Administrative Office Press Contact: Caleb Eick
5012 Lake Shore Drive ceick@thesembrich.org
Bolton Landing, NY 12814 Office: (518) 644-2431 x102
Museum & Grounds Cell: (518) 605-8965
4800 Lake Shore Drive
Bolton Landing, NY 12814
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HBO’s The Gilded Age Explored in New Studio Talk at The Sembrich
BOLTON LANDING – The Sembrich will present “The Gilded Age: The Hit Series & The Era That Inspired it,”
on Wednesday, August 6 at 2:00 PM. This new studio talk by entertainment historian John Kenrick uncovers
behind-the-scenes stories and some of the real-life dramas behind HBO’s hit series The Gilded Age.
“We’re delighted to have Mr. Kenrick return to present on HBO’s latest hit based on America’s Gilded Age,”
says Artistic Director Richard Wargo. “Our namesake Marcella Sembrich has been mentioned in the series in
the premiere of both season two and season three! That in combination with our 2025 season exploring the era
and sharing a name with the hit series, made this program an ideal fit for this year’s festival lineup!”
Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey, has delighted audiences with the acclaimed HBO drama series
The Gilded Age. What historic events and individuals inspired this series? And how did it become a showcase
for so many Broadway stars? These questions and more will be answered in Kenrick’s talk.
"I think show business history is the most fascinating subject in the world. My goal is simple: to make it as
entertaining and exciting for others as it is for me,” says Kenrick.
John Kenrick gives talks on theatre and film history, has appeared in numerous documentaries, and is the
author of Musicals101.com, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Amateur Theatricals, and the textbook Musical
Theatre: A History. John is the Game Changer Curator for The Museum of Broadway in NYC. His college
courses have included the History of Musical Theatre, Great Broadway Songwriters, and Rodgers &
Hammerstein. He has taught at New York University's Steinhardt School, The New School University,
Marymount College Manhattan and The Philadelphia University of the Arts. He has also offered courses on
Hollywood Legends, The History of Screen Musicals, and The Golden Age of MGM, among others. John has
lectured at Wagner College, Molloy College and Pace University.
Tickets for the event are $30 and are available at TheSembrich.org/festival or by calling (518) 644-2431.
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Attachments:
Photo #1: Gilded Age Graphic with the Old Metropolitan Opera House (Public Domain)
About The Sembrich
Experience music, history, and nature at The Sembrich in Bolton Landing. The Sembrich features museum
exhibitions and an annual summer festival with an exciting mix of world-class musicians, noted musical
scholars, a free film series, and the opportunity to enjoy it all on the beautiful shores of Lake George. Listed on
the National Historic Register, The Sembrich was once the teaching studio of Polish soprano Marcella
Sembrich, one of the most famous musicians at the turn of the 20 th century. Visitors can discover her storied
legacy, which includes over 400 performances at the Metropolitan Opera and faculty positions at both the
Juilliard Graduate School and the Curtis Institute of Music. With a treasured museum, performance series, and
over four wooded acres of nature paths to explore, The Sembrich is truly a unique cultural experience!
The Sembrich’s museum & grounds will be open daily from May 24 – October 13, 2025.
4800 Lake Shore Drive, Bolton Landing, NY 12814
For more information, visit www.TheSembrich.org or contact us at (518) 644-2431 or Office@TheSembrich.org
To connect with us on social media, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, or use #TheSembrich to
tag posts, photos, and videos.
The Sembrich’s 2025 Summer Festival “The Gilded Age” is made possible, in part, by support from the New
York State Council on the Arts, Town of Bolton, Warren County, Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust, Touba
Family Foundation, and the generosity of local businesses and individuals.
The Sembrich’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the
Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
2025 Upcoming Festival Events
July 30, 2025 – 2:00 PM – A Latin American Musical Tour
July 31, 2025 – 11:00 AM – Latin American Children’s Performance (at the Charles R. Wood Theater)
August 2, 2025 – 7:00 PM – Undiscovered Gems of the Gilded Age
August 4, 2025 – 7:30 PM – FILM: A Real Pain (2025)
August 6, 2025 – 2:00 PM – STUDIO TALK: The Gilded Age TV Series with John Kenrick
August 7, 2025 – 11:00 AM – Children’s Program: Percussion Workshop with Jomion & the Uklos
August 7, 2025 – 7:00 PM – Jomion & The Uklos (Free Community Concert in Rogers Park, Bolton Landing)
August 17, 2025 – 7:00 PM – Members of the Philadelphia Orchestra
August 21, 2025 – 7:00 PM – Lakeside with Altissimo Arts
August 25, 2025 – 7:30 PM – FILM: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
August 27, 2025 – 2:00 PM – World Music Wednesday: Skye Consort & Emma Björling
August 30, 2025 – 6:00 PM – Gala: A Gilded Age Musicale