92Y's Lyrics & Lyricists Continues with IRVING BERLIN: AMERICAN

92nd Street Y's 48th season of Lyrics & Lyricists continues with an essential American story, Irving Berlin: American, celebrating Berlin's extraordinary life and work. On the occasion of the centenary of the writing of "God Bless America" - our nation's "other anthem," - artistic director, co-writer and choreographer, Noah Racey (Lyrics & Lyricists veteran, Thoroughly Modern Millie), and co-writer Cheryl L. Davis (Barnstormer, Maid's Door, Bridges) explore how the five-year-old Russian immigrant who arrived at Ellis Island speaking no English came to create songs that epitomize American music, and how he became the spokesman in song for the country that allowed him to flourish. The cast is stacked with actor/dancer/singer triple threats: Stephen DeRosa (A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum), Holly Butler (On the Town), Danny Gardner ( Dames at Sea, Crazy for You), Emily Hsu (The Unsinkable Molly Brown), Richard Riaz Yoder (Hello, Dolly!) and Pace University theater student Jada Temple.

"There is no clearer depiction of the American Dream than the life of Irving Berlin," comments Noah Racey. "This show explores America and what it means through his lyrics and his life."

Berlin's journey is the quintessential immigrant's journey from rags to riches, from Russia to the Lower East Side to Tin Pan Alley, Broadway and Hollywood. He wrote in the voice of everyman - or every American - with a simple, elegant grace, tremendous wit and an extraordinary natural melodic gift. His huge body of work ranges from "Alexander's Ragtime Band," "I Love a Piano" and "Always to Cheek to Cheek," "White Christmas," "God Bless America," and so much more. As Berlin himself wrote, "Come on and hear..."

For more information on the creative team and cast, please click here:

Learn more before the show at this class from 92Y's School of Music

Irving Berlin, America's Songwriter

Sun, Mar 18, 2018, 2:30 pm

Composer George Gershwin called him "the greatest songwriter that has ever lived," and according to composer Jerome Kern, "Irving Berlin has no place in American music - he is American music."

About 92Y
92nd Street Y is a world-class, nonprofit cultural and community center that fosters the mental, physical and spiritual health of people throughout their lives, offering: wide-ranging conversations with the world's best minds; an outstanding range of programming in the performing, visual and literary arts; fitness and sports programs; and activities for children and families. 92Y is reimagining what it means to be a community center in the digital age with initiatives like the award-winning #GivingTuesday, launched by 92Y in 2012 and now recognized across the US and in a growing number of regions worldwide as a day to celebrate and promote giving. These kinds of initiatives are transforming the way people share ideas and translate them into action both locally and around the world. More than 300,000 people visit 92Y annually; millions more participate in 92Y's digital and online initiatives. A proudly Jewish organization since its founding in 1874, 92Y embraces its heritage and welcomes people of all backgrounds and perspectives. For more information, visit www.92Y.org.