It is our position that classic films are an important piece of motion picture history that should be preserved, enjoyed and passed down to the next generation.  The Center for the Performing Arts is rolling out the red carpet for the works of Judy Garland, Julie Andrews, Shirley Jones, Debbie Reynolds and Gene Kelly among other musical starlets of the fifties and sixties as part of The Great American Songbook Movie Series.  The series, presented by Printing Partners, is a collaboration between Heartland Truly Moving Pictures and the Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative.

While 3D special effects and violence rule most commercial films of today, there’s something uplifting about watching a Technicolor classic musical on the big screen featuring songs from The Great American Songbook.  Who can resist the pairing of Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby in White Christmas gazing into each other’s piercing blue eyes, singing Irving Berlin’s songs of with their smooth sultry voices?  The breathtakingly beautiful costumes of classic musicals are also a feast for the eyes.

Viewing the films in the gorgeous surroundings of The Palladium is reminiscent of the ornate movie houses of long-ago.  Thanks to this musical festival, we’ll be counting our blessings instead of sheep.