Thu 5/27 @ 7PM
The Musical Theater Project’s Movies at Home series is back this week with a 1943 film that’s sure to be eye-opening and stir up some stimulating discussion.
Cabin in the Sky was one of a handful of musicals (or films of any type) of the era produced by a major film company (MGM) to feature an all-black cast. It was also the first film directed by someone who went on to an illustrious, high-profile career which included marrying Judy Garland: the not-Black Vincente Minnelli.
Based on a Broadway music, the film included such major talents as Ethel Waters, Lena Horne and Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington and his Orchestra contribute a musical number. But while the film showcased the great performers in numbers with universal appeal such as “Taking a Chance on Love,” it also suffered from the era’s racial attitudes and preconceptions. There’ll be a lot to talk about!
As usual, you should first watch TMTP artist director Bill Rudman’s intro online, then watch the film on YouTube or Amazon Prime. Finally, drop by the Zoom discussion Thursday May 27 @ 7pm — it’s free and no registration is required. To provide another perspective and make for even more lively discussion, Rudman will be joined by performer/educator and TMTP trustee Treva Offutt. Go here to join in.
musicaltheaterproject.org/moviesathome