GEORGE GERSHWIN - 'S WONDERFUL

George Gershwin died before his 40th birthday, but in his 20 years of composing, he wrote some of the most vibrant and important music of the century. Singly, and with his brother Ira, he wrote for Tin Pan Alley, Broadway and Hollywood, and left a legacy of critically acclaimed and popular music, including Porgy and Bess and An American in Paris.

In October of 1998, an international cast of performers gathered at the London Palladium to celebrate the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin's birth. This special event is captured in GEORGE GERSHWIN - 'S WONDERFUL, airing on PBS as part of the March 1999 pledge drive (check local listings). The talent includes Broadway star Maureen McGovern and violinist Joshua Bell, as well as Brian Conley, Kim Criswell, Tim Flavin, Helen Hobson, Jasna Ivir, Julia Migenes, Cliff Richard and Sally Ann Triplett and the Gershwin Singers and Dancers. Paul Gemignani, musical supervisor, conducts the London Gershwin Orchestra.

The spotlight shines brightly on Maureen McGovern as she sings a medley of Gershwin standards, including "How Long Has This Been Goin' On," "Strike Up the Band," "Fascinatin' Rhythm," "Can't Take That Away from Me" "'S Wonderful," "Who's Got the Last Laugh," "I Got Rhythm" and "Who Could Ask for Anything More." Joshua Bell, one of the most talented young violinists performing today, plays "Our Love Is Here to Stay" and two of Gershwin's more "serious" compositions, Preludes 1 and 3. In a lighter vein, he "accompanies" a player piano on "Sweet and Low Down."

Other highlights of GEORGE GERSHWIN - 'S WONDERFUL are Julia Migenes' rendition of the beloved "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess and Brian Conley's version of "Swanee." Tim Flavin proves that it's "Nice Work if You Can Get It" and climbs the "Stairway to Paradise," while Kim Criswell shows and tells the audience "I Got Rhythm." Sally Ann Triplett and the Gershwin Singers and Dancers perform "Clap Yo Hands," Jasna Ivir sings "Slap That Bass" and Helen Hobson, accompanied by two dancers, presents her interpretation of the Gershwin staple, "Can't Take That Away from Me." Cliff Richard offers his rendition of another standard, "Embraceable You"

Day & time: check with your local station

Funding provided by Public Television Viewers and PBS. Producer: RPTA/HD Thames. Executive producers: Colin Bell, Richard Price, Avril MacRory, Ian Martin and Kris Slava. Format: CC STEREO

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