Click on any entry in Barry Bradford’s Speaking Schedule for full details.
Comedy
Mary Tyler Moore
Niles Senior Center 999 Civic Center Drive, Niles, IL, United StatesNot only did Mary Tyler Moore “turn the world on with her smile,” as her iconic show’s theme song declared, she also influenced a generation of women to become more independent and to pursue successful and fulfilling careers. Moore’s own 50-plus-year … Continue reading
Something Rotten and Newsies
North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, NorthfieldO!ur "Broadway Comes to Chicago" series continues with a look at two musicals that are all ready garnering great advance ticket sales and lots of buzz here in Chicago! What can you expect from a musical whose marquee promises that: … Continue reading
She Loves Me and Honeymoon in Vegas
North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, NorthfieldOur "Broadway Comes to Chicago" series continues with two wonderful and very different shows:She Loves Me and Honeymoon in Vegas. both of these wonderful musicals will be playing at the Marriot Lincolnshire and I'm excited to introduce them to you! … Continue reading
Will Rogers: America’s Cowboy Philosopher
Private VenueWill Rogers: America’s Cowboy Philosopher Will Rogers is one of the most popular Americans to have ever lived! he famously said, "I never met a man I didn't like." And the reverse was true – no one ever seemed to … Continue reading
The Life Of Robin Williams
Indian Trails Public Library 355 Schoenbeck Rd, Wheeling, IL, United StatesThe Life Of Robin Williams Robin Williams was one of the funniest comedians of all time. His improvisational skills were almost other-worldly! Yet behind the comic persona lay a complex man- intensely charitable and compassionate, but plagued by insecurity, battling addictions and … Continue reading
Second City
North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, NorthfieldSecond City – the name alone is Second with comedy!. The Chicago institution that launchd improv comedy Into a worldwide phenomenon has fascinating history. From the early days when it featured stars like Mike Nichols and Elaine May, Alan Arkin and Joan Rivers, … Continue reading
Milton Berle – Uncle Miltie The First TV Superstar
Private VenueThe Story Of Uncle Miltie Milton Berle was the very first superstar of American TV! For a few whacky years, "Uncle Miltie" brought low-brow burlesque, mock hecklers, crazy running gags and a memorable penchant for dressing in drag to the … Continue reading
Gracie Allen – Underappreciated Comic Genius
North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, NorthfieldGracie Allen is one of the funniest women ever to perform in American theater, radio, television and film. And yet if I asked you to name the greatest comedienne's of all time, you would probably mention names like Lucille Ball, … Continue reading
The Many Faces of Danny Kaye
Lake Forest Library 360 E. Deerpath Road, Lake Forest, IL, United StatesThe Many Faces of Danny Kaye He was a brilliant comic. He sang well enough to do duets with Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, and even Beverly Sills. he danced beautifully with Vera Ellen, often considered the best technical dancer in … Continue reading
Carol Burnett – Queen Of Comedy
Niles Senior Center 999 Civic Center Drive, Niles, IL, United StatesCarol Burnett is one of the funniest women ever to star on television. And on Broadway. And in films. She is also, by reputation, one of the nicest, most thoughtful and highly respected women in the entire history of … Continue reading