No business like show business: learn about the man behind the music

MARION — Ever wonder who composed some of the United States’ most memorable tunes like “White Christmas” and “God Bless America”?

This September learn about the man behind thousands of memorable tunes — a poor immigrant from Siberia named Irving Berlin — through performances at the Marion First Church.

Directed by Paul Sardinha, the performance will feature singers, musicians, and local narrators and will blend legendary melodies, behind-the-scenes stories and spirited sing-alongs as a tribute to Berlin.

Despite not being able to read music and composing primarily on the black keys of a special transposing piano, Berlin wrote more than 3,000 songs, including scores for 30 Broadway shows and 17 Hollywood films.

Some of Berlin’s songs include “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “Puttin’ on the Ritz” and “Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better.”

Tickets are $35 and are available online or at the Marion General Store, the Marion First Church office and Penny Pinchers. They can also be purchased by emailing office@marionfirstchurch.org.

Performances will be held on Friday, Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 7 at 4 p.m. at the Congregational Community Center at 144 Front Street, Marion.

Proceeds from the event will support the ongoing restoration of the Marion First Church’s historic E. Howard clockworks and bell, which will installed shortly after the Civil War.

For more information, call 508-748-1053 or visit marionfirstchurch.org.