Gershwin Trust Awards 42nd Street Moon $25,000 Grant

Greg MacKellan, artistic director of 42nd Street Moon, and Stephanie Rhoads, producing director, are proud to announce that the Ira and Leonore Gershwin Philanthropic Fund has awarded the company a grant in the amount of $25,000.

42nd Street Moon made the commitment two years ago to begin a multi-year series celebrating the work of Ira Gershwin, the "quiet" brother - or "the other Gershwin," who was content to spin his magnificent wordplay behind the scenes, while his younger, more outgoing brother George thrived on the spotlight. The series kicked off with the recent Gershwin Salon featuring Donna McKechnie, and continues with Lady, Be Good! this year and Strike Up the Band next year, followed in subsequent years with shows which Ira wrote with composers other than George.

"Ira Gershwin's lyrics are some of the finest that have ever been written for the Broadway stage and motion pictures, and his contribution to what is now called "the Great American Songbook" is inestimable," MacKellan stated. " We're so grateful that Michael Strunsky of the Ira and Leonore Gershwin Trust has recognized us with this support. To have the Ira Gershwin Archives here in San Francisco is an invaluable resource for us, and having the opportunity to perform Ira's work for his family adds even more meaning to our multi-year mission."

The fund was established by Leonore Strunsky Gershwin, widow of Ira Gershwin, with the goal of funding worthy programs in the arts, entertainment, education and medicine. In his letter to the 42nd Street Moon directors, Michael Strunsky wrote: "42nd Street Moon has proved itself as a wonderful asset to the cultural life of San Francisco. What could be better than reprising the great musicals of the 20th Century?"

42nd Street Moon celebrates and preserves the art and spirit of the American Musical Theatre, contributing to its evolution and continuing vitality by presenting intimate productions of "Uncommon Musicals" -- classic and rarely performed shows by the great 20th century songwriters. Through productions, educational programs, and community outreach, the company is committed to increasing the awareness and appreciation of the rich heritage and cultural perspective of the musical theatre and its vast influence on the world stage. Since 1993 the company has staged more than 90 musicals, as well as several revues celebrating the dazzling legacy of the 20th Century's greatest musical theater composers and lyricists.

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