Mr. Reed’s exuberant storytelling and a strong pop-jazz quintet featuring Tom Wopat, Kurt Reichenbach, Linda Purl with guest Marilyn Maye, combine to celebrate the songs of Ira Gershwin. The evening follows the life of lyricist Ira Gershwin, George's older brother — from childhood through his first song-writing projects, the tragic death of George, and the following decades of phenomenal lyric output.
Created by internationally renowned critic/author/lecturer Rex Reed, this star-studded tribute follows the life of lyricist Ira Gershwin, George’s older brother. Mr. Reed’s masterful and often hilarious narration follows Ira from childhood through his first song-writing projects, the tragic death of his young brother, and the following decades of phenomenal lyric output. “The Man That Got Away: Ira Without George” focuses on the songs he wrote without his brother, including collaborations with Vernon Duke, Kurt Weill, Harold Arlen, Harry Warren, and Jerome Kern.
The following video is form the original event produced by 92nd Street Y in NYC for five sold out performance in July 2009 with a cast of Reed plus five vocalists. The touring cast consists of four vocalists and Rex Reed. Musical Director: Tedd Firth
Touring to California, Louisiana and New York Spring 2012 email for deatails on how to attend.
Rex Reed's touring cast travels with a cast of four vocalists:
Rex Reed * Linda Purl * Marilyn Maye * Tom Wopat * Kurt Reichenbach *
(alternate cast members and celebrity guests available based on budget and location, please inquire)
