youregonnalovetomorrow:

Audra McDonald sings “The Way We Were”.

youregonnalovetomorrow:

Audra McDonald, Megan Hilty, and Kelli O’Hara sing “At The Ballet” from A Chorus Line.

I thought watching this (as opposed to just hearing an audio rip) would clarify why Megan and Kelli’s roles weren’t switched.  Alas, ‘tis still a puzzlement.  Luckily, this is still wonderful.

victoriafication:

At the Ballet. Marvin Hamlisch Tribute at Lincoln Center on New Years Eve. Audra McDonald, Megan Hilty, and Kelli O’Hara. 

Before I continue, let me state the obvious, which is that having these 3 ladies sing ANY song together is a privilege   BUT.  It’s equally obvious that MEGAN HILTY SHOULD BE SINGING MAGGIE.  And I wouldn’t be so bothered, if there weren’t already a history of concerts inexplicably putting the bona fide belter as Bebe and giving Maggie to the legit soprano who decides the big note needs a sensible mix.  

BUT.  Audra.  

somethingbypuccini:

I Still Believe in Love | Ellen Greene

They’re Playing Our Song

stop.  don’t stop.

“My Rules” (“Elliot Garfield Grant”*) from The Goodbye Girl (Original Broadway Cast)

music Marvin Hamlisch lyric David Zippel

performance Bernadette Peters, Martin Short

—

As we continue to mourn/celebrate Marvin Hamlisch, I think we will find few melodies more infectious.  

*According to the sheet music, IBDB’s “Songs in the production” and other sources this entire sequence is known only as “My Rules”, though a few will list “My Rules” and “Elliot Garfield” grant as separate numbers.  I wonder if the latter title was discarded for reasons similar to “Tits and Ass” being referred to as “Dance Ten, Looks Three”—Did the title “Elliot Garfield Grant” give too much away?  

pureimagineering:

“Disneyland,” composed by Howard Ashman and Marvin Hamlisch.

So long, Marvin.

“At the Ballet” as heard on Jay Records’s Broadway the Concert

music Marvin Hamlisch lyric Ed Kleban

performance Brigid Brady, Carolee Carmello, Debbie Shapiro Gravitte

—

Obviously DSG is the perfect Sheila (on disk).  Obviously.

But…Carolee doesn’t play Maggie.  

I know.  I know.

 Maggie is sung by a Brigid Brady, whose most notable credit is a stint on Broadway as Phantom’s Christine.  She does a very nice job with the Indian Chief monologue.  And she gives the big, climactic, “at the balleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet” the nice, light, heady mix we’ve all wished we could hear instead of that humdrum thrilling belt we’re accostomed to.  

And Carolee Car-fucking-mello was RIGHT THERE.  I mean, I just don’t understand how the following conversation DIDN’T happen:

Whoever Made This Decision: Okay, so.  Debbie will do Sheila, OBVIOUSLY.

DSG: Obviously.

WMTD: And Carolee will do Bebe and Brigid will do Maggie.

CAROLEE: Um..

WMTD: Yes Carolee.

CAROLEE: I just—I mean, it’s not my place, but—it’s just that, well—isn’t Maggie the one with the big climactic belty high note?

WMTD: Yes.

BRIGID: Oh.  But then why am I—I mean, I’m like an semi-Operatic Soprano

WMTD: Yes, I know.  I hired you.

BRIGID/CAROLEE: To play Maggie?

WMTD: …yes.

DSG: Oh for Christ’s sake, pull your head out of your ass and switch the damn girls!

 Carolee does have fun as Bebe (especially on “very very personaaaal flair”).  And Brigid gives a sincere and endearing performance.  But COME ON.

Julie Andrews, singing “At the Ballet”.  ALL the parts.  

this is, like, Cher in West Side Story epic.

itsdlevy:

One more birthday present for Donald - Debbie singing “I Still Believe in Love” from They’re Playing Our Song.

now i just feel like Jack’s mother holding the golden harp—“you’ve taken tooo muuuuuch”

fyeahvictorgarber:

Victor Garber singing Falling Fallin’ in They’re Playing Our Song. Love this!

An unconventional number to open a show with, but it really sets the tone.  Garber’s voice is so silky and smooth!  I don’t know how much that would (or wouldn’t) service the show in production, but it suits this song just fine.

Both times I worked with him, Chip Zien had a habit of going to a piano at breaks and starting to play/sing this.  Frequently enough that I’ll always eventually think of that fact whenever I hear this song.  He really would be perfect in this role as he can live in that murky place between frustrating and endearing quite well.

“Working it Out” from They’re Playing Our Song (Original Broadway Cast)

music, Marvin Hamlicsh. words, Carole Bayer Sager

performed by Lucie Arnaz and Robert Klein (with Helen Castillo, Celia Celnik Matthau, Debbie Shapiro Gravitte, Wayne Mattson, Andy Roth, Greg Zadivok)

—

I just absolutely love this song.  ”And here’s where my boys come in” (and their entrance music) is one of my favorite moments in Musical Theater.  Because of reasons.  Also, does anyone know if My Best Girl (Debbie Shapiro Gravitte) ever went on as Lucie Arnaz’s role?

Ann Margret singing “What I Did for Love” sitting on giant letters (L, O, V, and E).  

itsdlevy:

You ever just inexplicably get “Elliot Garfield Grant” from The Goodbye Girl stuck in your head? No? Just me?

You’re not alone, D Levy.  This is a terribly catchy song, easily the best in the show (a criterion which admittedly sets the bar rather low)