Date: September 26, 2025

Location: Nittany Lion Inn, Boardroom

• 11:30-12 pm buffet lunch
• 12 pm – 1 pm speaking event

Broadway, Hollywood and Tin Pan Alley – How They Produced the Greatest Popular Music Ever Heard

The Great American Songbook was largely derived from Broadway, Hollywood and Tin Pan Alley. These musicals, and the songs they generated, are part of the soundtrack of America. And, indeed, the world. This presentation, which includes classic renditions of these songs, underscored by curated visuals, will heighten the love affair that people already have with this music. But you will hear them as never before, sprinkled with stories, history, fun facts and even insider backstage lore about the productions. John Lahr, theater critic for the New Yorker, called this presentation “a home run”. Broadway Musicals to be featured will include the likes South Pacific, Phantom of the Opera, Fiddler on the Roof, and West Side Story. Hollywood Musicals, including those of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly will also be highlighted And, even Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand will make appearances! “Your infectious enthusiasm for music was the highlight of our cruise, and beat the wonderful sites of the Baltic into second place” – a Crystal Serenity passenger.

Jim Jimirro is the creator and founding president of the Disney Channel and Walt Disney Home Video. During his tenure at the Disney Channel, he was responsible for the conception, development and launching of the fastest growing pay service in history. He was former Chairman of the Board of the National Lampoon. He received his BA degree in Radio-Television from Penn State University, and a Masters in Mass Communications from Syracuse University. He has been honored as a distinguish alumnus by Penn State and was the Vision Fund of America honoree for achievement in the entertainment industry. He is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscars). Mr. Jimirro is active in a number of enterprises involving the Great American Songbook. These include having served as chairman of the selection committee in the Traditional Pop category at The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammys) He has recently established a new theater venture, The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company, which presents an annual series of musical revivals in New York City (www.j2spotlightnyc.com). The company has already received a number of awards and accolades, and has collaborated with such Broadway luminaries as John Kander (Chicago, Cabaret), Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), Stephen Flaherty/Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime), and David Zippel (Disney’s Mulan). His sessions on Broadway and Hollywood have been presented around the world. (www.jimirro.com).

February 2026 (date and location TBD)

Pear celebrates the intersection of storytelling, culture, and social impact. An award-winning filmmaker, professor, and advocate for justice, Pearl brings a unique voice to Penn State and to the broader creative community.

Pearl’s work explores complex issues of identity, gender, faith, and equity through the lens of powerful, human-centered narratives. Her films have screened at Sundance, Tribeca, and PBS, and she continues to use storytelling as a platform for dialogue and transformation. As a faculty member in the School of Theatre and the Bellisario College of Communications, she inspires students across disciplines to find their voice and purpose.

As Penn State Laureate, Pearl has engaged communities across the Commonwealth in conversations that bridge the arts, social justice, and education. While the specific theme of her campus talk is still being finalized, attendees can look forward to a thought-provoking experience that reflects her commitment to creativity, inclusion, and public engagement.

Stay tuned for more details on the date and talk of Pearl’s visit!