AMERICAN RHAPSODY

From the 2008/2009 Season: AMERICAN RHAPSODY has two major influences as its basis for a celebration and exploration of American music and the American spirit: the music of George Gershwin and his "Rhapsody in Blue" and the seminal 2008 presidential election.  Faced with the election of the first African American President or the first female Vice President, American was able to embrace its "melting pot" ideal and create a watershed moment in its history.  Similarly, Gershwin's music embraces a multitude of cultural influences: blues, ragtime, jazz, and popular song are all part of his unique and exciting  compositional style that is highlighted in "Rhapsody in Blue."

AMERICAN RHAPSODY features a diverse and eclectic score of music.  Blues, ragtime, jazz and early 20th century popular song styles are all included in compositions and songs by Stephen Foster, Scott Joplin, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, George M. Cohan , W. C. Handy and Eubie Blake.  This music, largely forgotten today, experiences a rebirth in this world premiere production by MusicalFare Artistic Director, Randall Kramer.    

Contemporary choreography for AMERICAN RHAPSODY is by Jon Lehrer, founder and Artistic Director of the nationally acclaimed Lehrer Dance Company.  Period choreography is by John Fredo.  The two distinct choreographic styles help to emphasize the modern and classic themes present in AMERICAN RHAPSODY.