The Oklahoma City Museum of Art debuts "Been Rich All My Life"

Written by Taylor Blyfield Saturday, 27 August 2011 22:46

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - In conjunction with the Harlem Renaissance (http://tinyurl.com/adjphe) exhibition, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art presents the award-winning documentary film Been Rich All My Life March 12 through March15, 2009. Directed by Heather Lyn MacDonald, the film tells the story of an unlikely troupe of tap dancers.  They are the "Silver Belles," five former showgirls now aged 84-96, performing to standing ovations, as sassy as they ever were.

They met during Harlem's 1930's heyday, dancing in the chorus lines at the Apollo Theater and the Cotton Club, performing with legendary band leaders like Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington.  When the big band era ended, they all went into other work -- but in 1985 they put their shoes back on, and have been dancing together again for the last twenty years. They may not kick as high, but they are hip-swaying, sharp and show-biz savvy.

Each of the Silver Belles has a distinctive, idiosyncratic personality and dance style. They share a love of dance, and the ability to flirt with their audience. "We mug more now than we used to," explains Marion Coles.  "I light up like a Christmas tree when I go out there, the right music will just push you," adds Fay Ray.  "I may be old, but I'm not cold!" exclaims Bertye Lou Wood, the eldest.  

We follow them from their rehearsals at the Cotton Club, to their shows -- and over some considerable bumps in between. They perform to standing ovations at concert halls around the city, working with dancers some 60 years younger.  We enjoy their weekly rehearsals, their love of their craft, the music, and the laughter and arguments of a friendship that has continued for over 70 years.

They also have rich stories to tell about the history they made during the Harlem Renaissance.  At the Apollo Theater, where they worked 15 hour days, rehearsing and performing a new show for a different headliner each week, these chorus girls led the historic first strike by African American performers. Lively and humor-filled, the film sparkles with the candor of these inspiring, fun women.

The film's director, Heather Lyn MacDonald will appear at three screenings in the Museum's Noble Theater on Saturday, March 14 at 5:30pm & 8pm and again on Sunday, March 15 at 2pm. Additional screenings take place on Thursday, March 12 at 7:30pm and Friday, March 13 at 5:30pm & 8pm. Visit The Oklahoma City Museum of Art at : www.okcmoa.com/

---

Click on logo below to add this article to your favorite Social Website ~