Click on any entry in Barry Bradford’s Speaking Schedule for full details.
Cultural History
Holiday Inn The Irving Berlin Musical
Algonquin Area Public Library District 2600 Harnish Dr. , lgonquin, IL 60102Come and celebrate the holidays with Holiday Inn The Irving Berlin Musical, featuring music from the incomparable Irving Berlin! "Holiday Inn" is a brand-new stage adaptation of the timeless 1942 Irving Berlin omnibus musical movie. That classic film starred Fred Astaire and … Continue reading
The Swinging, Controversial Life Of Frank Sinatra – Part Two
ZoomFrank Sinatra was one of the most charismatic and controversial American entertainers of all time. He was one of a kind! Click here to read about his amazing record on Civil Rights. In this brand-new multimedia presentation I will trace … Continue reading
The Marx Brothers
ZoomThe Marx Brothers were much, much better than you remember! Their humor uplifted American spirits during the Depression and established new standards for comedy. The Marx Brothers combination of odd and unique talents, including a harp playing mime, a Jewish … Continue reading
Offbeat Broadway (Part 1)
ZoomNot every Broadway musical becomes a megabit destined to play to sold-out houses for decades, such as "Chicago" "Wicked," "Les Miserables," or "Phantom of the Opera." In fact, some of my favorite Broadway musicals were not big hits, but still … Continue reading
Offbeat Broadway Part 2
ZoomThe Tony Awards are right around the corner, so let's celebrate with laughs and some great music! I've learned that some Broadway musicals that are not big hits still produce unforgettable music, delightful characters, and fascinating plots. If you think … Continue reading
Looking Back – Looking Ahead – 2020 in Review/Predictions for 2021
Schaumburg Public Library 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, IL, United StatesThis is, without question, my most eagerly awaited program of the year returns! Last year, this program sold out at every venue - so reserve your seats early! In early December of each year, I present a look back at … Continue reading
The History Of CBS
North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, NorthfieldThe history of CBS offers a panorama of American popular culture in both the 20th and 21st centuries. CBS had long been known as the premier broadcasting network. Founded by William Paley, from it's earliest days, CPS prided itself earliest … Continue reading
Oklahoma
ZoomRodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma is the single most transformational musical in Broadway history! "Oklahoma" is so important that the entire history of Broadway can be divided into before and after the premiere of Oklahoma! The original Broadway production ran 2,212 … Continue reading
Julia Child: Spy And Chef
Vernon Area Public Library 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire, ILJulia Child: Spy And Chef In 1963 Julia Child became the first national superstar chef on TV.! Her program "The French Chef" was so influential that the Smithsonian Institute features her kitchen, intact, as a permanent exhibit! Julia Child changed the way … Continue reading
The History Of NBC
North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, NorthfieldThe history of NBC is perhaps the most storied and essential in broadcasting history. Its founder, the illustrious David Sarnoff, was the genius who turned a small local radio station into a gigantic, influential multimedia empire, always had dreams of … Continue reading