Gene Kelly got his first big break on Broadway in the Rodgers and Hart musical Pal Joey. He had graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and was operating his successful dance schools in Pittsburgh and in Johnstown, Pennsylvania when he decided to try his luck in New York. Within a short time he landed the part of Harry the Hoofer in William Saroyan's hit The Time of Your … [Read more...] about Gene Kelly
Interviews
McGuinness’ Doll House
By Patricia O'Haire
July/August 1997
Frank McGuinness, whose adaptation of Ibsen's A Doll's House won four Tony Awards, talks to Patricia O'Haire. It would be hard to miss Frank McGuinness lumbering into a room. Curly red-hair that looks as if it had never, in all its life, been introduced to a comb, a curly red beard to match, he's tall and somewhat overweight, but he gives off an air of nervous energy that … [Read more...] about McGuinness’ Doll House
Steppin’ Out with Donald O’Connor
By Kevin Lewis
July/August 1997
Tap-dancing great Donald O'Connor talks to Kevin Lewis. If living well is the best revenge, life must be sweet for dancer Donald O'Connor. In the Golden Age of Hollywood, O'Connor ranked only behind Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire because, with the exception of Singin' in the Rain (1952), he was not showcased in a dazzling series of prestigious musicals. Rather, at a critical … [Read more...] about Steppin’ Out with Donald O’Connor
The Year of Living Famously
Frank McCourt has gone from retired New York City high school teacher to 66-year-old international celebrity in a matter of months. Almost a year after the publication of Angela's Ashes, McCourt tells Brian Rohan "it's been lovely, thank you, but I wouldn't mind a bit of peace and quiet, either...." Frank McCourt sits in the back room of the Old Town tavern, acting not at … [Read more...] about The Year of Living Famously
Back Home with Pierce Brosnan
By Colin Lacey
May/June 1997
Daylight hasn't quite settled over north Co. Wicklow yet, but even at 8.30 a.m., this Monday is already teetering on the brink of total disaster. For three days now, 70mph winds and vicious rainstorms have bullied the eastern coast of Ireland into a state of rain-saturated submission. Over the weekend, local news bulletins have become little more than official damage reports: … [Read more...] about Back Home with Pierce Brosnan