Discuss Broadway and Theater Here... Can be a thread to discuss past and present and future Theater Productions... Also, a thread to post your favorite vids of Broadway or any other Theater Performances. I'll start: An Epic Performance of "Don't Tell Mama" (Susan Egan - Cabaret). Epic Fanshot Video with Alan Cumming as The Emcee: Spoiler: Somewhat Suggestive
Well I won't necessarily pick my favorite but I will offer up the most obvious. If there is an All-time Broadway Diva it has to be this woman For you personally, that voice can seem like chalkboard scratchings, but in truth anybody who worked in field from 1930- 1972 from associate lighting director, to percussionist, to make- up artist, to company stage manager knew that the only way to be sure they could pay their rent month after month, and get those kids their school clothes was to get in on a Merman musical. She was never in a flop and no producer ever lost money betting on Ethel to fill the seats. As one famous lyricist once said,"you have to write good lyrics for Ethel, because you know everyone will be hearing them" And George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Jerry Herman, and Stephen Sondheim all took their turns. There were 36 theaters on Broadway when she died on February 15 1984. Every one of them dimmed their lights at 9 pm sharp.
Ethel withdrew from a musical called Sadie Thompson after a couple of weeks of rehearsals realizing what terrible trouble it was going to be in, but she never came near opening night. By the way she originated her roles in virtually every musical she was in except Hello Dolly. That would be 11 roles.
Your link disappeared but I found this. Unfortunately the lighting kills any effort to see her face. She makes some interesting phrasing choices towards the end that I definitely like and her voice is a perfect stage voice. I am so used to Liza's bigger-that-life performance in concerts and the movie, its hard to adjust.
I like the performance by Tim Minchin as Judas. Here is an interview by Minchin on his interpretation of the musical and character. Why do you think this represents a 'gay Christ' figure? Is there now a gay and straight way to hang shirtless and bleed from a cross because that is all Jesus does in this clip?
If Andrew Jackson keeps providing us with the newer, and the revivals and I keep providing the older, classics and originals we will cover this topic nicely. It's time for some humor and parody. Spamalot with Sara Ramirez of Grey's Anatomy fame. Remember Dezi Arnez of I Love Lucy fame? He actually starred on Broadway before the Lucy show. Rogers and Hart Too Many Girls. This is a bit risque but its funny.
This is a stunning display of passion, vocal power in an electrifying performance at the Tonys by Jennifer Holliday. If you are the impatient sort, start at 3:30 but definitely watch this.
they are two incredibly talented voices and actresses. I also like the theatricality behind the staging of the number. I will use this as a segue into some Broadway numbers celebrating Friendship. Bea Arthur and Angela Lansbury(Mame) Ethel Merman and Bert Lahr (DuBarry was a Lady) Ben Platt (Dear Evan Hansen)
Agreed. Idina and Kristen are Goddeses. And, great selections above. Another Classic, from the '94 Revival...