Oct. 17 event includes Q&A with authors of new book on Hollywood’s Golden Age
Authors of a new book on the classic Judy Garland musical Summer Stock will join the Great American Songbook Foundation for a multimedia presentation and discussion Oct. 17 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
The 1950 MGM feature stands as a prime example of moviemaking under Hollywood’s Golden Age studio system, as well as a critical career moment for stars Gene Kelly and Garland, the latest inductee to the Foundation’s Songbook Hall of Fame.
The film finds Kelly at the top of his game, delivering one of the most famous solo dance performances of his career to the tune of “You Wonderful You.” Garland struggled with personal issues throughout the production, after which MGM terminated her contract. Nevertheless, she mustered her talents – as well as an iconic jacket and fedora costume – to create an indelible performance of the closing song-and-dance number, “Get Happy,” which would become one of her signature tunes.
The inside story of the film’s creation is told in a new book, C’mon, Get Happy: The Making of Summer Stock by film historians David Fantle and Tom Johnson. Set for release Oct. 16, the deeply researched book includes extensive interviews with the cast, crew and writers involved in the production, as well as perspectives from contemporary performers on the film’s enduring legacy.
The presentation will begin at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Palladium, 1 Carter Green, Carmel. Lobby doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for book signing by authors Fantle and Johnson, who also will participate in a Q&A session.
The event will include a special film screening and an exclusive archival display of materials relating to Judy Garland’s life and legacy, donated to the Songbook Library & Archives by her daughter and fellow Songbook Hall of Fame Member Liza Minnelli. Visit TheSongbook.org/SummerStock for additional information about the evening’s events.
General admission tickets at $10 are available in advance online at TheCenterPresents.org or by phone at (317) 843-3800. A 50 percent discount is available for students and seniors. Accessible seating for groups is available by reservation at Tickets@TheCenterPresents.org or (317) 843-3800.
The event continues the Songbook Foundation’s celebration of Garland’s centennial year and her Hall of Fame induction. Related highlights from the Songbook Library & Archives are viewable online at TheSongbook.org/JudyGarland.