This course will take a look behind the scenes of movie musicals that consistently make the list of the top 25 movie musicals of all time. Casting decisions, the behavior of stars and studios, and amazing video snippets of these movies will all play a part.

Six-Week Course Schedule | Thursdays | 1:00 PM

Mar 23 | The romance of dance: What woman can resist the charms of an elegant, debonair dance partner? Fred Astaire partners with Ginger Rogers in Top Hat and Swing Time, Judy Garland in Easter Parade, and several other lucky ladies.

Mar 30 | The mystique of France: Movie makers have often been drawn to the charms of the French and the beauties of France as a backdrop for their films. We look behind the scenes at An American in Paris, Gigi, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.

Apr 06 | Biographical showbiz movie musicals: Funny Girl, Gypsy, All That Jazz. They may not be an accurate depiction of the lives of Fanny Brice, Gypsy Rose Lee and Bob Fosse, but they are entertaining!

Apr 13 | Children’s movies that are wasted on children: The amazing talents of their leading ladies and superb production values make The Wizard of Oz, and Mary Poppins all-time favorites, no matter your age.

Apr 20 | From movie to musical to movie musical: The Producers, Little Shop of Horrors, Sweet Charity. These three films have had a long journey from lesser-known movie to smash stage musical to not-quite-blockbuster movie musical. We will trace the steps along the way.

Apr 27 | There’s no business like show business: Singin’ in the Rain and The Band Wagon take a humorous look at show biz while giving us some of the best musical numbers of all time.

This class will be held onsite at WIH and simulcast via Zoom