-produced A Broadway Diva Christmas and Ellen Greene’s album In His Eyes with Tom D’Angora. Together they also worked with Rue McClanahan, Mary Bond Davis, and The Kinsey Sicks in Provincetown. He has directed in the last two installments of The A Train Plays as well as productions of Women and Wallace and Killer Joe. Graduate of Marymount Manhattan College were he double majored in directing and producing. www.MichaelDuling.com
Lance Horne -- Music director/arrangements
www.lancehorne.com; Vocal arrangements: Little Women Broadway & National Tour. MD: Jekyll & Hyde in Concert, National and Korean Tours. Composer: Off-Bway: Songs from an Unmade Bed, Three Lost Chords. Benefits: BC/EFA Gypsy of the Year 2004-06, Film: “Ready? OK!” TV: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (NBC); One Life to Live: Prom Night, the Musical (ABC), Sesame Street at the Lincoln Center Tree Lighting (ABC). Recent and upcoming performances with: Dresden Dolls, Meow Meow, Justin Bond, Weimar NY, Death Cab for Cutie, April Clayton: Zankel Hall. Composition studies with Babbitt, Del Tredici at Juilliard, CUNY, Interlochen. Jonathan Larson Award, ASCAP Grants to Young Composers, O'Neill NMTF Residence. Faculty: Juilliard Precollege; EAMA, Paris. Lance wishes to thank Team Back in Pictures, and dedicate his contributions to the memory of his grandparents, James and Molly.
Tiger Martina -- Choreography
Currently Liza Minnelli's dance supervisor: Kay Thompson Project, and choreographer: Could it Be with Atlanta Symphony (Howland, Little Women). Recent performances: Movin' Out (Broadway), Man of La Mancha (North Carolina Theatre, Muleteer/Juan), In the Company of Men (Ron DeJesus), Dre.dance (Taye Diggs/Andrew Palermo), Configurations Dance Company, VH1's “Divas Live” (featured). Choreography credits include: Two Penn & Teller series: Sin City Spectacular (FX Network), Bullsh*t (Showtime), NBC: Macy's 4th of July 2005, Macy's 80th Thanksgiving Day Parade starring American Idol’s Diana DeGarmo and Phoenix Boys Choir. Season previews:
Scott F. DelaCruz-stage manager
Scott works primarily as a CM, SM and TD. Off-Broadway and New York credits include: Upcoming productions of Bash’d and Invisible Life; None of the Above (Lion); Three Travelers (St. Clements); Mother Load (Sage); NBS! (New World Stages); 15 prods with the York Theatre incl That Time of the Year, Fanny Hill, Souvenir, Musicals of Musicals, Thrill Me; 30 prods in the York Mufti Series; A Broadway Diva Christmas (Julia Miles); Animal Tales (Family Opera Initiative); The Long Ride Home (Cherry Lane); Bartenders (Houseman); Jolson & Company (Century Centre); Showtune (Theatre at Saint Peters); Cat’s Paw (Soho Rep); and many productions with Toy Box Theatre, Aulis Collective and INTAR. TV: The Brini Maxwell Show. Film: Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. “Life is Wonderful!”
Tom D’Angora-producer
Produced and co-conceived the 2005 hit revue A Broadway Diva Christmas. Produced, wrote, and starred in the multi award winning Divas I’ve Done which played sold out runs Off-Broadway, L.A., Boston, and Provincetown. Executive Producer for the critically acclaimed recording Ellen Greene In His Eyes. Served as producer for many fabulous Provincetown shows including, Naked Boys Singing, Rue McClanahan, Mary Bond Davis, and The Kinsey Sicks. Tom can currently be found at the Hillary for President headquarters where he volunteers and helps make history an average of six days a week. Thanks to this fabulous company and my fabulous dogs Parker and Liza Minnelli. Tom dedicates this show to our heroic Senator and future President Hillary Clinton. www.TomDangora.com
TICKET INFORMATION
Comments
Videos