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Lecture

Patrick Bade
Alfred Drake: Broadway’s Greatest Singing Actor

Wednesday 13.03.2024

Summary

Born to Italian immigrant parents, Alfred Drake possessed a voice and vocal technique that could have led to a career in grand opera. Instead, he became a major Broadway star, originating roles in masterpieces such as “Oklahoma!” (1943), “Kiss Me, Kate” (1948) and “Kismet” (1952).

Patrick Bade

An image of Patrick Bade.

Patrick Bade is a historian, writer, and broadcaster. He studied at UCL and the Courtauld Institute of Art. He was a senior lecturer at Christie’s Education for many years and has worked for the Art Fund, Royal Opera House, National Gallery, and V&A. He has published on 19th- and early 20th-century paintings and historical vocal recordings. His latest book is Music Wars: 1937–1945.