A Skirball Academy Class
John Kenrick:
Jews in American Comedy – Part II
Jews were never considered particularly funny until they fled Eastern Europe for the United States. Quite the opposite. But in this new land, they became a driving force in the development of comedy on stage, screen and television. What led to the change in perceptions—and fortunes? And how did Jewish heritage influence their approach to humor? Entertainment historian John Kenrick continues last spring’s popular course celebrating a laugh-packed legacy of great comic performers and writers, with backstage lore and plenty of hilarious performance videos.
This course will cover Jack Benny, Bette Midler, playwright George S. Kaufman, Danny Kaye and others who kept the world laughing over the past hundred years.
Mondays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
October 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24
$220 | $150 Temple Emanu-El members
Free for Friends of Streicker
OFFERED IN-PERSON
Skirball Academy General Information
Jane Moyse Gilder Chair in American Jewish History
An entertainment historian, John Kenrick has worked in the theatre at every level, eventually serving as personal assistant to six Tony Award–winning producers, including the team behind the original production of Rent. He has taught at NYU, The New School and the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, is creator of the website Musicals101.com and founding curator for the new Museum of Broadway.
Mondays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
October 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24
$220 | $150 Temple Emanu-El members
Free for Friends of Streicker
Jews were never considered particularly funny until they fled Eastern Europe for the United States. Quite the opposite. But in this new land, they became a driving force in the development of comedy on stage, screen and television. What led to the change in perceptions—and fortunes? And how did Jewish heritage influence their approach to humor? Entertainment historian John Kenrick continues last spring’s popular course celebrating a laugh-packed legacy of great comic performers and writers, with backstage lore and plenty of hilarious performance videos.
This course will cover Jack Benny, Bette Midler, playwright George S. Kaufman, Danny Kaye and others who kept the world laughing over the past hundred years.
OFFERED IN-PERSON
Skirball Academy General Information
Jane Moyse Gilder Chair in American Jewish History
An entertainment historian, John Kenrick has worked in the theatre at every level, eventually serving as personal assistant to six Tony Award–winning producers, including the team behind the original production of Rent. He has taught at NYU, The New School and the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, is creator of the website Musicals101.com and founding curator for the new Museum of Broadway.