April 1
Born Today:
Jane Powell
Dancer Jane Powell (1929-2021) was no Fool - she knew Howard Keel was the most attractive Pontipee brother in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954). Already an accomplished singer at a young age, Powell’s big break was winning a talent competition in 1943, which led to a contract at MGM Studios. She appeared alongside Fred Astaire (1899-1987) in Royal Wedding (1951), loosely based on Astaire’s early performing partnership with his sister, Adele Astaire (1896-1981), who gave up the stage to marry a titled Lord in England. In the movie, Powell and Astaire perform a snappy routine to a song with the longest title in Hollywood musical history - “How Could You Believe Me When I Said I Love You When You Know I've Been A Liar All My Life”. She took to the stage after her film career slowed and replaced Debbie Reynolds (see below) in a revival of the Broadway musical Irene (1973).
Also Born Today: As a young starlet, Debbie Reynolds (1932-2016) learned how to dance from Gene Kelly (1912-1996) during rehearsals for Singin’ in the Rain (1953). Her career spanned nearly 70 years on film, TV, Vegas nightclubs, and the Broadway stage. What you may not know is that she is the mother of Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia in the original Star Wars films.
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TV Premiere: Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert in 2018
Ballet Premiere: Paquita in 1846
Modern Dance Premiere: Clytemnestra in 1958