When releases are as handy as this – an announcement about all of the events scheduled for 2008 that will celebrate the achievements of composer Charles Strouse, well, it just seems silly to gild the lily. So, let's look at what has happened and will be happening as Strouse – the man who's written shows like Bye Bye Birdie and Annie - turns 80 this year (June 7 is his actual birthday).
January 2008
Launch of www.CharlesStrouse.com
In honor of Strouse’s 80th year, a new official website is launched. The most comprehensive site for all things Charles Strouse, CharlesStrouse.com features biographical, discography, theatre, film and television listings; a collection of rare video segments from Strouse’s Broadway productions, film and television, audio clips, a photo library, and even interactive opportunities to share your connection with the music of Charles Strouse and offer birthday wishes.
February 6th at 8:30PM
Lincoln Center’s American Songbook presents
“This is the life: Eric Comstock Salutes Charles Strouse at 80”
Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Allen Room, New York
Comstock, joined by guest vocalist Barbara Fasano and Charles Strouse himself, will perform an evening of Strouse favorites from the standpoint of its influence on the jazz repertoire. For tickets and more information visit http://www.lincolncenter.org/show_events_list.asp?eventcode=16978
February 7th-10th, 2008
Applause at Encores!
City Center, New York
Tony Award-winner Christine Ebersole (Grey Gardens) will star as Margo Channing in Applause, the 1970 Tony Award-winning musical based on the classic film All About Eve, about a great Broadway star and her duplicitous understudy. Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall directs and choreographs. Songs include “Applause,” “Welcome to the Theater” and “Good Friends.” Following the matinee on Saturday, February 9th, Strouse and his collaborator Lee Adams will participate in a talk-back discussion with audience members. For tickets and more information visit http://www.nycitycenter.org/events/event_detail.cfm?event_code=EN108
Saturday, March 15th at 3:00PM
Screening: “The Colors of My Life - The Musical Theatre of Michael Stewart”
Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza
Lincoln Center Library for the Performing Arts, New York
NYPL presents a screening of this special 2006 event honoring Charles Strouse’s Bye Bye Birdie collaborator, Michael Stewart. In addition to a musical performance by Strouse, there are tributes from Charles Busch, Melissa Errico, Jim Dale, James Naughton, Lee Roy Reams, Steve Ross and others. For more information visit http://www.nypl.org/research/calendar/prog/lpa/plistlpa2.cfm.
Thursday, March 20th at 5:30PM
Panel Discussion & DVD signing: “Life After Tomorrow”
Barnes & Noble at Lincoln Center, New York
In celebration of the DVD release of Julie Stevens and Gil Cates, Jr.’s documentary “Life After Tomorrow,” Barnes & Noble hosts a special panel discussion with Strouse and several of Annie’s alumni orphans featured in the film. The evening will also a live performance and a DVD signing. For more information visit http://www.nypl.org/research/calendar/prog/lpa/plistlpa2.cfm.
May 2008
Annie – The 30th Anniversary Cast Recording
The most musically complete recording of the Strouse/Charnin score to date, this double-disc collectable features an all-star cast including Carol Burnett, Gary Beach, Kathie Lee Gifford, Andrea McArdle, Harve Presnell, John Schuck and Sally Struthers. In addition to the new overture that Strouse has created for this recording, bonus tracks include previously unrecorded material from Annie 2, the 20th Anniversary Broadway revival, the Australian production and the 1977 NBC Annie Christmas Special. Released by Time Life and distributed by Warner Brothers, the album is produced by Grammy-nominated Robert Sher. For more information visit http://www.timelife.com/.
Saturday, May 10th at 3:00PM
An Afternoon with Charles Strouse
Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza
Lincoln Center Library for the Performing Arts, New York
In conjunction with NYPL’s exhibition “Writing to Character: Songwriters & The Tony Awards” (February 26-June 14), Charles Strouse takes to the piano for an afternoon of behind-the-scenes anecdotes and live performances from some of his Tony winning and nominated scores including Bye Bye Birdie, Applause, Annie, Golden Boy, Rags and Nick and Nora. http://www.nypl.org/research/calendar/prog/lpa/plistlpa2.cfm.
Thursday, March 20th at 5:30PM
Panel Discussion & DVD signing: “Life After Tomorrow”
Barnes & Noble at Lincoln Center, New York
In celebration of the DVD release of Julie Stevens and Gil Cates, Jr.’s documentary “Life After Tomorrow,” Barnes & Noble hosts a special panel discussion with Strouse and several of Annie’s alumni orphans featured in the film. The evening will also feature a live performance of “Tomorrow” by Gypsy’s Emma Rowley accompanied by Strouse and a DVD signing. For more information visit http://www.nypl.org/research/calendar/prog/lpa/plistlpa2.cfm
May 13th, 2008
Library of Congress Honors Charles Strouse
Library of Congress, Washington, DC
Following acquisitions from great American composers including Richard Rodgers, Irving Berlin and Aaron Copeland, the Music Division of The Library of Congress accepts the Charles Strouse collection of original theatre, film, television, opera and orchestral work manuscripts. The presentation will be followed by a birthday luncheon in the library. For more information visit http://www.loc.gov/.
May 14th, 2008
Broadway Up-Close and Personal: Charles Strouse at The Kennedy Center
Terrace Theatre at Kennedy Center, Washington, DC
Join Strouse for an intimate interview with ASCAP's Michael Kerker and live music by special guests performing the best of Charles Strouse. The interview will be followed by a dinner reception with Strouse and members of the United States Congress. For tickets and more information visit http://www.kennedy-center.org/text/calendar/event_details.cfm?event=PIPTC
Thursday, June 26th at 4:00PM
“Composing Pop & Broadway” Seminar
The Julliard School, 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York
Part of a three-day annual workshop led by the esteemed choral conductor Judith Clurman, Strouse and fellow composers David Shire and Georgia Stitt discuss their works and careers in a panel discussion for choral musicians and students. For more information visit http://www.juilliard.edu/summer/ccm.html.
June 2nd, 2008, 6:00 -7:30PM
Applause, Applause: A Salute to Charles Strouse
The Paley Center for Media, New York
The Paley Center presents rare television and film footage featuring Carol Burnett, Sammy Davis, Jr., Elliot Gould, Larry Hagman, Alan Jay Lerner, Dorothy Loudon, Caroll O’Connor, Chita Rivera, Jason Robards, Jr., Jean Stapleton, and even the Muppets performing Charles Strouse songs from his Broadway shows, film and television. This public event, includes a panel discussion, a live performance by Strouse and a live appearance by Lauren Bacall, the Tony Award winning star of Strouse’s Applause. After the tribute, there will be a by-invitation-only dinner reception for Strouse and the Paley Center’s Producers Circle.
June 2008
Book release: “Put On a Happy Face,” a Broadway memoir by Charles Strouse
Charles Strouse takes his readers behind the scenes. Released by Sterling Publishing, Strouse’s autobiography is about songwriting, star-making and the memories of one of America’s greatest living composers.
July 22nd-24th, 2008
Hal Leonard Publishing: National Joy of Singing Convention
Country Springs Hotel & Conference Center, Waukesha, WI
The world’s largest music print publisher brings together over 1,000 music educators from around the country to honor Charles Strouse in celebration of 80 years of great American music. At this event, three new choral works by Charles Strouse will premiere. For more information visit http://www.jwpepper.com/branch/events
Thursday, June 26th at 4:00PM
“Composing Pop & Broadway” Seminar
The Julliard School, 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York
Part of a three-day annual workshop led by the esteemed choral conductor Judith Clurman, Strouse and fellow composers David Shire and Georgia Stitt discuss their works and careers in a panel discussion for choral musicians and students. For more information visit http://www.juilliard.edu/summer/ccm.html.
July 2008
Charles Strouse Launches National Put On A Happy Face Book Tour
Charles Strouse will visit Barnes & Nobel bookstores and theatres around the United States to discuss his new memoir as well as present workshops to students and offer live performances. For updates to his tour schedule visit http://www.charlesstrouse.com/
Fall 2008
BBC Radio: Elaine Paige interviews Charles Strouse
(Specific air dates TBA)
London
In celebration of his 80th year, legendary West End musical theatre star Elaine Paige will sit down with Strouse to discuss the "essential musicals" that have had an impact on him and his career.
Fall 2008
Mercury Musical Developments (MMD) Salon seminar with Charles Strouse
(Specific date and venue TBA)
London
MMD presents an evening with Charles Strouse. Budding, London-based musical theatre writers will sit down with the composer to discuss his 50 years of composing for the musical theatre.
Fall 2008
BBC Concert: Charles Strouse’s UK Birthday celebration
The Palladium London, England UK
This live concert, featuring Martin Yates conducting the BBC Orchestra, celebrates the music of Charles Strouse. This event will be recorded by the BBC for broadcast on their popular “Friday Night is Music Night” program in the UK in June 2008
Fall 2008
Stage & Screen: Edward Seckerson in conversation with Charles Strouse
The Shaw Theatre, London
Michael Feinstein's "Feinstein’s at The Shaw" season will include this special evening in which BBC Radio 3 host Edward Seckerson will interview Charles Strouse about his illustrious career before a live audience. American audiences will be able to view the interview later in the month at http://www.stageandscreenonline.com/
Fall 2008
National Tour of University and College Campuses
This fall, Strouse will offer workshops, seminars and live performances for music and theatre students around the United States. For updates to his tour schedule visit http://www.charlesstrouse.com/
October 16th-19th, 2008
Alumnae Weekend: Eastman School of Music Honors Charles Strouse
University of Rochester, NY
Strouse returns to his alma mater for a celebration of his 80th birthday and illustrious career. The university will honor Strouse in an evening that will include live performances. For more information visit http://www.rochester.edu/alumni/melioraweekend/.
October 29th-November 2nd 2008
Charles Strouse Festival
The Hartt Conservatory, Hartford, CT
University students present a weekend festival celebrating the music of Charles Strouse. Under the direction of a team of Broadway guest artists, the weekend will include performances of Strouse’s Rags, Lyle Lyle Crocodile, Charlotte’s Web and orchestral works. For more information visit http://www.harttweb.hartford.edu/.
April 3rd, 2009
The New York Pops Salutes Charles Strouse
Carnegie Hall, New York City
Join the New York Pops conducted by Martin Yates, a roster of fabulous stars and Charles Strouse himself for an evening of standards from Broadway and the movies, stirring orchestral works and a few debut performances from Strouse's Broadway-bound musicals.
For more information about Charles Strouse, his career, and any of the events detailed above, visit http://www.charlesstrouse.com/.
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