Michael Feinstein
Bing Crosby was, without a doubt, the most popular and influential multi-media star of the first half of the twentieth century, pulling audiences in with his intimate, laid-back voice and innate charm. Narrated by Stanley Tucci and directed by Robert Trachtenberg, this film explores the life and legend of this iconic performer, revealing a personality far more complex than the image the public had only thought they'd known.
Stars from Broadway and television join the New York Philharmonic to ring in the New Year with a joyous celebration of the music of Marvin Hamlisch. Featured performers include Beth Behrs, Joshua Bell, Lilla Crawford, Raul Esparza, Michael Feinstein, Maria Friedman, Josh Groban, Megan Hilty, Brian d'Arcy James, Kelli O'Hara, and of course series host Audra McDonald. Conducted by Paul Gemignani.
WORDS AND MUSIC is the story of one of Broadway's iconic figures: the composer/lyricist of Hello, Dolly!, Mame and La Cage aux Folles. Jerry Herman and an all-star cast, chart his rise from 1950s off-Broadway through all of his smash hits. Featuring never-before-seen footage of original stage performances, and a score full of classic show tunes.
Affectionate tribute to Bruce Vilanch, who writes material for celebrities who make public appearances, from Oscar hosts and award recipients to Presidents. We meet his mom and see photos of his childhood; in Chicago, he writes for the Tribune and then heads West. Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, and Bette Midler talk with him and to the camera about working with Bruce, and we also watch Bruce help others prepare for Liz Taylor's 60th, Bill Clinton's 50th, and an AIDS awards banquet where the hirsute, rotund Vilanch lets his emotions show.
He hasn't had a new Broadway show since 1983's La Cage Aux Folles, but composer Jerry Herman has become ubiquitous on the concert, tribute and benefit scene, as evidenced by a video release of "Jerry Herman's Broadway - at the Hollywood Bowl." The star-studded event celebrating Herman's 30-plus-year career includes performances by Carol Channing, Leslie Uggams, Lorna Luft and Lee Roy Reams all together on "Hello, Dolly!"; George Hearn singing "Movies Were Movies" (Mack And Mabel); Davis Gaines crooning "Song On The Sand" and "I Am What I Am" (La Cage Aux Folles); Rita Moreno advising "Tap Your Troubles Away" (Mack And Mabel); and Beatrice Arthur pointing out "The Man In The Moon" (also from Mame). There is also special taped greetings from Angela Lansbury and Paul & Linda McCartney.
Two aging actors, who had a brief but intense marriage in the 1940s, are reunited decades later to find that issues between them are not resolved.
Pianist-singer Michael Feinstein leads a tour through American musical history, from the jazz days of the 1920s through the music of World War II and on into the 1950s and '60s, with the advent of rock 'n' roll. In his quest to celebrate some of America's finest composers, he touches on the works of George and Ira Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer. The passionate preservationist shares personal stories of his efforts to save America's musical heritage, as well as anecdotes about composers and lyricists he's worked with over the years.
