Vera-Ellen Dances into the Golden Age of Musicals with John Legear

December 9, 2026, 12-1:30 pm

12-12:30 pm Lunch | 12:30-1:30 pm Program

Anshe Emet Synagogue, 3751 North Broadway, Chicago

We celebrate the extraordinary career of dancer/actress Vera-Ellen, who arrived just in time to star in the Golden Age of musicals during the 1940s and 50s. Born in 1921 near Cincinnati, Vera-Ella Westmeier Rohe began on Broadway in the late 1930s before moving to Hollywood to star in major movie musicals.

A childhood friend of Doris Day, Vera-Ellen is best known for her roles alongside Gene Kelly ("On the Town", 1949), Fred Astaire ("The Belle of New York", 1952), and Danny Kay for her iconic performance in the 1954 film "White Christmas."

Support for this program has been graciously provided by The Albert and Lucille Delighter and Marcella Winston Foundation, a Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.