LCPC POPS Concert to Celebrate Gershwin Music

Getting weary of the election season? Then you’ll want to make your way to for its annual POPS Concert, “Rhapsody in Gershwin,” to be presented June 15, at 8 p.m. and June 16, at 4 p.m.

The program will include excerpts from the musical “Of Thee I Sing,” George and Ira Gershwin’s spoof of the presidential election process. Though it was written more than 80 years ago, it has surprising relevance today, with the Supreme Court stepping in to decide an election and Congress attempting to impeach the president.

“Of Thee I Sing,” with book by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind, was the first musical to win the Pulitzer Prize for drama. It tells the tale of John P. Wintergreen (Matthew Thomas), who runs on the “love” platform and vows to marry the winner of an Atlantic City beauty contest (Diane Wallace) and woo her through all 48 states. But he falls for pageant coordinator Mary Turner (Lori Stinson) instead, because he just can’t resist her corn muffins. Also playing key roles will be Tom Malcolm as Vice President Alexander Throttlebottom and Gregory Geiger as Chief Justice of the United States.

“In this election year, the musical is even more pertinent,” said Jack Lantz, LCPC’s Director of Music and Worship Arts. “Its madcap mixture of Gershwin songs – including ‘Love Is Sweeping the Country,’ ‘Of Thee I Sing,’ ‘Jilted’ and ‘Who Cares?’ – and satirical story will bring a laugh to everyone in addition to making us think twice about the U.S. election process.”

“Rhapsody in Gershwin” will feature the church’s 50-voice choir, Lantz’s Little Big Band, the LCPC Pops Dancers and a talented lineup of vocal soloists. Among the Gershwin classics to be performed are “Love Is Here to Stay,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Summertime” and “Nice Work If You Can Get It.”

Tickets are $15 general admission, $20 reserved, $10 children under 12 and $50 for a general admission family plan. They may be purchased from Lori MacDonald at 626-794-1522, at the church office (818-790-6708) or at the door. La CañadaPresbyterian Church is located at 626 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada, CA 91011. For further information, visit lacanadapc.org or call (818) 790-6708.