Often, hit Broadway musicals have been hit movies first, sometimes as straight dramas as well as musicals. In a four-week course we will explore four Broadway musicals that were films first.

Phantom of the Opera – a silent film which became a classic

42nd Street - a production which introduced the fabulous precision dancing of Busby Berkeley on film and then on Broadway.

La Cage aux Folles - a French farce about homosexuals that became a Jerry Herman classic and a show that helped AIDS research

The Producers - a film first directed by Mel Brooks as a spoof on making money by producing the worst show ever written “Springtime for Hitler.” Because of many accolades and an academy award, a Broadway musical was launched in 2001 with songs by Brooks and then the Broadway musical was remade into another musical film in 2005.

We will explore the creative processes of screen to stage and meet the composers, lyricists, and screen and playwrights who enabled these metamorphoses.

Facilitator: Ellen Katz is an “edutainer” extraordinaire. Her audiences now consist of adults up and down the East Coast. She provides extremely lively and interactive programs. Dressed in costumes that go along with the musical being discussed, Ellen will transport you and make you feel as if you are a part of these iconic musicals.

Registration Information:
Registration fee is $50.88 for HSOSC members and $63.60 for non-members.

All SPICE courses must be registered for and paid for in their entirety. Due to a MD sales tax regulation, we are required to charge 6% sales tax on all continuing education courses delivered electronically. This has been added to course prices shown.

Until otherwise noted, all SPICE courses will be presented on Zoom. If you are unable to attend a session, all SPICE courses will be recorded for your convenience. SPICE fees are per head, not per household, with a 50% off fee for second registrants within the same household. A minimum of 15 enrollees per course are required in order to hold the course. If a course must be cancelled, those registered will be notified and a SPICE credit will be issued.

Reservations may be made via email to sboxerbell@gmail.com or by telephone to Sherri Bell, SPICE Chair at 410-303-2483.

Payment may be made in one of three ways:

1. Check

Mail it to Sherri Bell

1 Clifton Court

Pikesville, MD 21208

Your check should be made payable to Har Sinai-Oheb Shalom Congregation with SPICE and the course name written on the memo line.

2. Credit card

Please note that the synagogue charges a 3.1% credit card use convenience fee.

3. Bill your synagogue account

Members only.