Lena Horne: Smashing Barriers

Lena Mary Calhoun Horne was an American singer, actress, civil rights activist and dancer.

With a unique blend of extraordinary beauty, talent and grit, black vocalist and actress Horne overcame a troubled family life, the bigotry of the Jim Crow era, and the cluelessness of Hollywood to become a musical icon. 

Entertainment historian John Kenrick returns to celebrate the legacy of a show business legend and activist who broke new ground for black performers, with backstage stories and exciting performance videos.

Kenrick has worked in the theater at every level from amateur to Broadway, eventually serving as personal assistant to six Tony Award winning producers, including the team behind the original production of Rent. He has taught musical theater history courses at New York University’s Steinhardt School, The New School University, and Philadelphia’s University of the Arts. He is the creator of the educational website Musicals101.com, and his books include “ Musical Theater: A History. ”

The program is open to all and no registration is needed.

It is made possible with the support of The Friends of the Livingston Public Library.