Gene Kelly.
Director.
Choreographer.
Dancer.
Actor.
Singer.
My all-time favorite entertainer.
Writer, actor, and comedian Brett Goldstein hosts a podcast called "Films to be Buried With" in which he asks his guests about the pivotal movies in their lives. One question is, "Objectively, what is the best movie ever made?" Objectively, or unobjectively, my answer is, was, and will always be "Singing in the Rain."
I don't know what the first Gene Kelly movie I saw was. It may very well have been "Singing in the Rain". But it could have been "On The Town" or "An American in Paris". I just know he's been a figure in my life since I was a very little girl. How many 8 or 9 year old girls do you know that were more excited about seeing "Xanadu" because of Gene Kelly than Olivia Newton-John? I could write paragraphs about my love, admiration, and respect for this talented man. But the point of this is to review his wife's incredible dedication to her husband and his career by putting together the show "Gene Kelly: A Life In Music".
Patricia Kelly, along with conductor Neil Thompson and the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, filled Benaroya Hall with so much joy, love, humor, fun, and even - for me at least - a few tears.
I have followed Patricia on social media for awhile with the Gene Kelly The Legacy Facebook and Instagram pages. She shares many wonderful stories and photos there, that I have enjoyed reading and learning from. When I heard that this show was coming to Seattle and I would be able to see her and hear her stories in person, I jumped at the opportunity.
Seeing Gene Kelly perform on a big screen with a live orchestra playing the music he so gracefully moved to? YES PLEASE!
The opportunity to hear these stories in person? YES PLEASE!
To be able to meet this beautiful and giving woman, as well? I'll be honest, I fan-girled a little bit.
I've heard Patricia say that she likes to treat these events like friends gathered in the living room just talking. And she succeeded. As much as I loved watching the movie and show clips and hearing the music, I could have easily sat with her for hours listening to the stories, asking questions, and just hanging out in that 'living room'.
But let me get to the task at hand - the show!
Guests at Gene Kelly: A Life in Music were treated to a brief introduction to who Patricia Kelly is, by the woman herself. She shared about how, as someone who spent more time in libraries than movie theaters, she did not know who Gene was and wasn't familiar with any of his movies. As other women at the event they were both at swooned over him, she was put to work with him because she didn't. Their professional time gradually became personal time, and 5 years later they were married.
Throughout the evening we were regaled with personal stories, behind the scenes anecdotes, and more bookended by glorious music and Gene's smiles, footwork, and passion for bringing out the very best in himself and those he danced with - including the stunning Cyd Charisse, and lovely Leslie Caron.
The show started with "Has Anybody Here Seen Kelly?" from the 1959 Gene Kelly television special. Followed by a beautifully touching montage to "Stardust" by Hoagy Carmichael. We were then treated to clips from "Anchors Aweigh", "It's Always Fair Weather", and the classic "An American in Paris". The 17 minute "An American In Paris" ballet took us in to intermission.
After a brief intermission, we were welcomed back to the show with a drummer and bagpipers playing "Entrance of the Clans" from "Brigadoon" while making the journey from the back of the theater to the stage. It was incredible! We then got to hear "Heather on the Hill", also from "Brigadoon", followed by another selection from both "An American in Paris" and the 1959 television special, as well as moments from "Summer Stock", "Les Girls", and "Take Me Out to the Ball Game". "Singing in the Rain" made an appearance with the gorgeous "Broadway Melody" dance numbers with Cyd Charisse. Then we were treated with the most emotional part of the night for me - Gene on "The Muppet Show".
Yes, Gene and the Muppets made me tear up. Maybe it's because I remember watching it and loving it so. Maybe it was the story from Patricia about it being hard for her to watch because it's how Gene looked and sounded when she met him. I don't know. But that particular moment touched me in a way I didn't quite expect.
The night ended with the forever iconic, forever important to the history of music, dance, and cinema - "Singing in the Rain" from, of course, "Singing in the Rain". I have been fortunate enough to see this movie on the big screen before. Seeing a larger than life version of this moment with live orchestral accompaniment, however...well, that was just a level of special I can't describe.
After the show was over, there was an area in the lobby of the hall where Patricia held a meet and greet. I was able to get there quickly and was the 3rd in line (5th with there being two groups of two in front of me). She is even lovelier and more gracious in person and with the people that adore her husband, and her, so very much. A quick chat, a photo, and a signed show program later, and we were off for the journey home. On the hour and half, or so, trip home I found myself feeling a physical version of lyrics from one of my favorite Depeche Mode songs - "never want to come down, never want to put my feet back down on the ground."
If you ever see that Gene Kelly: A Life in Music is coming to a venue near you, I HIGHLY recommend going. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Thank you, Benaroya Hall & Seattle Symphony for being a vessel for this amazing experience.
And THANK YOU, Patricia, for being a curator, story teller, and woman with a such a love not only for her husband and his work, but for the people who have watched, enjoyed, and loved the gifts that his work have given to so many of us. You are a very special light in this world, and I thank you for bringing your living room chat to us here in Seattle. If there is ever an opportunity to meet with you again, I will be there with tap shoes on. Thank you.
