Click on any entry in Barry Bradford’s Speaking Schedule for full details.

Barry’s Best Of Broadway

Private Venue

As a professional cultural Historian (and a self-described Broadway fanatic) I have actually seen well over 200 performances on Broadway! I truly love going to the theater in New York City! Accordingly, I make several trips a year to Manhattan … Continue reading

1969 In Perspective

Indian Trails Public Library 355 Schoenbeck Rd, Wheeling, IL, United States

1969 In Perspective, 50 Years Ago Welcome to our time machine! In this fascinating new multimedia presentation we will put the wild, unique and absolutely unprecedented year of 1969 in perspective! In 1969, America was in turmoil. With the seemingly … Continue reading

Kate And Spencer: The Films And Lives of Tracy and Hepburn

North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, Northfield

  Spencer Tracy Spencer Tracy was one of the greatest movie actors of all time. His phenomenal career is highlighted with great performance after great performance.  Father of the Bride. Boys Town. Captains Courageous. 30 Seconds over Tokyo. Edison, the … Continue reading

Phil Spector And The Murder Of Lana Clarkson

Fremont Public Library 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein, IL, United States

Phil Spector And The Murder Of Lana Clarkson CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT IF PHIL SPECTOR WAS GUILTY It sounds like an Agatha Christie story – a brilliant but troubled music producer takes a very beautiful actress who is down on her … Continue reading

Women Who Have Run For President

Private Venue

What do Victoria Woodhull, Gracie Allen, Hillary Clinton and Elizabeth Dole have in common?  They are among the amazing and fascinating women who have run for President!  We now see the election of a woman as President is not a mater of … Continue reading

Fred Astaire – A Life in Film

North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, Northfield

Fred Astaire is rightfully considered by many critics to be the greatest dancer in the history of movies. Although the name of Fred Astaire is inevitably remembered alongside that of the underrated and glamorous singer/dancer Ginger Rogers, his career was … Continue reading

George Gershwin

Private Venue

In a very short career, George Gershwin changed American music forever. He was one of the most beloved composers of music for Broadway. his songs and shows continue to be revived on the New York stage and in theaters around … Continue reading

The Doolittle Raid – Flying Into Greatness

Private Venue

The Doolittle Raid: America Fights Back After the deadly surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the USA wanted. Pres. Roosevelt knew that it would inevitably be a long war when we took on the forces of the Japanese Army and Navy. … Continue reading

Tom Hanks

Private Venue

If you were watching TV in 1980, you might have noticed a curly haired 26-year-old named Tom Hanks starring in an innocuous new show about roommates who dressed up in drag in order to live in a women's only residence. … Continue reading

Offbeat Broadway

Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Center 100 E. Old Mill Road, Lake Forest, IL, United States

Some Broadway musicals that are not big hits still produce unforgettable music, delightful characters, and fascinating plots. After all, who would have guessed a musical about singing pussycats in a London alley would be a hit!? Join Broadway historian Barry … Continue reading