Before "Fred and Ginger," there was "Fred and Adele," a show-business partnership and cultural sensation like no other. In our celebrity-saturated era, it's hard to comprehend what a genuine phenomenon these two siblings from Omaha were. At the height of their success in the mid-1920s, the Astaires seemed to define the Jazz Age. They were Gershwin's music in motion, a fascinating pair who wove spellbinding rhythms in song and dance.
In this book, the first comprehensive study of their theatrical career together, Kathleen Riley traces the Astaires' rise to fame from humble midwestern origins and early days as child performers on small-time vaudeville stages (where Fred, fatefully, first donned top hat and tails) to their 1917 debut on Broadway to star billings on both sides of the Atlantic. They became ambassadors of an art form they helped to revolutionize, adored by audiences, feted by royalty, and courted socially by elites everywhere they went. From the start, Adele was the more natural performer, spontaneous, funny, and self-possessed, while Fred had to hone his trademark timing and elegance through endless hours of rehearsal, a disciplined regimen that Adele loathed. Ultimately, Fred's dancing expertise surpassed his sister's, and their paths diverged: Adele married into British aristocracy, and Fred headed for Hollywood.
The Astaires examines in depth the extraordinary story of this great brother-sister team, with full attention to its historical and theatrical context. It is not merely an account of the first part of Fred's long and illustrious career but one with its own significance. Born at the close of the 1800s, Fred and Adele grew up together with the new century, and when they reached superstardom during the interwar years, they shone as an affirmation of life and hope amid a prevailing crisis of faith and identity.
CelloVoci – the newly formed classical-crossover group starring internationally renowned cello and vocal duo BRANDEN & JAMES, along with powerhouse singer/songwriter EFFIE PASSERO from “American Idol” and Postmodern Jukebox – will release their debut album Happy Day. Learn ore.
BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present the return of MAC and Bistro Award-winning concert artist Jeff Harnar – celebrating his new album Jeff Harnar Sings Sammy Cahn: The Second Time Around. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Join Maleah Joi Moon and Brandon Victor Dixon from the Broadway cast of HELL'S KITCHEN for a signing at Barnes & Noble 5th Ave this Friday at noon to support the Hell’s Kitchen Original Broadway Cast Recording.
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe have just announced that they will release their sixth joint studio album ‘Together At Home’. A selection of homegrown songs you know and love, including hits such as ‘Proud’, ‘Rule The World’ and ‘Welcome Home’.
Dennis Mukeera and Bridget Namubiru have announced the release of their new urban fantasy novel, Borrowed Destiny: The Weight and Burden of Soul Sacrifice. This gripping novel promises to transport readers into a world of dark schemes, psychological horrors, and forbidden romance.
The Broadway Education Alliance has announced the launch of the Broadway StageNotes podcast. Hosted by Lauren Van Hemert, an award-winning journalist, the podcast promises to shine a spotlight on the importance of arts education and enrichment programs.
Jamil Hijazi's memoir Never Settled explores his life's journey from Tucson to global travels, delving into spirituality, psychology, and quantum physics, while reflecting on mental health and societal trends.
In anticipation of the Playwrights Horizons production of Gabriel Kahane’s Magnificent Bird/Book of Travelers, Nonesuch Records released a new recording of “Red Letter Days”. Learn more about the recording!
Gunhild Carling is releasing a major big band album this fall! Titled 'Jazz Is My Lifestyle'. The album was recorded in Frank Sinatra's former studio, East West in Los Angeles, featuring top big band musicians in America.
A charming inn in Golden Glen becomes the scene of a chilling murder in Camille Sharp's latest cozy mystery, Murder Checks Inn. Follow Maiden Harlow as she turns amateur sleuth to uncover the truth.
Patrick Page has just announced that he will develop his hit one-man show, All The Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented The Villain, into a book. We have all of the details!
Discover THE HIRSCHFELD BROADWAY TAROT, a unique tarot deck inspired by Broadway and featuring the iconic art of Al Hirschfeld, available starting September 3. Learn more!
Mark Vanner's debut poetry collection, The Bone That Swallowed A Man, exploring modern life's absurdities through humor, introspection, and social commentary, is now available from Anxiety Press.
Dara the Pirate Panda by X. Wang is a delightful new children's book that takes young readers on a magaical adventure where the true treasure is the joy of friendship.
Legendary stage and screen producer, broadcaster, podcaster and author Julian Schlossberg and friends gathered to celebrate the legendary producer’s 6 decades in show business, and the launch of Schlossberg’s new memoir, My First Book – Part 2, A Producer’s Life Continues. See photos from the event!
Throughout September in New York City, Award-winning journalist, cabaret star and author Nelson Aspen will celebrate the release of his latest book, a semi-autobiographical sequel to last year's steamy coming-of-age story.
Tracy Markley, an award-winning personal trainer and acclaimed author, has announced the release of her latest children's book, Rhyming Riley: The Dog That Rhymes All the Time.
Celebrate the 15th anniversary of NEXT TO NORMAL with a newly remixed and remastered Original Broadway Cast Recording, featuring updates from composer and album co-producer Tom Kitt. Listen now!
'Another Mountain', a standout track from The Complete Picture: a New Rock Musical, is dropping on all digital streaming platforms this Friday, August 9th.