The History of the Hollywood Musical – BMW of Elmhurst Dealer

Fans of musicals won’t want to miss The History of the Hollywood Musical. This hybrid presentation takes place on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Elmhurst Public Library. Led by film historian Annette Bochenek, this program will trace the development of the Hollywood musical throughout the years. You’ll want to get up and sing along as you remember some of the biggest musicals, songs and stars. At BMW of Elmhurst, we know this event will be a hit for everyone who loves these treasured movies.

Hollywood musicals feature songs sung by the characters, usually accompanied by dancing. The production numbers typically develop the movie’s characters or advance the plot. The genre emerged from stage musicals after the development of sound films. Musical films retain some elements of theater productions, with the actors performing directly to the audience.

The history of the Hollywood musical began in the late 1920s. Films by Busby Berkeley were popular during the next decade, including 42nd Street, Gold Diggers of 1933, and Footlight Parade. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers became cultural icons in the 1930s. The Wizard of Oz is another musical that became a landmark during this era.

MGM musicals were hits in the 1940s and 1950s. Highlights included Meet Me in St. Louis, An American in Paris, Singin’ in the Rain, and Gigi. Other popular titles were White Christmas, Funny Face, South Pacific and Oklahoma! Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Gene Kelly, and Frank Sinatra were stars of this era.

The success of Hollywood musicals continued in the following years with films such as West Side Story, The Music Man, Bye Bye Birdie, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, and Grease. Disney released many popular titles in the 1990s, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King.

Recent movie musicals include Moulin Rouge!, Chicago, The Phantom of the Opera, Rent, Mamma Mia!, Les Misérables, and The Greatest Showman.

Date and Time:
Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, 7 p.m.

Location:
Elmhurst Public Library
125 S Prospect Ave.
Elmhurst, IL, 60126

Admission:
The History of the Hollywood Musical is a hybrid event:

• Register to attend in person: https://tinyurl.com/nxxmtdw2
• Register to attend virtually: https://tinyurl.com/mupvzkk3

For More Information:
Call 630-279-8696 or email [email protected].