Ep. 193- Hollywood Heyday with David Fantle and Tom Johnson

Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome back authors/journalists, David Fantle and Tom Johnson. David & Tom regale Brandon with incredible stories from their forty plus years of interviewing Hollywood legends. These stories can be found in their 2018 book, “Hollywood Heyday: 75 Candid Interviews with Golden Age Legends”. We discuss their initial encounters with Fred Astaire & Gene Kelly. These interviews lead to encounters with other legends such as Lucille Ball, Rod Steiger, Bob Hope, Esther Williams and Frank Capra. These fascinating anecdotes are sure to delight any admirer of 20th Century show business.

“Hollywood Heyday: 75 Candid Interviews with Golden Age Legends” is available from McFarland wherever books are sold.

FEATURING: Brandon Davis

Don’t forget to follow/reach us at:

Website: https://linktr.ee/FrontRowClassics
Twitter: @FRNCLASSICS
Email: classicsfrn@gmail.com
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Ep. 185- Holiday Inn (Revisited)

Happy Holidays!.

Front Row Classics is taking another look at a holiday staple 1942’s Holiday Inn. This joyous musical is perfect for any time of year. But. it’s especially fitting to view during the Christmas season. Brandon is joined by Kevin Hart and Jacqueline Keysear. Kevin is currently directing a production of Holiday Inn at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield, IL. Jacqueline, whom our listeners will know from Like This Pod, is playing the role of Lila. The three discuss the talented cast and remarkable Irving Berlin musical numbers that still resonate over 80 years later.

FEATURING: Brandon Davis, Kevin Hart and Jacqueline Keysear

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Ep. 166 – The Band Wagon

Dance Fools, Dance!.

We’re celebrating the 70th anniversary of one Brandon’s favorite films this week on Front Row Classics. The Band Wagon is one of the crown jewels of the Arthur Freed unit at MGM. Author and film historian, John DiLeo also counts the musical comedy as one of his favorites. Brandon and John recount all of their favorite moments and musical numbers from Vincente Minnelli’s love letter to show business. From the romance of ‘Dancing in the Dark’ to the hilarity of the “Girl Hunt Ballet’, The Band Wagon is a film that still charms seven decades later.

FEATURING: Brandon Davis and John DiLeo

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Ep. 147- Funny Face

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Front Row Classics says “Bonjour, Paris!” as we celebrate 1957’s Funny Face. Brandon is joined this week by Brett Rutherford and Vanessa Ferguson from Beyond the Mouse. The trio discuss Stanley Donen’s classic musical, which features the only pairing of Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn. The hosts discuss their favorite musical numbers and pay tribute to the talented artists who brought this film to the screen. Special attention is also given to the legendary Kay Thompson in one of her only screen roles. We hope you’ll be saying this episode is truly S’wonderful!

FEATURING: Brandon Davis, Vanessa Ferguson and Brett Rutherford

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Ep. 114- Interview with Michael Feinstein

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Front Row Classics is thrilled to bring you a special conversation with Mr. Michael Feinstein. Michael is a renowned pianist, singer and historian. He’s also the definitive Ambassador for the Great American Songbook.

The interview includes discussion on his personal relationships with some of the greatest contributors to Twentieth Century popular music, including Ira Gershwin and Rosemary Clooney. Brandon and Michael also discuss well-known and not so well-known movie musicals.

Michael also takes time to mention some of his latest projects. These include upcoming shows celebrating Judy Garland’s 100th birthday & his newest album, Gershwin Country.

For information about upcoming performance dates, you can visit michaelfeinstein.com.

FEATURING: Brandon Davis

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Ep. 78- Top Hat

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Front Row Classics kicks off July by stepping into the world of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Top Hat was one of the biggest blockbusters of the 1930s and our crew is breaking down all of the legendary musical numbers & comedic moments that make this film enjoyable nearly 90 years later. Brandon and Eric are joined, once again, by Beyond the Mouse’s Brett Rutherford and Vanessa Ferguson. Topics include the amazing chemistry between the two stars, the unflappable supporting cast and the memorable score. You’ll even hear which particular song is a persistent ear worm for Brett! So, kick back this month and enjoy a film that ,even during a Depression, lifted the spirits like few films could.

FEATURING: Brandon Davis, Eric Flick, Vanessa Ferguson and Brett Rutherford

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Don’t forget to follow/reach us at:

Website: www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-network
Twitter: @FRNCLASSICS
Email: classicsfrn@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefrontrownetwork/
Instagram: frontrowclassicspod
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2NyawO0