Thu 5/7 @ 7PM

One New Year’s Eve as a child, my sister and I went to a friend’s house and spent the night in the basement watching four Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire films back-to-back. We were all instantly hooked! Sure, the plots were predictable and silly, but oh the music, the dancing, the humor, the glamour and the charisma of their two stars (as well as the snarky charm of their supporting players).

If you’ve missed out, what are you waiting for? Luckily, this month as part of its Movies at Home series, Cleveland’s The Musical Theater Project (TMTP) is featuring The Gay Divorcee, Rogers and Astaire’s second film together, the first in which they starred and one of their finest. In it (remember we told you the plots were silly), Rogers is sailing to England to get a divorce, while Astaire is a professional dancer (typecast!) who meets Rogers on the ship, and while he takes a shine to her, she isn’t interested in him, especially when she mistakes who he is (typical!) The rest of it is complicated (and silly!) but rest assured, Rogers and Astaire dance their way into romance in a bravura, 17-minute number called “The Continental.” “Beautiful music, dangerous rhythm…” (They also dance and romance to Cole Porter’s “Night and Day.”)

Here’s what you do to get initiated (or join other already-fans). First watch the YouTube preview posted by TMTP’s Bill Rudman, telling you what to look for when you watch the film. Then watch it! It’s free on Daily Motion or you can rent it on YouTube.

Then join in the discussion with Bill and TMTP’s resident dance authority Bridgett Emerson on Zoom here on Thursday May 7. It’s free and open to all.