The Importance of Women on Broadway From Ethel Merman to Patti LuPone, strong female performers have always held the spotlight on Broadway. But behind the scenes, it’s been a different story. In this lecture, we will explore some of the women who have broken the barriers in a predominantly male-based hierarchy of directors and choreographers, and we will examine ground-breaking musicals that present empowered female characters. Video clips will include scenes from Gypsy, Wicked, The Lion King, and The Secret Garden. Agnes De Mille –…
A Legacy to Stand the Test of Time The most famous mentorship in Broadway history is that of Oscar Hammerstein II taking a young Stephen Sondheim under his wing and encouraging his growth as a budding composer and lyricist. They are links in a chain of mentorships dating from the days of operetta to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton. Otto Harbach and Jerome Kern mentored Oscar Hammerstein, leading to Hammerstein’s groundbreaking collaboration with Kern on Showboat. Rodgers and Hammerstein went on to change the…
During this 3-part series, guest speaker Debra Dickinson will lead guests through an exciting discussion about many of Broadway’s biggest hits and explain why each is such an important and lasting part of musical theater history.
April 4: From Stage to Screen
April 24: Girl Power on Broadway
May 23: Hammerstein to Sondheim, A Creative Legacy
Members/donors may attend at no cost and bring up to two guests per event. Beer, wine, and light appetizers will be provided. Before the discussion begins, guests will receive important updates regarding Stafford Opera House renovations and repairs. Click here for event details.