GENE KELLY: THE LEGACY

GENE KELLY: THE LEGACY

Biographer and film historian Patricia Ward Kelly presents a very intimate portrait of Gene Kelly as a man, husband and creative artist when she brings Gene Kelly: The Legacy to Sydney.

“I take people on a journey into Gene’s heart and mind, using the stories he shared with me along with brilliant film clips on a big screen. Gene wanted to be known more for being behind the camera as a director and choreographer, so I share these dimensions of his work. [The show] explores many subjects, including romance, loss, grief, innovation, the pursuit of excellence and basic human integrity.”

Patricia met Gene Kelly whilst writing for a television special in 1985 and initially didn’t realise who he was. “I didn’t grow up at the movies as many people do and I also never dreamed that I would move to Beverly Hills and marry a legend!”

Patricia said that Gene was a very cerebral man whose mind was constantly in motion. “He was a voracious reader who also loved listening to music when we sat in front of the fireplace at night, especially with his friends Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole.”

Gene Kelly was a standout performer of a bygone era when ‘stars were stars’, alongside Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Fred Astaire just to name a few. “I always say they were like comets that fly by once in a lifetime. Gene was an actor, dancer, director, choreographer, writer, singer and producer. He always said that the purpose of his work was to bring joy, and that translates all around the world and for every generation.”

Patricia explained that her show is for all audiences regardless of age and gender as everybody was equally drawn to Gene Kelly and his movies. “Obviously the show appeals to people who work in the entertainment industry and those who idolise him. But the show also appeals to people with no real knowledge of Gene’s work. I greet people after the show and one comment I hear quite often is, ’I loved him before, but I love him even more now.’” (MMo)

** FOR FULL INTERVIEW WITH PATRICIA WARD KELLY PLEASE REFER TO WEBSITE **

Feb 12. State Theatre, 49 Market Street. $59-$109+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.statetheatre.com.au

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