While You’re Away: Love Songs of WWII

Take an hour’s sentimental journey where, without costumes or props, Diane Cypkin will transport you to the time of the Greatest Generation. By combining her performing and teaching artistry, Dr. Cypkin skillfully tells the stories of the love songs of World War II in a way that is both entertaining and educational.

Among the anecdotes she shares is the story of how Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree became a smash single for the Andrews Sisters as well as the tale of how Bei Mir Bist du Schön was sold for a pittance but became a gold mine. Prof. Cypkin shares how As Time Goes By was written at the composer’s favorite watering hole and provides an appreciation of Harry Warren, whose name is not nearly as well known as his hit songs. She shares insights about Dame Vera Lynn, “The British Nightingale,” famous for her wartime radio program “Sincerely Yours—Vera Lynn” and also shows a fascinating glimpse into the life of the legendary Edith Piaf.

These songs are also deeply personal to Diane. Her parents and her older brother are Holocaust survivors. She was born in Germany while her family was in a displaced persons camp after they were liberated by the Russian Army. They later immigrated to the United States. Dr. Cypkin views her performance as a “thank you” to the soldiers who saved her family.

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Diane Cypkin is a Professor in the Media, Communications and Visual Arts Department of Dyson College of Arts & Sciences at Pace University. She is a recipient of the Kenan and Carol S. Russett Award for teaching excellence, the Pace President’s “Extra Mile” Award for public service, as well as the highest national award, the Jefferson Award for Community Service. She has published her work in several scholarly communication journals and anthologies. Diane has had leading roles in summer stock productions of The King and I, Oklahoma! and My Fair Lady. She has also appeared as both a singer and actor in shows at the Soho Repertory Theatre, the New York Theatre Workshop, the Jan Hus Playhouse, and the Three Muses Theatre. She has been a featured performer at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Diane has presented one-woman shows about Molly Picon and Songs of World War II in shows throughout the tri-state area and has appeared on WEVD and WNYC. Dr. Cypkin earned her B.A. and M.F.A. degrees in Theater from Brooklyn College and her PhD in Performance Studies from New York University. She is a member of Actors Equity Association and SAG/AFTRA.