Composer C. Strouse Will Discuss His New Memoir
LENOX - Charles Strouse, multiple award-winning composer of such musicals as Annie and Bye Bye Birdie, will discuss his new memoir, “Put on a Happy Face” and perform some of his most memorable compositions at the Lenox Library on Wednesday, August 13 from 6 to 8 p.m.Just about anyone who can hum knows and loves Charles Strouse’s music. He has composed some of the most successful shows in Broadway history (Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, Applause, and Golden Boy); written the film score for Bonnie and Clyde as well as the unforgettable theme song for All in the Family; has been sampled by one of today’s biggest rap stars—Jay-Z, in the Grammy-winning Hard Knock Life and his songs have been sung by such musical greats as Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Barbra Streisand.
Timed to coincide with public celebrations of Charles Strouse’s 80th birthday, “Put on a Happy Face” provides an insider’s glimpse of Broadway, Hollywood, and beyond. Strouse candidly and humorously relates the behind-the-curtain stories of his many successes and occasional failures, as well as revealing fascinating tales about the many people he’s worked with, including Carol Burnett, Gower Champion, Sammy Davis Jr., Lauren Bacall, Mel Brooks, Marilyn Monroe, Warren Beatty and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Charles Strouse’s appearance at the Lenox Library will be a homecoming of sorts for him since he was the first Margaret Lee Crofts Fellow at Tanglewood, where he studied under Aaron Copland. Charles Strouse has won three Tonys (and been nominated an additional four times), two Grammys and one Emmy. In addition, he is a three-time Drama Desk nominee; recipient of the Richard Rodgers, the Oscar Hammerstein and the Frederick Lowe Awards, and has been elected to both the Theater Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Following his performance, Charles Strouse will be available to sign copies of “Put on a Happy Face: A Broadway Memoir.” Copies of the book will be available for sale.
The program is free and open to the public. Seating for this event is limited. Reservations for the event are strongly encouraged. Please call 413-637-2630.
