Musical Theatre is a purely American idea originating in the 1880’s. John and Anne Frame will take a trip through 90 years of musicals on Monday, February 20, 2017, beginning at 6:00 p.m., in the Program Room at Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL. Presented by Friends of the Odell Public Library, “Groundbreaking Musicals” will feature Broadway shows that are true pioneers in the musical theatre genre.
Broadway is the epitome of musical theatre. Broadway musical theatre has delighted, thrilled, and transported audiences for nearly one hundred years. These chosen shows broke new ground through a variety of fresh, inventive concepts in story, music, lyrics, and dance. The program will begin with the first musical of the modern age, “Showboat,” set on the Mississippi River during the mid-1800’s and conclude with latest Broadway innovation, “Hamilton.”
The evening’s discussion will also include Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma,” Leonard Bernstein’s “West Side Story,” the long-running hit “A Chorus Line,” and the exhilarating show “Rent.” Through PowerPoint, actual performance footage of songs and dances will be shown.
John and Anne Frame, former Morrison music and theatre teachers who directed 35 plays/musicals, will also disperse show-biz tidbits and information.
There is no charge for this fun evening; however, Odell Public Library welcomes the donations. Reservations are appreciated but not required. Call 815-772-7323 to reserve a spot.
Please note the presentation begins at 6:00. Come, enjoy, hum along, and tap your toe to the music of the pioneers of Broadway, the “Groundbreaking Musicals.”