Astaire, Rogers, and the Art Deco Dream
About the Program:
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers embodied the Art Deco aesthetic and sensibility translated into dance. They offered perfect escapism during the Great Depression through their sleek dancing on elegant black and white sets. Fred’s white tie and tails and Ginger’s dazzling gowns were the Moderne ideal in fashion portrayed in the fantastical wonderland their movies created. The films were usually set in glittering nightclubs in which the space was expansive and the floors gleamed. They were, in a word, modern, carefree, and utterly sophisticated, making the Art Deco archetype the perfect setting for their dances.
What better way to celebrate the holiday season than with a gala trip back in time to revisit this legendary Deco duo in a fascinating illustrated Zoom presentation filled with images and behind-the-scenes anecdotes with theater critic and scholar Michael Lasser.
Can't join us at the time of the live joint Zoom event with our sister society, the Art Deco Society of Washington DC? No problem! Those who register will receive a recording of the entire program a few days after the live presentation. When you sign up for the program you have the opportunity to watch, or rewatch, the recording at a time more convenient for your schedule.
About the Speaker:
Michael Lasser is a writer, speaker, and critic. He is the author of three books: America’s Songs: The Stories Behind the Songs of Broadway, Hollywood, and Tin Pan Alley (co-written with Philip Furia); America’s Songs II: From the 1890s to the Post-War Years, and City Songs and American Life, 1900-1950. From 1980-2021, he was the host of the nationally syndicated public radio show, Fascinatin’ Rhythm, winner of a 1994 Peabody Award. A graduate of Dartmouth College, he is the former theater critic for the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, and for 35 years has spoken and performed at museums, universities, and performing arts centers around the country. He currently appears in performance with singers Jessica Ann Best and Alan Jones. He is currently at work on two books on American music, tentatively titled I Hear America’s Song: Popular Music and American Identity and What’s Great About the Great American Songbook.
Registration:
How to Register for ADSNY's Web-based programs:
- Click the gold Register button located to the left of the "About the Program" section
- Enter the requested information in the registration form and follow the instructions to pay online and complete your registration
- In a few moments, your registration confirmation containing your link and unique password to watch the video event will be sent to the email address you used to register. If you do not see this email in your inbox, please check your spam folder
If you need further assistance registering for this event, or are experiencing a different issue, please email Events@ArtDeco.org, let us know which events you would like to register for, and we will send you an invoice that can be easily completed without going through the ArtDeco.org website.
All ticket sales are final. Sorry, there are no refunds or exchanges.
ADSNY is not able to issue new access information for this video event after the expiration date of the access link and password you receive upon your registration.
