Carol Burnett: America's Funny Lady
April 8, 2019 Gurwin Nursing Center, Commack, NY My second visit to Gurwin, thanks to a generous donor. The audience is appreciative. Burnett makes us all laugh out loud, indeed, the best medicine of all! |
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Dick Van Dyke: America’s Funny Man
March 24, 2019
Gurwin Nursing Center, Commack, NY
First time speaking at Gurwin, and a most enjoyable afternoon. The audience enjoyed remembering the humor of Dick Van Dyke. The man is extremely talented and remains a national treasure.
March 24, 2019
Gurwin Nursing Center, Commack, NY
First time speaking at Gurwin, and a most enjoyable afternoon. The audience enjoyed remembering the humor of Dick Van Dyke. The man is extremely talented and remains a national treasure.
The Iconic Barbra Streisand
December 20, 2018
Temple Hillel, Valley Stream, NY
After a postponement for a snow storm in November, we forged ahead during a rainstorm in December. It was still a fun evening, with a very attentive crowd. Very happy to finally make a debut at Temple Hillel, and looking forward to a return in the spring...hopefully with some fine weather for a change!
December 20, 2018
Temple Hillel, Valley Stream, NY
After a postponement for a snow storm in November, we forged ahead during a rainstorm in December. It was still a fun evening, with a very attentive crowd. Very happy to finally make a debut at Temple Hillel, and looking forward to a return in the spring...hopefully with some fine weather for a change!
Melissa Errico and Marc Courtade
Melissa Errico
Sondheim Plus
June 29, 2018
Huntington Summer Arts Festival
One of the most enjoyable parts of being an Executive Director is choosing talent to perform. This year my pick was Melissa Errico. This super talented lady opened On a Clear Day You Can See Forever at Irish Repertory Theatre the night before to rave reviews: “Any chance to hear Ms. Errico sing is a chance worth taking.” Very grateful she chose to come and do thus performance, keeping her commitment to us and delivering a first rate performance of songs by Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Loewe, Harold Arlen and other. Thank you Melissa!
Sondheim Plus
June 29, 2018
Huntington Summer Arts Festival
One of the most enjoyable parts of being an Executive Director is choosing talent to perform. This year my pick was Melissa Errico. This super talented lady opened On a Clear Day You Can See Forever at Irish Repertory Theatre the night before to rave reviews: “Any chance to hear Ms. Errico sing is a chance worth taking.” Very grateful she chose to come and do thus performance, keeping her commitment to us and delivering a first rate performance of songs by Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Loewe, Harold Arlen and other. Thank you Melissa!
Alfred Drake
Patti LuPone
Leonard Bernstein
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Summer of 2018
Port Washington Public Library, Port Washington, NY Afternoon on Broadway: Alfred Drake, July 23 at 3PM Afternoon on Broadway: Patti LuPone, August 20, 3PM Talking about Alfred Drake in July and Patti LuPone August in Port Washington, then discussing Leonard Bernstein's Broadway Musicals in Syosset in in August. Nice mentions in Newsday: www.newsday.com/entertainment/long-island-events/afternoon-on-broadway-alfred-drake-1.19156758 www.newsday.com/entertainment/long-island-events/afternoon-on-broadway-patti-lupone-1.19471437 Syosset Library, Syosset, NY Bernstein on Broadway, August 23 at 2PM www.newsday.com/entertainment/long-island-events/bernstein-on-broadway-1.19133800 |
My Fair Lady
St. John's Church Episcopal Church/
Aging in Place
Cold Spring Harbor, NY
June 27, 2018
and
Lapham Community Center
Waveny Park, CT
May 23, 2018
With My Fair Lady back on Broadway, I am delighted to speak on the musical and its creators, Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe. I gave two very well received talks to audiences who still regard My Fair Lady as on of the best musicals ever written. It is always a pleasure to reexamine one of my favorite works and share with old friends and new friends.
St. John's Church Episcopal Church/
Aging in Place
Cold Spring Harbor, NY
June 27, 2018
and
Lapham Community Center
Waveny Park, CT
May 23, 2018
With My Fair Lady back on Broadway, I am delighted to speak on the musical and its creators, Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe. I gave two very well received talks to audiences who still regard My Fair Lady as on of the best musicals ever written. It is always a pleasure to reexamine one of my favorite works and share with old friends and new friends.
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Jay Armstrong Johnson
July 15, 2017 Huntington Summer Arts Festival My choice for the 2017 Summer Arts Festival, was Jay Armstrong Johnson. I have been a fan since I saw him Hair in 2010. He was a "Member of the Tribe," not even a featured role, but your eye went to him on stage. You know talent and quality when you see it. By On the Town in 2014, he was playing a leading role on Broadway, where he belongs. His performance in Huntington showed him at his best, singing memorable Broadway songs and connecting to the audience with his charm and easy personality. He even brought some friends to join his act, Meghan Picerno (who performed with Jay in Candide at NYCO in 2017) and Kerstin Anderson (currently in My Fair Lady on Broadway). This was a personal highlight of the summer of 2017 for me. I look forward to seeing all three many more times. |
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Jean Harlow
Gordon MacRae
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Jericho Public Library, Jericho, NY Jean Harlow: The Blond Bombshell, July 21, 2017 at 2pm The Voice of Gordon MacRae, August 18, 2017 at 2pm Nice to be recognized in Newsday with some good PR for my ongoing Great Performers series at Jericho Public Library. I hope to see many of my loyal followers at talks celebrating the lives and careers of Jean Harlow in July and Gordon MacRae in August. www.newsday.com/entertainment/long-island-events/great-performers-with-marc-courtade-jean-harlow-the-blonde-bombshell-1.13794172 www.newsday.com/entertainment/long-island-events/great-performers-with-marc-courtade-the-voice-of-gordon-macrae-1.13794373 |
Lapham Community Center, Waveny Park, CT, July 12, 2017
Rodgers and Hammerstein
Happy to make my debut in Connecticut at Lapham Community Center in New Canaan with my calling card lecture, The Rodgers and Hammerstein Era. It is easy to be enthusiastic when you speak about a topic you love to an attentive and appreciative audience. Thanks to my friend Jayne Dutil for introducing me to this terrific group of people. It was an enchanted evening!
Rodgers and Hammerstein
Happy to make my debut in Connecticut at Lapham Community Center in New Canaan with my calling card lecture, The Rodgers and Hammerstein Era. It is easy to be enthusiastic when you speak about a topic you love to an attentive and appreciative audience. Thanks to my friend Jayne Dutil for introducing me to this terrific group of people. It was an enchanted evening!
Meadowbrook Pointe, February 25, 2017
Academy Awards Brunch
I had the pleasure of speaking about the Academy Award on Sunday, February 25, 2017 at Meadowbrook Pointe. The entertainment committee did themselves proud and planned a delightful brunch celebrating the upcoming awards. I was impressed by the number of people who attended and was grateful for their attention and interest. I always appreciate being fed! It was a lovely way to start the day and get into the frame of mind for the awards that evening.
The whole brunch went without a hitch, more than we can say about the awards themselves. I enjoyed myself immensely, and would be very happy to come back and continue to share my knowledge to a very appreciative and well informed group. And, again, kudos to the committee who put a delightful event together!
Academy Awards Brunch
I had the pleasure of speaking about the Academy Award on Sunday, February 25, 2017 at Meadowbrook Pointe. The entertainment committee did themselves proud and planned a delightful brunch celebrating the upcoming awards. I was impressed by the number of people who attended and was grateful for their attention and interest. I always appreciate being fed! It was a lovely way to start the day and get into the frame of mind for the awards that evening.
The whole brunch went without a hitch, more than we can say about the awards themselves. I enjoyed myself immensely, and would be very happy to come back and continue to share my knowledge to a very appreciative and well informed group. And, again, kudos to the committee who put a delightful event together!
Northport Library, May 5, 2016
Rodgers and Hammerstein
I am delighted to debut at the Northport Library on Thursday, May 5 at 2pm speaking on The Rodgers and Hammerstein Era: Reinventing Musical Theater. This is a favorite topic of mine, and a perfect calling card for a new library. Information can be found on the Library website or here: http://patch.com/new-york/northport/library-save-date-new-lecture-series-0.
Rodgers and Hammerstein
I am delighted to debut at the Northport Library on Thursday, May 5 at 2pm speaking on The Rodgers and Hammerstein Era: Reinventing Musical Theater. This is a favorite topic of mine, and a perfect calling card for a new library. Information can be found on the Library website or here: http://patch.com/new-york/northport/library-save-date-new-lecture-series-0.
Shakespeare in Broadway Musicals
Shakespeare in Films
I will be returning to LIU to be part of the Shakespeare Forever commemoration of the 400th Anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare. On Tuesday, April 12 I will present a talk in Hillwood Commons Recital Hall on Shakespeare in Broadway Musical. The talk is free and open to the general public. Information can be found here: http://liu.cwp.libguides.com/c.php?g=397213&p=2776276.
I will also be speaking at Great Neck Library as part of the commemoration on Monday, April 18 at 2pm on Shakespeare in Films. This talk will present a history of Hollywood films based on the works of William Shakespeare. Information on this talk can be found here: http://liu.cwp.libguides.com/c.php?g=397213&p=2787598
Shakespeare in Films
I will be returning to LIU to be part of the Shakespeare Forever commemoration of the 400th Anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare. On Tuesday, April 12 I will present a talk in Hillwood Commons Recital Hall on Shakespeare in Broadway Musical. The talk is free and open to the general public. Information can be found here: http://liu.cwp.libguides.com/c.php?g=397213&p=2776276.
I will also be speaking at Great Neck Library as part of the commemoration on Monday, April 18 at 2pm on Shakespeare in Films. This talk will present a history of Hollywood films based on the works of William Shakespeare. Information on this talk can be found here: http://liu.cwp.libguides.com/c.php?g=397213&p=2787598
Ginger Rogers and Mickey Rooney at 92Y
I am happy to be invited back to speak at 92Y in 2016. On Tuesday, January 26 at noon, I will do one of my favorite talks, Ginger Rogers: Backwards and in High Heels. There will be clips of her with Fred Astaire, but many more examples celebrating her overall career: actress, comedienne, singer and. dancer. Next up will be another entertainment giant, The Immortal Mickey Rooney on Tuesday, February 23 at noon. Links to both talks are below. I hope to see some of my NYC friends at these blockbusters.
http://www.92y.org/Event/On-Ginger-Rogers.aspx
https://www.92y.org/Event/Mickey-Rooney.aspx
I am happy to be invited back to speak at 92Y in 2016. On Tuesday, January 26 at noon, I will do one of my favorite talks, Ginger Rogers: Backwards and in High Heels. There will be clips of her with Fred Astaire, but many more examples celebrating her overall career: actress, comedienne, singer and. dancer. Next up will be another entertainment giant, The Immortal Mickey Rooney on Tuesday, February 23 at noon. Links to both talks are below. I hope to see some of my NYC friends at these blockbusters.
http://www.92y.org/Event/On-Ginger-Rogers.aspx
https://www.92y.org/Event/Mickey-Rooney.aspx
Sinatra!
I have really enjoyed lecturing on Frank Sinatra this week, My visit to Kaplen JCC on the Palisades for their JCC University went very well. The audience for Sinatra in Film on Thursday, November 12 was attentive and very complimentary. On Saturday evening, November 14 at Tilles Center, I spoke before Sinatra Sings Sinatra, a performance by Frank Sinatra Jr. Again, the audience was very very pleased to hear some classic singing by Frank Sinatra before a terrific memorial concert. I am delighted to have a poster signed by Frank Jr. to commemorate the evening.
Listening to how Sinatra phrases a song, his innate musicality and his flawless breath control remind us of why he is still a major star, and regarded as one of the finest vocalists of the 20th Century. The Sinatra Centennial has been a milestone event in the entertainment world in 2015, and I have been very fortunate to be a part of it by remembering the man, his music and his films.
The Frank Sinatra Centennial
November 12, 2015 at Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, Tenafly, NJ
November 14, 21015 at Tilles Center, Brookville, NY
More talks on Frank Sinatra to celebrate his centennial.
I am returning to the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades for the JCC University on November 12 at 1pm to present Sinatra in Films. Information can be found on the JCC website or: http://www.njartsmaven.com/2015/09/jcc-u-now-registering-for-fall-term.html.
I will also be the the speaker for the Performance PLUS! talk at TIlles Center on November 14 at 6:30pm prior to the performance by Frank Sinatra Jr. My talk will be called The Sinatra Legacy, examining why Frank Sinatra is still a major star.
November 12, 2015 at Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, Tenafly, NJ
November 14, 21015 at Tilles Center, Brookville, NY
More talks on Frank Sinatra to celebrate his centennial.
I am returning to the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades for the JCC University on November 12 at 1pm to present Sinatra in Films. Information can be found on the JCC website or: http://www.njartsmaven.com/2015/09/jcc-u-now-registering-for-fall-term.html.
I will also be the the speaker for the Performance PLUS! talk at TIlles Center on November 14 at 6:30pm prior to the performance by Frank Sinatra Jr. My talk will be called The Sinatra Legacy, examining why Frank Sinatra is still a major star.
East Hills Seniors, October 18, 2015
Alice Faye & Betty Grable:
Golden Girls of Twentieth Century Fox
Another delightful day at the East Hills Seniors brunch on October 16, 2015. It was a chilly day, but a warm reception for my presentation on Alice Faye and Betty Grable. It was great to see many old friends, have a pleasant brunch and give a talk I love doing to a very attentive audience.
Alice Faye & Betty Grable:
Golden Girls of Twentieth Century Fox
Another delightful day at the East Hills Seniors brunch on October 16, 2015. It was a chilly day, but a warm reception for my presentation on Alice Faye and Betty Grable. It was great to see many old friends, have a pleasant brunch and give a talk I love doing to a very attentive audience.
The Louis and Mildred Resnick Institute For the Study of Modern Jewish Life
The Annual Louis and Mildred Resnick Series
Jews and Theatre
SUNY New Platz, September 30, 2015
Excited about lecturing at the Louis and Mildred Resnick Institute for the Study of Modern Jewish Life at SUNY New Paltz on September 30, 2015 at 7:30pm. I will present my talk The Ethnic Musicals: Assimilation and Integration as part of the Annual Fall Louis and Mildred Resnick Series. Information about the series is found here: http://www.newpaltz.edu/resnickinstitute/events.html
The Annual Louis and Mildred Resnick Series
Jews and Theatre
SUNY New Platz, September 30, 2015
Excited about lecturing at the Louis and Mildred Resnick Institute for the Study of Modern Jewish Life at SUNY New Paltz on September 30, 2015 at 7:30pm. I will present my talk The Ethnic Musicals: Assimilation and Integration as part of the Annual Fall Louis and Mildred Resnick Series. Information about the series is found here: http://www.newpaltz.edu/resnickinstitute/events.html
At the Quogue Library, June 8, 2015
The Rodgers and Hammerstein Era
With Kathleen Johnson, Program Coordinator at Quogue Library after my last lecture for the New York Council for the Humanities. The library has a beautiful room for presentations, and it was a perfect Sunday afternoon in June. I was impressed with how knowledgable and attentive the audience was, and I look forward to coming back soon!
At 92Y on May 19, 2015
Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon
A very flattering review from Alix Cohen! I really appreciate her comments much. If I am "infectiously enthusiastic," it is because I only speak about people and topics that I genuinely appreciate. http://www.womanaroundtown.com/tag/marc-courtades-great-entertainer-series
Next up at 92Y - Tony Martin and Cyd Charisse on September 30, 2015 at noon: https://www.92y.org/Event/On-Tony-Martin-and-Cyd-Charrise.aspx
Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon
A very flattering review from Alix Cohen! I really appreciate her comments much. If I am "infectiously enthusiastic," it is because I only speak about people and topics that I genuinely appreciate. http://www.womanaroundtown.com/tag/marc-courtades-great-entertainer-series
Next up at 92Y - Tony Martin and Cyd Charisse on September 30, 2015 at noon: https://www.92y.org/Event/On-Tony-Martin-and-Cyd-Charrise.aspx
For 92Y Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon
Great PR for my talk at 92Y on Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon. I am linked with some pretty great names in Playbill: http://playbill.com/news/article/neil-patrick-harris-faith-prince-and-susan-stroman-set-for-92y-events-348520
At the Floral Park Chapter of AARP on April 20, 2015
The Rodgers and Hammerstein Era
From newspapers in Floral Park and New Hyde Park
Mary Martin & Marc Courtade:
Rodgers & Hammerstein may have had Mary Martin in South Pacific, but they also have Mary Martin here in Floral Park.
Mary is shown with Council for the Humanities Speaker Marc Courtade.
At Village of East Hills Seniors on October 26, 2014
Frank Sinatra in Film
There was a terrific turnout for the Village of East Hills Senior Brunch on Sunday, October 26, 2014 for a combination of Frank Sinatra and brunch on a beautiful fall day. There were many old friends there, and it was nice to make some new ones as well. There is a very nice article on the event about halfway down the page: http://www.villageofeasthills.org/sac/ I have been invited back on October 18, 2015 to speak on Alice Faye and Betty Grable. A brunch, good audience, and speaking about two great performers...I am looking forward to it very much!
Frank Sinatra in Film
There was a terrific turnout for the Village of East Hills Senior Brunch on Sunday, October 26, 2014 for a combination of Frank Sinatra and brunch on a beautiful fall day. There were many old friends there, and it was nice to make some new ones as well. There is a very nice article on the event about halfway down the page: http://www.villageofeasthills.org/sac/ I have been invited back on October 18, 2015 to speak on Alice Faye and Betty Grable. A brunch, good audience, and speaking about two great performers...I am looking forward to it very much!
Jericho Library, August 14, 2014
Great Kate: Katharine Hepburn
Jericho Library is my home base. I am there every month and have a very loyal following. One of the most memorable talks was on Katharine Hepburn:
http://www.syossetjerichotribune.com/2014/08/14/the-great-kate-in-jericho/
My next lecture at Jericho Library was, of course, Spencer Tracy: The One and Only on September 19, 2014.
A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs 1910-1965
I was fortunate to present my talk The Ethnic Musicals: Assimilation and Integration as part of the American Library Association touring exhibit: A Fine Romance: Jewish Composers, American Songs. The first was at the Port Washington Library on March 9. 2012 as part of the LIU-Post Library exhibition: http://www2.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/exhibits/jewishsongwriters/0309.pdf. I also presented The Rodgers and Hammerstein Era: Reinventing Musical Theater at Hillwood Commons on March 27, 2012 as part of the same series of events: http://www.liu.edu/CWPost/About/News/Press-Releases/2012/February/LIU-Post-PR-5-Feb13-2012.aspx
Later that year, I also spoke in Albany, NY at the Bethlehem Library on November 20, 2012: http://www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/pdfs/Fine_Romance.pdf. The exhibit had many very interesting events at both places, and I was proud to be a part of them.
92Y Tribeca, 2012 Summer Series
Good PR from Playbill for two lectures at 92Y Tribeca:
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/92ytribeca-will-celebrate-barbra-streisand-and-angela-lansbury-194681
Good PR from Playbill for two lectures at 92Y Tribeca:
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/92ytribeca-will-celebrate-barbra-streisand-and-angela-lansbury-194681