Granddaddies of the American Music Theater
University Center | Friday, March 28 • 1pm
Instructor: Rochelle Forrester • Art, Film, Music, and Theater
Join us as we explore the musical melting pot of the American experiment that forged the Broadway musical. From the songs of Stephen Foster through medicine shows, minstrel shows and vaudeville, the DNA strands coalesced to shape the uniquely American art form of the Broadway musical. From Bert Williams, a Black man who performed in blackface, through Fannie Brice to Jerome Kern’s groundbreaking musical drama Showboat, it’s a story told through music and photos.
About the Presenter: Rochelle Rosenthal Forester has had a lifelong love of music, theater, and performance. A member of Actors Equity and SAG, she frequently performed at The Attic Theater, JET Theater and Michigan Opera. Now retired, she enjoys researching and sharing her love of learning with others. Forester is married and has an adult daughter; she has proven to be a very entertaining MORE contributor.
