While thousands of filmgoers recently flocked to local theaters to embrace such modern blockbuster fare as “Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part II” and “Skyfall,” the crowd at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel sought a different cinematic experience. The 1951 musical classic, “An American in Paris” was the marquee attraction at the Palladium as part of the ongoing presentation the Great American Songbook Movie Series, presented by Printing Partners.
The series is the result of collaboration between Heartland Truly Moving Pictures and the Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative. In addition to screenings of the classic film musicals, the series will also feature gallery exhibits, guest speakers, as well as memorabilia that are part of the Initiative’s archives.
The series began with the screening of the 1954 classic “White Christmas.” An estimated 600 fans filled the concert hall of the Palladium to witness a big-screen presentation of one the most beloved holiday films.
On this evening, however, there is a special resonance for the man known as the “Ambassador of the Great American Songbook,” Michael Feinstein. Feinstein is the founder of the Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative in addition to his role as artistic director of the Carmel Performing Arts Center. The mission of the Initiative is “to bring the music of the Great American Songbook to young people today and to preserve it for future generations.” The Initiative utilizes education, vocal competition, as well as its Songbook Hall of Fame to meet its goal.
Feinstein, who was on hand to sign copies of his new book, “The Gershwins and Me,” and serve as the first guest speaker for the film series, explained why the film, “An American in Paris,” holds a special place in his heart.
“I guess this means so much to me because I personally knew so many of the people involved like Gene Kelly, Vincente Minelli, Saul Chaplin, and Ira Gershwin. These were artists who were very influential and helpful to me early in my career,” he said.
During the interview, Feinstein’s love of the film musical was readily apparent.
“The great thing about this film is that every song advances the plot, each one serves a purpose,” he said, with wide grin, noting another film in the series. “‘The Wizard of Oz,’ for example, is a perfect combination of music and story, each song advancing the plot.”
When asked about the genesis of the film series, Feinstein expressed a great deal of admiration for the
Palladium and the many programs and events that have have been featured in a relatively short two years since the grand opening.
“You know, the Center for the Performing Arts is constantly utilizing the Palladium to its full potential,” he said. “So, it was natural fit when we were approached by the Heartland Truly Moving Pictures for this series. The films in the series were chosen because they are seen as being seminal film musicals.”
“An American in Paris,” like all films in the series, is a restored version.
“It’s all part of the digital restoration process,” Feinstein explained, “that utilizes an existing print of the original Technicolor print. So, now, the print that is being shown tonight is sharper and clearer than other existing print.”
Feinstein also pointed out one of the pieces of movie memorabilia that is part of the film series.
“We have an original billboard of the movie poster for ‘An American in Paris.’ It is the only one in existence,” Feinstein proudly proclaimed, as a champion of both the film series and as a champion of the arts.
For more information about the Great American Movie Songbook Series, visit www.thecenterfortheperformingarts.org or call 843-3800. Michael Feinstein’s book, “The Gershwins and Me: A Personal History in Twelve Songs,” is available at Barnes and Noble Booksellers and online.
