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Popular Culture March 2018
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| Feel Free: Essays by Zadie SmithWhat it is: a collection of essays from novelist Zadie Smith, on topics from social media and British politics to pop culture and American race relations. She also writes about books, paintings, and people (like singer Billie Holliday, comedy duo Key and Peele, and author J.G. Ballard).
Why you might like it: Conversational and perceptive, Smith reveals the creative processes behind her well-received novels.
You might also like: the analytical essays of fellow novelist Roxane Gay's Bad Feminist. |
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| Improv Nation: How We Made a Great American Art by Sam WassonWhat it is: a sweeping behind-the-scenes history of American improvisational comedy, which was born during the McCarthy era and counts Saturday Night Live and Second City as success stories.
Why you might like it: Funny and fast-moving, this entertaining read will delight as it informs.
Reviewers say: “A remarkable story, magnificently told” (Booklist). |
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| Master of Ceremonies: A Memoir by Joel GreyWhat it's about: Best known for portraying the master of ceremonies in Cabaret (on stage and screen alike), Broadway star Joel Grey shares his life story, from his Jewish-American upbringing in 1930s Cleveland to his sexual identity, 24-year marriage, and seven-decade career.
Why you might like it: it's a moving, engaging story of a life well lived. Theater fans especially will appreciate Grey's tales of Cleveland's theaters -- and Broadway's.
Reviewers say: "honest, eloquent, memorable" (Kirkus Reviews). |
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Hair: The Story of the Show that Defined a Generation
by Eric Grode
HAIR: The Story of the Show That Defined a Generation is the first and only authorized history of this groundbreaking show—from its original conception, to its highly influential initial run, to its numerous productions, to the 2009 sell-out Broadway production--including such pivotal points as the real-life events that inspired its creators, the original off-Broadway production, the 1968 move to Broadway, and recent productions from around the world. This stand-out book features over 200 photographs.
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| Hamilton: The Revolution by Lin-Manuel MirandaWhat it is: The Hamilton libretto, complete with annotations, photos, and commentary from Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Tony Award-winning composer-lyricist-star behind the beloved musical based on founding father Alexander Hamilton.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants to get behind the scenes of the hip-hop musical with the diverse cast -- whether or not you've been lucky enough to see it.
Fair warning: Reading this book might make you all the more desperate to score tickets to be in the room where it happens. |
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Gene Kelly: A Life of Dance and Dreams
by Alvin Yudkoff
A biography that concentrates on the show business career of dancer, choreographer, and director Kelly. His first stint on Broadway in My Pal Joey and his days directing Hello Dolly! sandwich the stories of his appearance in a number of Hollywood hits.
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Reader’s Theater: Oleanna
Tuesday, March 13, 5:30 pm
Library Meeting Room
Join us for this unique play experience. Oleanna is a two-character play by David Mamet, about the power struggle between a university professor and one of his female students, who accuses him of sexual exploitation and, by doing so, spoils his chances of being accorded tenure. A short discussion will follow.
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Bookmarks: Up Jumps the Devil and Reincarnation Blues
Friday, March 16, 2:00 pm
Library Meeting Room
Dennis Norman will review Up Jumps the Devil and Reincarnation Blues by regional author Michael Poore. A special review of two imaginative books, one featuring the devil (he’s not that bad) and the other, death herself.
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Ah Tu St. Patrick’s Day Musical Celebration
Saturday, March 17, 2:00 pm
Library Meeting Room
Ah Tu is a Michiana ensemble of musicians with varied and eclectic musical performance backgrounds. They will be playing a full Irish repertoire to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The group includes Dot Pakan on accordion, Dan Moser on banjo and double bass, Debra Sawyer on lever harp, (otherwise known as the Celtic harp) and Ron Spears on rhythm guitar. It will be a mix of American Popular Irish songs you can sing along with and some Traditional Irish tunes – some that are centuries old. In addition to jigs, reels, hornpipes, ballads and familiar favorites, a few surprises are in store. Have you ever seen the Irish side of Elvis? And there will be a bit of the Irish blarney, storytelling and lore. And if you happen to know anyone who sings the classic ballad Danny Boy, let them know they can try their voice at our Danny Boy Sing off! So come on out and smell the Green of Spring.
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Films on DVD Series: Marshall
Sunday, March 18, 2:00 pm
Library Meeting Room
Marshall will be shown as part of the Films on DVD series. Starring Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, Kate Hudson, Dan Stevens, Sterling K. Brown, and James Cromwell, Marshall is based on an early trial in the career of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. It follows the young lawyer to conservative Connecticut to defend a black chauffeur. Muzzled by a segregationist court, Marshall partners with a courageous young Jewish lawyer, Samuel Friedman, to mount a defense in an environment of racism and Anti-Semitism. The high profile case and the partnership with Friedman served as a template for Marshall’s creation of the NAACP legal defense fund. Rated PG-13. The film is shown in collaboration with the Purdue Northwest Odyssey Arts and Cultural program.
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Axis 360 eBooks
Find popular fiction, non-fiction, and picture e-books and e-audiobooks for children, teens, and adults! It's simple--just download the app on your device, search for "Michigan City Public Library", and log in with your library card number and PIN.
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Library Catalog
Look up books and other materials, place items on hold, and more.
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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Michigan City Public Library 100 E. 4th Street Michigan City, Indiana 46360 219-873-3044mclib.org/ |
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