Merely Marvelous: The Dancing Genius of Gwen Verdon

Gwen Verdon changed the face of Broadway choreography over forty years. Through rare footage from iconic stage musicals, modern audiences can see Gwen at her best and learn the unexpected and surprising true story behind her success and career. From overcoming debilitating childhood rickets to becoming pregnant out-of-wedlock at sixteen, Gwen’s rise to success is the story of a woman who never gave up, and persevered to become Broadway’s greatest dancer against all the odds. She was a powerhouse of creativity, talent, and determination whose legacy can still be seen in dancers on Broadway today. Featuring interviews with family members such as son, James Henaghan, daughter, Nicole Fosse, and nephew, Paul Verdon – they add personal reminiscences as well as never-before-seen home movies. Also featured are fellow cast members, collaborators, and Broadway & film legends such as Chita Rivera, Tab Hunter, John Kander, Charlotte d’Amboise, Harvey Evans, Lee Roy Reams, and dance historian Kevin Winkler.

Merely Marvelous is a glorious look at Broadway through the career of one of its greatest stars and her unexpected rise to fame. Film critic Leonard Maltin calls it, “A welcome celebration of a great, great talent, filled with rare footage of Verdon in her prime.”

BONUS PROGRAM: Introduction by director Chris Johnson

Viewing Details: This digital screening is available to stream between 12:00 pm Sunday, October 18 and 11:59 pm Sunday, October 25. Suggested Viewing Time: Wednesday, October 21 at 7:00 pm.

Available for Viewing in the US and UK only

Co-Presenter: 42nd Street Moon