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Highfield Hall & Gardens and the College Light Opera Company are pleased to present three unforgettable talks at Highfield Hall this summer. The talks provide a backstage pass for guests to learn more about a few of CLOC’s productions this season. On Saturday, July 6, from 5:30-7:00 pm, New York City Critic Peter Filichia will present “Crazy for George and Ira Gershwin.” This talk complements CLOC’s production of the Gershwins’ Crazy for You. George and Ira Gershwin are remembered as the songwriting team that defined the sounds and style of the Jazz Age. While they enjoyed individual success, from 1924 until George’s untimely death in 1937, the brothers wrote together almost exclusively. They composed dozens of scores for Broadway and Hollywood, including An American in Paris, Crazy for You, Lady, Be Good!, Let ’Em Eat Cake, Porgy and Bess, and Strike up the Band. Some say their greatest achievement was the elevation of musical comedy to an American art form — raising popular musical theater to a new level of sophistication. While reluctant to continue after George’s death, Ira’s remaining years were creative. Peter Filichia is a critic, author, podcaster, playwright, and performer. He has spent most of his life living in and writing about theater. He has written reviews for newspapers, magazines, and the Internet. He’s authored six books, including his most recent: The Great Parade: The Remarkable 1963-64 Broadway Season (2015). He is the chairman of the Theatre World Awards and writes and emcees its annual award ceremony. His podcast runs on Broadway Radio. Filichia’s plays include, Our Dead Classmate, Games, and Adam’s Gifts: A New Christmas Carol. His play God Shows Up is currently playing off-Broadway. And, he has performed his one-man show, A Personal History of the American Theater in cities and towns across the United States. “Highfield on the CLOC” will include two additional provocative talks. On Saturday, July 27 from 5:30-7:00 pm, Director Alyce Moss will present: “Game-Changers of the American Entertainment Industry” to complement CLOC’s production of Victor Herbert’s operetta The Red Mill. On Saturday, August 17 from 5:30-7:00 pm, Conductor and Music Director, David Möschler will present “The Works of Kurt Weill” to complement CLOC’s production of Weill’s, Knickerbocker Holiday. Highfield Hall & Gardens is located at 56 Highfield Drive in Falmouth. The cost for each talk is $20 for Highfield members; $30 for non-members. For more information and tickets, visit highfieldhall.org or call 508.495.1878, ext. 2. For more information on CLOC’s productions of Crazy for You, The Red Mill, and Knickerbocker Holiday, visit CollegeLightOperaCompany.com Highfield Hall & Gardens, a restored 1878 mansion and estate, is located at 56 Highfield Drive in Falmouth, MA. Surrounded by spectacular gardens and woodlands, Highfield hosts art exhibitions, music concerts, culinary classes, festivals, family events and public programs. The mansion is open to visitors six days a week from April 15-October 31 and year-round for programs and functions. Hours are Tuesday- Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Saturdays 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and Sundays 12:00 – 4:00 pm. Closed Mondays except holidays. For information, call (508) 495-1878 or visit highfieldhall.org.