Always: The Life and Music of Irving Berlin

This year’s Theater World musical features the music of one of America’s most beloved composers. With a life that spanned more than 100 years and a catalog that boasted over 1,000 songs, Irving Berlin epitomized Jerome Kern’s famous maxim that “Irving Berlin has no place in American music—he is American music.” The show features Osher singers performing Berlin’s songs, including selections from White Christmas, Call Me Madam, and Annie Get Your Gun. Known as a dedicated patriot, Berlin proved it with one of the most treasured and popular songs of all time, “God Bless America.” One of Berlin’s most famous songs tells us “The Song Is Ended But the Melody Lingers On,” and melodies will linger on as you enjoy this wonderful tribute to the man who gave us songs like “Always,” “Count Your Blessings,” and of course “There’s No Business Like Show Business.”

 

Presenter Biography

Jay Berman is a regular actor in Theater World plays and has been music director for the bulk of Theater World’s musical productions. He is a classically trained pianist who practiced ophthalmology and ocular surgery
in San Diego to support his music habit before retiring in 2000 to concentrate strictly on musical pursuits. He is presently the pianist and vocalist with High Society Jazz Band, performing Dixieland, Swing, and Standards at local venues and jazz festivals throughout the country.

Coordinator: Jay Berman