We all have our favorite Gene Kelly movies. For some it is Singin’ in the Rain. For those who like things more dramatic they might opt for Inherit the Wind. Those aficionados who like his work more adventurous would pick Invitation to the Dance. Fans of La La Land might choose The Young Girls of Rochefort. And still others select An American In Paris. Whatever your choice, if you are fan of his work (and who isn’t?), you’ll want to see Gene Kelly: The Legacy. The show is a series of personal stories, recollections and film clips all presented by his widow, Patricia Ward Kelly. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is presenting the show on Wednesday, April 18th at 7:30 PM.
If you’re expecting a 90-year-old woman to be in a wheelchair telling stories, let me assure you nothing could be further from the truth. The screen legend was 47 years older than she was when they first met. She’s working on his memoirs based on her lengthy conversations with him. Those same conversations serve as the foundation for some of this show.
This is a sublime evening filled with the kind of stories you can only get from someone who was that close to Gene Kelly.
