More than 3,000 events have been scheduled around the world throughout the year to celebrate Leonard Bernstein's centennial, including one in Chattanooga in August.
In this Nov. 14, 1943 file photo, 24-year-old Leonard Bernstein, assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra, is shown at the piano at Carnegie Hall in New York. The composer and conductor would have turned 100 this year. Tribute events around the world are marking the centennial.Bernstein, who was renowned as a composer, conductor, concert pianist and educator, would have turned 100 on Aug. 25. To mark the anniversary, the Chattanooga Theatre Centre will host an in-depth look at "The Creation of West Side Story" on the preceding Sunday, Aug. 19. The program starts at 3 p.m.
According to his daughter Jamie Bernstein, the events, collectively known as "Leonard Bernstein at 100," are happening on six continents. They include a performance of his greatest work, "West Side Story" in South Africa, "Candide" in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and "Fancy Free" in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as well as six operas and theatrical works this summer in Tanglewood, Massachusetts, where Bernstein began his career.
Charles Troy, whom New York Playbill calls America's most acclaimed musical theater historian, will present the program at the Theatre Centre. The multimedia presentation draws on graphics, voices of the participants, film and theater clips that make it entertaining as well as informative. Troy will be joined by husband-and-wife singers Darrin Hassevoort and Christine Hassevoort and pianist Alan Nichols, who will perform several songs from the production of "West Side Story."
The presentation will be followed with volunteers leading an audience sing-along and birthday cake.
Tickets are now available through the box office at 423-267-8538 for $18 through Aug. 1. After that, prices will be $25.