Click on any entry in Barry Bradford’s Speaking Schedule for full details.
Cultural History
Gene Kelly
Private VenueIt is one of the single most iconic moments in the history of the movies: Gene Kelly dancing with absolute joy in a rainstorm in Singing In The Rain. That unforgettable moment showcases so many things - a brilliant dancer and … Continue reading
The King And I – Story Of The Real Anna
Private Venue"The King and I " is one of the most beloved musicals. The gorgeous music, lavish sets, phenomenal costumes, and fascinating storyline combine to make The King and I a musical that has had decades of popularity on Broadway and … Continue reading
Women Writers Of Broadway Musicals
Highland Park Country Club 1201 Park Avenue West, Highland Park IL, IL, United StatesWith a few noticeable exceptions, writing lyrics for Broadway has been the domain of men. Oscar Hammerstein. Lin-Manuel Miranda. Irving Berlin. Stephen Sondheim. Call Porter. All were great! But it is no longer just a man's world! Today, we feature … Continue reading
Harry Belafonte (PM)
ZoomThis has become one of my favorite new programs. And it is undoubtedly one of the most surprising programs I have ever researched! When I began my research, I thought I would talk about a popular entertainer from the 1950s … Continue reading
Barbara Walters: First Superstar Women TV Reporter
North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, NorthfieldBarbara Walters: First Superstar Women TV Reporter The late Barbara Walters was the first superstar woman television news reporter. Fighting against many barriers, she opened the door for women to be taken seriously as news anchors and news reporters on … Continue reading
Sid Caesar – The Meteoric Career Of A Comic Genius
Private VenueIn the opinion of many TV critics, the Sid Caesar programs were the funniest , best-written and most creative shows in the history of television comedy. Caesar's writing crew (including Carl Reiner, Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Neil Simon, and Selma … Continue reading
Bob Newhart
Northbrook Senior Center 3323 Walters Ave, Northbrook, United StatesLIVE EVENT: Bob Newhart turned 93 on September 5, 2022. He is a living legend and widely regarded as one of the nicest men in Hollywood history. Two of his sitcoms became iconic, and his appearances on the Tonight Show … Continue reading
Cary Grant
Private VenueCary Grant was one of the most iconic stars in the entire history of classic Hollywood cinema. The man who was born Archibald Leach, made more than 50 films as a leading man and yet never won a competitive Academy … Continue reading
1923 – America One Hundred Years Ago
Highland Park Senior Center 1677 Old Deerfield Rd, Highland Park, ILThe Roaring Twenties were going full blast, and jazz filled the air. We were past a World War and a pandemic. Stocks and hemlines were going up. Warner Brothers, King Tut's tomb, and Old Yankee Stadium were opened. 1923 seemed … Continue reading
Barbara Stanwyck
North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, Northfield"Career is too pompous a word. It was a job, and I have always felt privileged to be paid for doing what I love doing." Barbara Stanwyck may be the greatest movie actress who never won an Oscar. Her career … Continue reading