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June 3, 2008

Photo Flash: Paley Center Charles Strouse Tribute by BWW News Desk

On Monday, June 2, The Paley Center for Media hosted a tribute to the composer Charles Strouse on the occasion of his eightieth birthday. The event, "Applause Applause: A Tribute to Charles Strouse," featured rare television footage; a live piano performance by Strouse and Andrea McArdle (who created the title role in the original cast of the Broadway musical Annie); and a panel discussion about his life and work moderated by Paley Center president Pat Mitchell.

Peter Filichia (Theatre critic, The New Jersey Star-Ledger; Author Let's Put on a Musical: How to Choose the Right Show for Your Theater) was on the panel. Friends in the audience included Thomas Meehan (Tony award-winning writer), and Martin Charnin (Tony award-winning lyricist and director).

Strouse is best known for his many Broadway shows (including Bye Bye Birdie, Golden Boy, Applause, Annie, and Rags) and his music for film and television—most notably the iconic theme song from All in the Family.

Charles Strouse Charles Strouse, Peter Filichia, Barbara Siman and Pat Mitchell

Andrea McArdle, Peter Filichia, Charles Strouse, Barbara Siman and Pat Mitchell Peter Filichia & Charles Strouse

Andrea McArdle sings “NYC” from Annie Charles Strouse sings “My City” from Mayor

Strouse's Annie collaborators Thomas Meehan and Martin Charnin Charles Strouse

Charles Strouse and Andrea McArdle sing Thomas Meehan and Charles Strouse "I Don't Need Anything But You" from Annie

Martin Charnin and Charles Strouse Charles Strouse with his children Will (left), Victoria and Nick. Andrea McArdle and daughter Alexis Kalehoff

Barbara Siman, Charles Strouse, Andrea The Strouse family (l-r) Will Strouse, McArdle Victoria Strouse, Nick Strouse, wife Barbara Siman and Charles Strouse

Photos by Philip Kessler.

All Materials Copyright 2008 Wisdom Digital Media.