www.americanmusicalsproject.org

Song and dance seems to be in a renaissance; just look at the wild popularity of “Glee” and “Dancing with the Stars.” So where do they get their inspiration? They look to the original silver screen musical stars, who were inspired by and came directly out of Vaudeville.

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were both petite and had delicate, graceful, fluid movements. Whether in a foxtrot or tap dance they were the power couple on the dance floor. Their romantic chemistry and sense of humor continued to light up the screen in film after film; the couple starred together in 10 movies total.

However their biggest joint success was the 1935 film, “Top Hat,” and remains a great introduction to Fred and Ginger. It is a zany comedy co-staring Edward Everett Horton. A conventional plot with a classic mix-up of identity, can easily be over-looked, as the film introduces two amazingly, classic Irving Berlin songs, “Dancing Cheek to Cheek” and “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails.” Both stars dance and sing throughout film and often both at the same time. Lovable actors, rich costuming and first-class acting makes the film magical, from beginning to end, and irresistible to share with family and friends.