MONDAY: Rodgers and Hammerstein 101
How did their sound of music (and "Sound of Music") upend Broadway?; Also: "Singer-Songwriters" tickets disappearing fast
Behind “Oklahoma!" “South Pacific,” “The Sound of Music” and other bedrocks of the American musical theater canon is a Jewish songwriting duo whose influence has never been matched. On Monday, October 26 at Noon EDT a FREE Jewish Culture 101 class will explore the impact of these two men. Why were two New York Jews writing shows set in “Indian Territory”; Siam; Chinatown; and an island in the South Pacific? How did Richard Rodgers become the first “EGOT,” and why should we care? How did Oscar Hammerstein give us Stephen Sondheim who gave us Lin-Manuel Miranda? Rodgers and Hammerstein 101 will answer those questions and more. Register: bitly.com/BenkofOklahoma
The subsequent five “singer-songwriter” classes (FREE every Monday in November at Noon EST) are FILLING UP RAPIDLY, even with 10 days to go. Given the more than 2,000 sign-ups as of Friday morning October 23, some of these sessions (especially “Simon & Garfunkel 101”) will likely reach the maximum number of students, a FIRST for Jewish Culture 101. Please sign up now at bitly.com/BenkofSingers
On Thursday, November 5 at Noon EST, I’ll be teaching “Mel Brooks: Another Look” - a continuation of Mel Brooks 101, but with completely new clips and discussions. How did “The Producers” address homosexuality? How did “History of the World, Part I” take aim at the Jewish past? And what were Brooks’s greatest artistic and commercial successes BEYOND his "Big Three” (The Producers, Blazing Saddles, and Young Frankenstein)? Finally, how well did his shows lend themselves to the Broadway stage? They’re fresh questions for Jewish Culture 101, so both veterans and newbies are welcome. Tuition: $1. Register: bitly.com/BenkofBrooks
Finally, vitally, do you know any young or aspiring theater professionals 18-25 who would like a ten-week seminar on the history of Broadway, with a $1,000 stipend upon completion of the course requirements? Right now, venues are closed, so auditions, workshops, and internships are shut down; and it’s the perfect time for young Broadway folks to pursue professional development. For many struggling creative types, the financial incentive can be life-changing. Tell them about my teaching style and send them to bitly.com/BroadwaySeminar