How poignant that this evening, I will be presenting The Gershwins and the Hollywood Musical, at the Barry and Florence Jewish Community Center, in Oceanside. Today just happens to be Fred Astaire’s birthday (he was born May 10th, 1899). There is a strong link between Mr. Astaire and the Gershwins: with his sister Adele, Fred appeared in two Gershwin Broadway productions: Lady Be Good, and Funny F…ace. Then came Hollywood: Fred appeared with Ginger in Shall We Dance (celebrating its 75th anniversary this year), and then in 1949, reunited with Ginger in The Barkleys of Broadway, performing Ira’s lyrics, and a reprise of “They Can’t Take That Away From Me”. Also in 1937, Fred appeared in A Damsel In Distress, one of George’s last projects. Then, in Ziegfeld Follies, Fred and Gene Kelly joined forces in “The Babbitt and the Bromide”. Finally, in Stanley Donen’s Funny Face, Astaire portrayed a fashion photographer who falls in love with Audrey Hepburn (who could resist her?). Ofcourse, Fred appeared in other films, sang other composer’s songs. He also advanced dance on film. But today, let’s celebrate Fred Astaire, and his association with the Gershwins. Happy birthday, Fred Astaire!