EVDOL 31 - Gene Kelly & The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals

Edward Barnes
This course explores the life and craft of this legendary dancer, singer, actor, director and choreographer and his role at the forefront of the golden age of Hollywood musicals (1945-60). From Gene Kelly’s early years in Pittsburgh to starring in Pal Joey on Broadway, the course charts his trajectory as he moves on to Hollywood and his long-term relationship with MGM’s famous Freed Unit, starring in, choreographing, and then directing some of the most iconic movie musicals of all time. Classes examine Kelly’s vision of American dance, his innovations in movie musicals, his work with collaborators such as Stanley Donen, and his constant demand for artistic excellence.

Biography: Edward Barnes (BM ‘79, MM ‘80, composition) is an award-winning composer-lyricist and/or producer of more than 50 works of opera, theater, radio shows, and recordings. His work has been seen around the world from Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to the Opera Company of the Philippines and San Francisco Mime Troupe. He has been a resident artist at the Instituto Sacatar (Brazil), Ucross Foundation (Wyoming), and Fundación Valparaíso (Spain), and served as the executive director of Gotham Chamber Opera, producing director of MasterVoices, and managing director of American Lyric Theater. He has won Guggenheim and NEA fellowships and the Stephen Sondheim Award for the creation of innovative musical theater.

3 weeks

Sundays 4–6pm ET

March 23–April 6

In Person Only

$240