George Lepp

Last night I went to hear George Lepp talk about his photography. It was so inspiring. I can't wait to try some of the things he was showing us. The class was sponsored by Rockbrook Camera and Canon. One of the things that looked like a lot of fun was time lapse photography.

Many of the things would be cost prohibitive for most people. He is experimenting with photographing snowflakes. Wow! Individual snowflakes are gorgeous.

He has a website where you can see his work. GeorgeLepp.com.

Nebraska Nellie

Hairspray

Last night I had the good fortune to be invited by a friend to see Hairspray at the Lincoln Community Playhouse. It will still be here for at least another week. Go see it.

I have seen the Ricki Lake version of the movie and have enjoyed it. I have not see the John Travolta version but should do that soon. I have never seen it on stage before.

The actors were great. The dancing and singing were such fun. I loved the main characters particularly. Edna Turnblad and Wilber Turnblad were great. Traci and Penny were fun. Seaweed's dancing was fabulous.

It was such a fun upbeat play. I would be happy to see it again.

Nebraska Nellie

Happy birthday, Paul Williams.

Paul Williams was born September 19, 1940 in Omaha, Nebraska. He is 70 years old today and I hope he is having a lovely day.

He is a prolific song writer. He wrote songs such as Evergreen--the theme from A Star is Born with Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. He wrote the theme song and appeared as a guest on The Love Boat. Other notable songs include, Rainy Days and Mondays, and We've only Just Begun.

He's a wonderful songwriter and so many of his songs were sung by other artists. He also sang and was an actor.

Have a great day, Paul, and many more.

Nebraska Nellie

Elizabeth MacRae

Elizabeth MacRae was born on December 7, 1925 in Davenport, Nebraska. She graduated from Pawnee City High School in 1943.

She was married to Gordon MacRae in 1967 and they lived in Nebraska from 1980. They hae one daughter together, Amanda Mercedes MacRae. Gordon MacRae died of cancer in 1986.

A few years ago, Mrs. MacRae had a tag sale and I was fortunate to learn of it. I bought Gordon MacRae records, photos and other memorabilia to add to my famous Nebraskans collection. How wonderful to own things that actually belonged to Gordon MacRae.

Elizabeth MacRae died on September 7, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. There are two posts on the Lincoln Journal Star online story by people who knew the MacRaes. Elizabeth sounds like she was a wonderful person.

Nebraska Nellie

Happy birthday, Adele Astaire.

Adele Astaire was born Adele Marie Austerlitz on September 10, 1896 in Omaha, Nebraska. She is the older sister and first dance partner of Fred Astaire. She and Fred had a successful act in vaudeville. She was the more popular of the two.

In 1932, she retired from her show business career to marry Lord Charles Cavendish. They had three children and remained married until his death in 1944. In 1947, she married her second husband, Kingman Douglass. He died in 1971.

Adele died in 1981 of a stroke at age 84.

She is another of our famous Nebraskans.

Wishing you well, Adele.

Nebraska Nellie

Always:The Love Story of Irving Berlin

Tonight I had such a treat. I went to see Always: The Love Story of Irving Berlin at the Rococo Theatre with my parents. My father loves Irving Berlin. His all time favorite song is God Bless America. It was performed by Mark Nadler and KT Sullivan. They sang his songs which they wove into Irving Berlin's story.

He had a fascinating life story. He wrote about 1500 songs--many of which I didn't realize were his. He was a very patriotic man. He loved this country and what it stood for. He came from Russia as a Jew in the late 1800's with his parents. They were very poor. He learned to write songs. As a classic movie fan, I recognized so many of the wonderful songs.

His songs were song by the greats such as Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and Alice Faye to name a few. I think of the many movies that he wrote the songs for such as Alexander's Ragtime Band, White Christmas, Holiday Inn, and Annie Get your Gun.

My parents and I loved the performance and bought the CD after the show. I'll be enjoying it in the future as I make road trips.

If you ever have the chance to see this show, please go.

Nebraska Nellie

Happy birthday, Swoosie Kurtz.

Kurtz was born on September 6, 1944 in Omaha, Nebraska. Her father was an Air Force bomber pilot in WWII. Because of her father being in the military, she moved often growing up. She has been nominated for many awards. I first remember noticing her in the 1990's television series--Sisters.

Have a great birthday, Swoosie.

Nebraska Nellie

Happy birthday, Darryl Zanuck.

Darryl Zanuck was born on September 5, 1902 in Wahoo, Nebraska. He was an actor, writer, director, producer, and studio executive for Fox Studios. At 16, he lied about his age and joined the Army and served in France for the Nebraska National Guard.

He is responsible for many classic films. Today I watched The Hounds of the Baskervilles with Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes. One of my favorite (non-Nebraskan) actresses is Alice Faye. She made many films with him and ultimately gave up acting for many years because he treated her badly. He sent her gifts (such as cars). She sent them back.

Fox did many of my favorites. Among them are: Pinky, Gentleman's Agreement, Alexander's Ragtime Band, Grapes of Wrath, 42nd Street, and All About Eve--to name but a few.

Zanuck contributed a great deal to the movie industry and won numerous awards. His star on the walk of fame in Hollywood is at 6336 Hollywood Blvd.

Today he would be 108. He died in 1979 of cancer.

Nebraska Nellie