Film, Music & Theater   

The advent of radio broadcasting in 1920 changed the relationship between traditional media and the audience. Immediate communication with the local community, a reach that soon became national, was made possible. Radio became the dominant source of news, weather, and entertainment in popular culture for 30 years. But when television replaced radio, rock 'n' roll emerged. This is the story of how radio recaptured a listening audience, shaped a generation, and gave birth to the classic era of rock music.

Many actors have said they prefer playing villains to heroes; portraying characters unfettered by moral inhibitions frees them up, gives them wider range, and is more fun. We will watch films with likable villains, then analyze how a talented actor can make an antisocial psychopath someone we would like to bring home to dinner. Films will include: Raising Arizona, The Sugarland Express, The Sting, Thelma and Louise, and Bonnie and Clyde.

Using many clips from classic and modern musicals, we will explore and discuss various aspects of musical theater. Lecture topics will include different types of villains: the con man, the lazy, the beautiful, the lovable, and the evil sinister ones. Another lecture will feature costumes that relate to the mood of a musical and the careers of several costume designers. If time allows, other subjects may include the exploration of obscure musical numbers.

This course surveys the most distinguished classical pianists in history. Members will experience masterful performances and learn about the lives, styles, and legacies of legendary pianists, such as Lizst, Rachmaninoff, Horowitz, and many more. Through the examination of musician backgrounds, audio and video recordings, and performance techniques, this course will trace how pianists have interpreted and performed major works by composers like Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Debussy, and more.

Born in Lawrenceville on July 4, 1826, Stephen C. Foster wrote popular songs that endure today. About 30 years after his death, he began to be referred to as the “father of American music.” More recently, his music has been protested, and memorials to him have been removed. This course will explore Foster’s complicated life and legacy, focusing on how such divergent views of him emerged. The course will be discussion-based and will conclude with a visit to the University of Pittsburgh's Stephen Foster Memorial museum and archive.

Rom-coms make up only about 7% of all movie releases yet occupy a much larger share of our collective cinematic headspace. Why is that? It is because people want to see the stories of other people, struggling with the things people care most about. And what do we care about more than love and its attendant agonies and ecstasies? This course will look at realistic (though still sometimes fanciful) romantic comedies.

If life’s a dance, music is the rhythm, and the choreographer is God, or the director, or both! In this course, we will explore the trademarks and styles of Gower Champion, Bob Fosse, Casey Nicholaw, Rob Ashford, Jerry Mitchell, Chris Gattelli, Josh Bergasse and many more. Join us, watch clips, and discuss from a director’s view of dance.

This course offers an exciting journey through the vibrant and diverse world of Latin American music. Members will gain an introduction to the rich musical traditions of Latin America, exploring genres like cumbia, salsa, and contemporary Latin American music from 1950 to 2020. Members will learn about the cultural, historical, and social contexts that have shaped these musical styles and their influence on global music trends, particularly in the United States.