Philip Kessler

On Monday, June 2, The Paley Center for Media hosted a tribute to the composer Charles Strouse on the occasion of his eightieth birthday. The event, 'Applause Applause: A Tribute to Charles Strouse,' featured rare television footage; a live piano performance by Strouse and Andrea McArdle (who created the title role in the original cast of the Broadway musical Annie); and a panel discussion about his life and work moderated by Paley Center president Pat Mitchell. Peter Filichia (Theatre critic, The New Jersey Star-Ledger; Author Let's Put on a Musical: How to Choose the Right Show for Your Theater) was on the panel. Friends in the audience included Thomas Meehan (Tony award-winning writer), and Martin Charnin (Tony award-winning lyricist and director). Strouse is best known for his many Broadway shows (including Bye Bye Birdie, Golden Boy, Applause, Annie, and Rags) and his music for film and television-most notably the iconic theme song from All in the Family. ALL PHOTOS BY PHILIP KESSLER.