Back by popular demand, Morristown author and entertainment historian John Kenrick will present a monthly series of Zoom talks about iconic Hollywood figures and films: Louis B. Mayer, Judy Garland, The Wizard of Oz and Singin’ in the Rain.
Hosted by the Morristown & Morris Township Library, the online presentations start at 7 pm on four Wednesdays through December 2021.
From the Morristown & Township Library:
Our speaker: John Kenrick has worked in the theatre at every level from amateur to Broadway, and was personal assistant to six Tony Award-winning producers, including the team behind the original production of Rent. He has taught musical theatre at NYU’s Steinhardt School, The New School University, and Philadelphia’s University of the Arts. He’s appeared on NPR, The Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Newsday, as well as PBS, A&E’s Biography, BBC TV and The Travel Channel among others. He is the creator of the popular website Musicals101.com, and his books include Musical Theatre: A History, which just received a new 10th Anniversary edition. “John didn’t just make me laugh – he made me care.”
Sept. 22 – Metro Goldwyn Mayer: Hollywood’s Tiffany Studio – Lights! Camera! Action! During the golden age of Hollywood studios, no other matched the dazzling reputation or profitability of MGM. How did Louis B. Mayer and the thousands of employees he called family (but sometimes treated like serfs) turn out so many hit films? Morristown author and entertainment historian John Kenrick kicks off our fall series with a revealing multi-media talk covering the glorious rise and sad fall of the studio that boasted “more stars than there are in the heavens.”
Oct. 27 – Judy Garland: The Things That You Dare to Dream – In vaudeville from age 2, by age 17 she won the world’s heart in The Wizard of Oz, becoming MGM’s top musical star — and by age 28 was tossed aside as a “has been.” With fascinating behind the scenes stories and exciting video clips of Garland in action, Morristown author and entertainment historian John Kenrick explains how this powerhouse performer’s emotional and chemical demons kept her teetering between professional and personal triumphs and tragedies. A frank but affectionate celebration of a legendary talent.
Nov. 10 – Singin’ in the Rain: What a Glorious Feeling – When composer and acclaimed MGM producer Arthur Freed decided to create a film cataloging his hit songs, he wisely handed the project to a dream team. In this joyful multimedia talk, Morristown author and entertainment historian John Kenrick takes us behind the scenes as director Stanly Donen, dancing star Gene Kelly, and screenwriters Betty Comden and Adolph Green concoct a film that many call the greatest original screen musical comedy of all time. (Please note: Unless it rains that night, no umbrellas are required.)
Dec. 15 – The Wizard of Oz: MGM Production #1060 – When studio head Louis B. Mayer wanted to outshine Disney’s blockbuster Snow White, studio songwriter Arthur Freed suggested filming L. Frank Baum’s popular children’s story. Morristown author and entertainment historian John Kenrick uses fascinating production anecdotes and some rarely seen video clips to show how Freed and MGM’s unparalleled creative talents produced not just a hit film, but a beloved cinematic classic. How did that horse in Emerald City change its color? And who came up with the idea of those iconic ruby slippers?
