Dark Monday • Audra McDonald Wins a Tony

Audra McDonald winning Tony Awards from 1994 to 2014. 

There is only on actor in the entire world who can say they have won six Antoinette Perry for Excellence in Theater Awards, and she just so happens to be American. The honor, better known as Tony Awards, are given out to the best Broadway has to offer every year since 1947, a tribute to Antoinette Perry, an actress/director/producer who was also one of the co-founders of the American Theatre Wing, the group behind the awards. She passed away in 1946, and the following year, the ceremony was held in her honor. Over the last 20 years, singer/actress Audra McDonald has been nominated eight times, and this year, she was nominated once again for her performance as Billie Holiday in 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill'. This is a clip of Audra singing "Crazy He Calls Me" as Holiday.

I thought it might be nice to revisit a few of her Tony -wining performances, starting with the very first win, just twenty years ago. Not only is she an amazing actress, Audra is also gifted with an outstanding voice, which haled her capture the first Tony Award. In 1994, she won the Tony for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical. It was her portrayal of Carrie Pipperidge in 'Carousel', with the music of Richard Rodgers and lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II, that first caught the attention of so many. Here she is as Carrie singing "(When I Marry) Mister Snow".

In 1996, she collected her second Tony for her work in Terrence McNally's 'Master Class', earning Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play. In 1998, she was back on Broadway as Sarah in 'Ragtime', a show with a book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty. The show tells the stories of Upper-Class white residents of New Rochelle, New York, African American residents of Harlem, and Eastern European immigrants living on the Lower East Side, during a time when the social structure of the world was changing, as was the music people were listening to. Playing Sarah earned her the Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical Tony. I couldn't find a good clip of Audra singing live from the show, but this is her singing "Your Daddy's Son" from 'Ragtime Original Broadway Cast' album.

In 2004, Audra won the Tony for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play for her role in 'A Raising in the Sun'. Audra played Ruth Younger in a revival of Lorraine Hansberry's iconic play. Audra shared the stage with Phylicia Rashad, Sanaa Lathan, and Sean 'Puffy' Combs. Then she had to wait another eight years, when she starred in the revival of the 1935 musical 'Porgy and Bess', with music by George Gershwin, libretto by DuBose Heyward, and lyrics by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin. Audra sung the part of Bess opposite Norm Lewis' Porgy, in a production that created some controversy by making some changes to the story. After all, almost 70 years had passed since it was first created, and much has changed in how themes and stories can be depicted on the stage. Audra earned her fifth Tony Award, tying her with Angela Landbury and Julie Harris. With Bess, she claimed the Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, her first in that category. This is a clip of Audra singing "Summertime" from 'Porgy and Bess'.

On June 8th of this year, at the 68th annual ceremony, McDonald earned her sixth Tony, this time out for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play. Not only did it set a new  record, it also gave her a Tony in each of the categories available, as both leading and featured actress in a play and musical. Here she is, accepting the award amidst the standing ovation from the appreciative audience.

Congratulations, Audra McDonald for continuing to put in such excellent work on the Broadway stage. She's also done much more, from starring on television in 'Private Practice' to making records in the record studios and on concert stages. She was also Mother Superior in the recent production of 'Sound of Music' televised live last December, starring Carrie Underwood. I love listening to Audra sing, and have several of her albums in my collection. Her voice is so clean, so pure, I simply cannot resist her. You can purchase her outstanding latest album, 'Go Back Home', from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Audra McDonald, visit her official website. You can also 'follow' her on Twitter, or 'like' her on Facebook.

Dark Monday • Wonderful Town

I must start by saying I love this musical, and have since I first discovered it when doing a production at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania. But then again, it would be tough to not love the 1953 musical, with a book written by Joseph A. Fields and Jerome Chodorov, lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and music by Leonard Bernstein. The story was based on the short stories of Ruth McKenney, originally adapted as 'My Sister Eileen', the 1940 Broadway play by Fields and Chodorov. There are some great songs, many that I still remember fondly even though I worked on it over 30 years ago.

The original production starred the magnificent Rosalind Russell as Ruth, the older sister who moved to New York with her sister, Eileen, played by Edie Adams. Together, their adventures are brought to life in the musical. I am particularly fond of the song "Ohio", which I often sing to myself when the situation calls. On their first night in the city, Ruth and Eileen lament the decision to move, sining "why-oh-why-o-why-o, why did we ever leave Ohio". In 1958, the production was put together for a television special, with Eileen played by Jacqueline McKeever. This is Russel and McKeever sing "Ohio" from 'Wonderful Town'.

In December of 2002, the Berliner Philarmoniker produced a full concert version of 'Wonderful Town', as part of the New Years Eve celebration. In the lead roles, they cast impressive Broadway star Kim Criswell in the role of Ruth, and six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald in the role of Eileen. The show was sold out, and got outstanding reviews. It can be found on DVD. I just adore Audra's voice, and can't help but listen and sigh whenever I hear it. This is Audra McDonald singing "A Little Bit In Love" with the Berliner Philharmoniker.

In 2003, there was a fantastic revival of 'Wonderful Town'. It was directed by Kathleen Marshall, and starred 2-time Tony Award winner Donna Murphy as Ruth and Jennifer Westfeldt, star of the film 'Kissing Jessica Stein'. The revival ran for over a year at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. This production started out as part of the 'City Encores!' concert series, with Murphy headlining. Later in the run, Brooke Shields replaced Murphy as the star. I loved the way Murphy brought the song "Swing" to life. There is a joy and vibrance to her voice and performance. This is "Swing", as sung by Donna Murphy in the 2003 Broadway revival.

If you are interested, you can purchase the 'Wonderful Town Original Broadway Cast Recording' from iTunes and Amazon. You can also find the 'Wonderful Town 2003 Revival' recording from iTunes and Amazon. Be careful on Amazon, for when I clicked for the Revival, it kept bringing me to a cut-rate Rosalind Russell recording. If you'd like the more classical approach, you can find the Berliner Philharmoniker with conductor Simon Rattle's concert version of 'Wonderful Town' on DVD from Amazon.

The Ladies Sing the Songs of Arlen & Koehler

Clockwise: Diana Krall; Judy Garland; Barbra Streisand; and Will Swenson with Patti LuPone & Audra McDonald.

This week, I am taking my inspiration from a songwriting team, composer Harold Arlen and lyricist by Ted Koehler. The duo began working together in the 1920s, and continued writing together through the 1940s. During that period, they both also worked with others. They wrote for vaudeville, as well as for Broadway and Hollywood. During the 1930s, they also wrote songs for The Cotton Club, Harlem's top nightclub. There the music was performed by some of the great names in Jazz, including legendary performer Duke Ellington. Many of their songs became hits, and the artists were lining up to sing them. That would be the artists back in the day, and the artists today. The first song we'll hear is "Let's Fall In Love", written in 1933. The song was originally intended to be a nice, upbeat song, but soon many singers were putting a swing beat on it, making it the song we all know. In 1999, Jazz artist Diana Krall recorded the song for her album 'When I Look Into Your Eyes', and often played it at live shows. So here is Mrs. Elvis Costello, although you might know her as Diana Krall, singing "Let's Fall In Love".

Now, whenever Judy Garland sings a song, it becomes a classic. And when she takes on a song with music by Harold Arlen, something magical happens. Such is the case when she sang a little song in the movie 'Wizard of Oz', called "Over The Rainbow". And it certainly was not the last of Arlen's songs Judy took on. There were so many, it would be hard to remember them all. But one such song was "I've Gotta Right to Sing the Blues", written for the Broadway show, Earl Carroll's 'Vanities', which opened in 1932. It was recorded by some of the great big bands of the day, like Cab Dalloway &His Orchestra, Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra, Lee Willey & The Dorsey Brothers, and Benny Goodman & His Orchestra. The song remained popular, so it is no surprise it was recorded for her 1957 album, 'Alone'. This is Judy Garland singing "I've Gotta Right to Sing the Blues" live on 'The Judy Garland Show' in the 1960s.

The next song was written in 1929, and could be one of the more popular songs, if not the most popular of the great songs they have written. They wrote the song as a Gospel-like song, and it was first recorded by Ruth Etting in the Broadway show, 'The Nine-Fifteen Revue'. The show was not a success, closing after a one week run. The song could have easily gone away, but that was not to be. When people think of the song "Get Happy", it is the huge musical number featuring Judy Garland singing "Get Happy" in the 1950 MGM musical, 'Summer Stock'. Soon the song was a signature tune for the singer, and over a decade later, when she was performing on her television show, Garland sang with while a young Barbra Streisand sang one of her early hits, Happy Days Are Here Again", written by Milton Ager & Jack Yellen. This was a showstopper, and Streisand was nominated for an Emmy for her appearance on the show. The moment was so iconic, it was recreated by Ryan Murphy on 'Glee', featuring Lea Michele and Chris Colfer. They were not the only duo to reference the pair. As part of a PBS Special, the glorious Audra McDonald invited her friend Patti LuPone to play Judy and Barbra as they sing "Happy Days Are Hear Again/Get Happy".

The final entry tonight was written in 1941, and first sung by Helen O'Connell and the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. But it was really more than twenty years before the most notable recording was made of the song, by a young girl in New York City. In October of 1962, Barbra Streisand recorded her first version of the song, and it was released as a single. The B-side was "Happy Days Are Here Again". I guess people liked it, because the following year, Streisand was back in the studio to record a new version for 'The Second Barbra Streisand Album'. This is a wonderful video of Streisand singing "When The Sun Comes Out" live on her 1965 television special, "My Name Is Barbra"

Have a great weekend!

Some Wonderful Music by Jerome Kern

Clockwise: Helen Forrest, Audra McDonald, Barbra Streisand, and Billie Holiday.

Tonight, I thought I would offer you a few beautiful music written by the great composer, Jerome Kern. Whether partnered with Oscar Hammerstein II, or with other lyricists, Kern wrote some amazing songs that found their way into the Great American Songbook, and being performed by some of the great in the Jazz industry, from the great instrumentalists to some of the best voices recording. He was responsible for the music from great shows like the 'Ziegfeld Follies' of 1915, 1916, and 1917, 'Show Boat', 'Roberta', 'Swing Time', and 'Lady Be Good'. I was first introduced to the song by Barbra Streisand, from her 1967 album, 'Simply Streisand'. I was enchanted by it, for is has such a beautiful melody. But here I bring you the 1939 recording of "All The Things You Are", by Artie Shaw & his Orchestra, with featured vocals by Helen Forrest. The song was written for the 1939 musical 'Very Warm For May'. This version has qualities of Pop and Swing, and is really rather divine. This is Helen Forrest with Artie Shaw & his Orchestra singing "All The Things You Are".

I think it could be easily argued that the 1927 musical 'Show Boat' is the most well-known score Kern wrote. So many of the songs made it into Pop culture, performed by Big Bands, Pop singers, Jazz artists, and Opera singers. With music by Kern and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and songs like "Old Man River", "Make Believe", "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man", and the next song, it is easy to see why. Next up, I will go with Audra McDonald singing the beautiful "Bill". It is easy to see why she is the winner of 5 Tony Awards, or should I say hear why. Her voice is amazing, and when she takes on the song from 'Showboat', with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. This is stunning.

Sometimes it seems impossible for me to not include Billie Holiday in my Saturday night posts. As this night features classic songs and performances, she always qualifies. And once again, I couldn't resist including her in this tribute to Jerome Kern with a recording of her singing "The Way You Look Tonight". The song was originally featured in the 1936 RKO Radio Pictures musical, 'Swing Time'. The lyrics were written by Dorothy Fields, and originally sung by Fred Astaire to costar Ginger Rogers. As expected, Lady Day delivers the goods, and more in this 1936 recording with Teddy Wilson & his Orchestra. This is "The Way You Look Tonight".

Well, I have decided to come full circle, and return to the source. I was first introduced to many classic songs with my preoccupation with the talented Barbra Streisand. As a young teeen, I was buying up her early releases, including 'My Name Is Barbra', the soundtrack to her first television special from 1965, 'My Name is Barbra'. "Make Believe", from the previously mentioned musical 'Showboat', is a gorgeous song of love and longing, and beautifully delivered by the young Streisand. This is a clip from the special, and also includes her singing the song "I'm Late".

Hope your weekend is making you sing!

Audra McDonald • Go Back Home

When it comes to Audra McDonald, I just can't seem to help myself. Her voice is so pure, I can listen to whatever she sings. So when I heard she was working on another album, I we beside myself with excitement. I have her others, and I think 'How Glory Goes' is a beautiful collection, one I still listen to often. I am not the only one fascinated by the lady, for Audra has won 5 Tony Awards, an incredible accomplishment. Her latest win came in 2012, when she took home the Tony for 'Best Leading Actress In A Musical' for her stunning portrayal of Bess in the 2011 revival of 'The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess', directed by Diane Paulus. She also won a Drama Desk Award, a Drama League Award, and an Outer Critics Circle Award. So once I received my copy of 'Go Back Home', I couldn't wait to give it a listen!

'Go Back Home' is a collection of songs written by Broadway composers, including both well-known writers as well as some new faces to the genre. While most people know John Kander and Fred Ebb from hit shows like 'Cabaret', 'Woman of the Year' and 'Chicago', Audra went to the 2010 musical 'The Scottsboro Boys' to find the title song off the album. This is a gorgeous song, and McDonald sounds great on it. Listen as Audra shows us sometimes less is more with "Go Back Home".

The next song is a familiar one, from a well-known source. "The Glamorous Life" was written by Stephen Sondheim for his wonderful musical 'A Little Night Music'. McDonald's voice just dances on this one, her voice so light and airy. Her control allows her to do so much with the gorgeous song. The next song is from a less-known but so talented Zina Goldrich & Marcy Heisler. There "Baltimore" offers some dating advice for all to hear. Next we return to the John Kander & Fred Ebb, this time through their Broadway musical 'Steel Pier'. "First You Dream" is a beautiful and soaring ballad, and perfect for Audra. For "Tavern", composer Will Reynolds set a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay to music, and the result is lovely and ethereal. And it also truly touches my heart. Although composer Adam Guettel might be best known for his work on 'The Light in the Piazza', he has written for several Broadway shows. He also composes Classical compositions. McDonald sings "Migratory V", from his song cycle 'Myths and Hymns'. The song is really lovely, and is performed perfectly. In the liner notes, McDonald mentions that composer Michael John LaChiusa is working on a new musical, based on an ABC book written by Marlene Dietrich. Both "Virtue" and "Married Love" are slated for that musical, but Audra gives a sneak peak. "Virtue" has a light and lilting feel, while "Married Love" is more narrative about love over a lifetime, and McDonald can tell a story when she sings! Also in the liner notes, Audra says after hearing the firs ten bars of "I'll Be Here" from Adam Gwon's musical 'Ordinary Days', she knew she wanted to sing it herself. This is a really sweet song about finding love in New York City. When McDoanld was offering another Tony-winning performance in 'Ragtime', she got to know composer Steven Marzullo, who played piano in the orchestra. Lucky thing, for he wrote the music for "Some Days", which used the James Baldwin poem for lyrics. Listen as Audra sings it for you.

That was just stunning, and Baldwin's lush language a fitting partner to McDonald's rich voice. That is followed by another brilliant piece. Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II wrote the score for the 1959 Broadway musical 'The Sound of Music'. One of those songs, the lovely "Edelweiss" , is included in this collection, with a beautifully pared back arrangement that showcases the inherent beauty of the song as well as McDonald's voice. For the album, Audra points out she was accompanied by her husband, fellow-Broadway star Will Swenson, so played the guitar. Check out this clip of Audra singing "Edelweiss" live.

While some might think the final song on the album to be a classic from the Great American Songbook, "Make Someone Happy" also started out as a part of a Broadway musical. It was written by Jule Stye, Betty Comden & Adolph Green from the 1960 Broadway music 'Do Re Mi'. Interestingly enough, the musical itself was met with lukewarm notices, but it gave the world this song, which went on to be sung by the greats, like Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, Aretha Franklin, and now, Audra McDonald.

This album is just so beautiful, I can't recommend it highly enough. It is just the right mix of familiar songs with new ones, never failing to keep my attention. The material is so uplifting and joyful, and at times hysterical. And McDonald delivers it with a deft touch, combining her flawless vocals with the emotions needed to make each and every song come to life. You can purchase 'Go Back Home' from iTunes and Amazon. For more about Audra McDonald, visit her official website. You can also 'follow' her on Twitter, or 'like' her on Facebook.

Sunday Morning With Audra McDonald

I am truly crazy about Audra McDonald, her amazing soprano soaring when she wants to, and barely a whisper when she feels so inclined. Her talent simply cannot be denied, for she has five, that is right five, Tony Awards to her credit, sharing that number with record holders Julie Harris and Angela Lansbury. I just love her album 'How Glory Goes' and am looking forward to her album that will be released later this month, 'Go Back Home'. And I thought her version of the song written by Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello, "God Give Me Strength" is about as gorgeous as anyone would like it to sound, with just the right amount of emotion. There is such beauty in this recording, found on the album 'Build A Bridge'. I hope you enjoy Audra McDonald's version of "God Give Me Strength".

And while some may not think of "Bein' Green" as an especially spiritual song, I would suspect they have never listened closely to it. The song, written by Joe Raposo and performed by Kermit the Frog on a variety of projects, from 'Sesame Street' to 'The Muppet Movie', the song never fails to touch my heart. And I must say, Audra sings a version of the song that does exactly that. Enjoy this live performance of "Bein' Green".

"Bein' Green" can also be found on Audra's album 'Build A Bridge. You can purchase the album on iTunes and Amazon. For more about Audra McDonald, visit her official website. You can also follow her on Twitter and like her on Facebook.

Dark Monday • St. Louis Woman

For today's tribute to Broadway musicals, I thought to feature 'St. Louis Woman', a musical with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by Johnny Mercer. It was based upon the novel 'God Sends Sunday' by African-American writer Arna Bontemps. The musical opened at the Martin Beck Theatre in New York on March 30, 1946 and ran for 113 performances. The original cast included Robert Pope, Harold & Fayard Nicholas, June Hawkins, Pearl Bailey, Ruby Hill, Rex Ingram, and Milton J. Williams. While many may not react when hearing the title, I know there are at least three songs that are great American Songbook standards. I will start with the wonderful Pop/Jazz classic, "Come Rain Or Come Shine". It is a wonderful song, and today I will bring you a performance by the glorious Mary J. Blige.

The next song you should know is the delicious "Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home". The song was written for a character playing a women of, shall we say, questionable virtue. After all, "free and easy, that's my style" says a lot about a character in the 1940s. It was sung by many different singers, from Judy Garland to Sammy Davis, Jr. It was also featured on 'The Second Barbra Streisand Album', and also on her television special, 'Color Me Barbra'. Sit back and enjoy a 24-year-old Barbra singing "Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home".

Now, I loves me some Audra McDonald, especially when she raises that amazing voice to a classic by Arlen and Mercer. So when I found the clip of Audra singing "I Had Myself A True Love", I was delighted. This song, a beautiful look at lost love and heartache, is perfect for Audra, and perfect for me to hear.

Hope your Monday was great!

Tony Winner Audra McDonald

I have no shame in announcing out loud that I am a big fan of Audra McDonald. So when she took home the Tony Award last night for Best Lead Actress In A Musical for her portrayal of Bess in The Gershwin's Porgy And Bess. This is her fifth Tony Award, an amazing feat for any performer. In fact, that ties her with Broadway legends Angela Lansbury and Julie Harris for trophies won. In 2000, McDonald released a lovely album, How Glory Goes. It is an interesting collection of songs from classic older musicals, as well some unknown shows, and some a bit more recent. They allow Audra to showcase a magnificent vocal instrument. First, give a listen as she sings "Any Place I Hang My Hat is Home," a great song written by Harold Arlen & Johnny Mercer, from the 1946 musical, St. Louis Woman.



Now, I just think "A Sleepin' Bee" is a ridiculously beautiful song. That should come as a surprise to no one, as it was written by the great Harold Arlen and Truman Capote. It is from the score of the only musical Capote was involved with, House of Flowers, first produced in 1954.



The next song was written for a Broadway show, but for a movie. "The Man That Got Away" was written for Judy Garland by Harold Arlen & Ira Gershwin, in the great movie A Star Is Born released in 1954. The song became so iconic as performed by Garland, many shied away from it. Thank goodness Audra doesn't.



The final track on the album is another beautiful song. "Lay Down Your Head" was written by Jeanine Tesori & Brian Crawley for the 1997 show, Violet. I can honestly admit I know nothing about the show, but think this song is just so damned lovely.



McDonald has also been a big supporter of marriage equality for the LGBT community, and for civil rights in general. She shares those feelings with her fiancee, Will Swenson, who is currently wowing the audiences of Priscilla, Queen Of the Dessert. He also starred as Berger in the recent revival of Hair. You can follow Audra on Twitter and Facebook. Among the many places you can purchase How Glory Goes, visit iTunes or Amazon.

Dark Monday • Sutton Foster, Patti LuPone & Audra McDonald

Top: Barbara Cook. Bottom: Audra McDonald; Sutton Foster, and Patti LuPone.

For tonight's Dark Monday, I had discovered this wonderful trio of women who raised their voices to honor a true Grand Dame of the musical theater, Barbara Cook. Ms. Cook was featured in the Kennedy Center Honors in 2011, and Sutton Foster, Patti LuPone and Audra McDonald where chosen to sing a few songs Cook had sung over her long and illustrious career.



The clip began with Sutton Foster singing Everybody Says Don't, from Stephen Sondheim's Anyone Can Whistle. Then it was time to hear Patti LuPone sing the glorious Come Rain Or Come Shine, written by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. The amazing Audra McDonald comes out to sing Till There Was You from The Music Man, with music and lyrics by Meredith Willson. Finally, a chorus led by McDonald sings Make Our Garden Grow from Candide, with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Richard Wilbur. Cook was in the original cast of both Candide and The Music Man, as well as featuring the music of composer Sondheim in An Evening of Mostly Sondheim.

Dark Monday • Lloyd Webber Trio

Above, from left: Audra McDonald, Marin Mazzie and Judy Kuhn

When Audra McDonald, Marin Mazzie, and Judy Kuhn lend their voices to an event, they certainly take it to a new level, a very special event. In September of 1998, Carnegie Hall was filled with an appreciative audience for the filming of My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies. The evening brought together a glittering lineup of Broadway's best, past and present. In a segment honoring Andrew Lloyd Webber, Audra sang Love Changes Everything from Aspect of Love, Marin sang Unexpected Song from Song & Dance, and Judy did the honors with I Don`t Know How To Love Him from Jesus Christ Superstar, all songs that showcased their beautiful voices.The Musical Director for the event was Paul Gemignani, with the American Theatre Orchestra.

Broadway Torch

Clockwise: Dorothy Loudon; Leslie Uggams; Diahann Carroll; and Audra McDonald.

Some of the greatest love songs have been written for the Broadway stage, and sung by what are some of the most talented ladies available. This has been true for much of the 20th century, and in the 21st as well. Sometimes the most vivid songs came out of the shows with greatest reputation, while others were first heard in shows that might be forgotten, save for a single song that touched all. Take, for example, when the amazing Dorothy Loudon starred in the 1979 musical Ballroom. The show had a book by Jerome Kass and music by Billy Goldenberg, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. It was based on a 1977 television movie. In it, a middle-aged widow finds new love when she goes to a local dance hall. However, she finds out her new love is not hers alone. He is married. That is why she sings Fifty Percent.



Loudon was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance, only to lose to Angela Lansbury in Sweeney Todd. If you enjoyed this song, you can find the Original Broadway Cast album for Ballroom on iTunes and Amazon.

The next show opened on Broadway in December 1954, and had a pretty incredible pedigree. House of Flowers had music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and book and lyrics by Truman Capote. This was the only music Capote had written. It was based on Capote's short story, first published in Breakfast at Tiffany's, one of three companion pieces along side the famous story and movie. The production featured a young and beautiful Diahann Carrol, as well as Pearl Bailey, Juanita Hall, Ray Walston, and Geoffrey Holder. The following clip shows Carroll singing A Sleepin' Bee from the score.



This was the first theatrical production outside of Trinidad and Tobago to feature the new Caribbean instrument - the steel pan. If you enjoyed this song, you can find House of Flowers on Amazon, and featured on The Lady, The Music, The Legend album on iTunes.

This next treat came from an anti-war show with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E. Y. Harburg, and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. Indeed, Hurray For What! had the same men who wrote the score to The Wizard of Oz, and the immortal Over The Rainbow. The song was written in 1937 for Broadway star Kay Thompson. She was replaced before opening by Vivian Vance, who later went on to gain fame as Lucy Ricardo's friend Ethel. The song went on to become a Pop and Jazz standard, and be performed by some of the greats, including Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, and Bobby Darin. But here we are graced with the gorgeous voice of the beautiful Audra McDonald to sing Down With Love.



Try as I might, I could not find a cast album for Hooray For What! But you can find the song on The Second Barbra Streisand Album on iTunes and Amazon.

The next story began life as a 1955 novel, Auntie Mame. By 1956, it was a Broadway play starring the incredible Rosalind Russell as the free-spirited aunt. Russell earned the Academy Award for her performance in the 1958 movie. It seems almost surprising it took another eight years for the first musical version to appear on Broadway, with a book by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee and music and lyrics by the legendary Jerry Herman. This time, Angela Lansbury starred as Mame, and Bea Arthur as her drunken friend, Vera. The show had a great score, including a stunning song Mame sang to her nephew, Patrick. Enjoy while Leslie Uggams sings If He Walked Into My Life from the musical Mame.



If you enjoyed this song, you can find the Original Broadway Cast album of Mame, featuring Angela Lansbury and Bea Arthur, on iTunes and Amazon.

Dark Monday - Patti Lupone: A Memoir

Broadway diva Patti LuPone will be releasing her Patti LuPone: A Memoir on September 14th, according to Broadway.com.

The legendary Patti LuPone is one of the theatre's most beloved leading ladies. Now she lays it all bare, sharing the intimate story of her life both onstage and off--through the dizzying highs and darkest lows--with the humor and outspokenness that have become her trademarks.

With nearly 100 photographs, including an 8-page four-color insert, and illuminating details about the life of a working actor, from inspired costars and demanding directors to her distinct perspective on how she developed and honed her Tony Award-winning performances, Patti LuPone: A Memoir is as inspirational as it is entertaining. And though the title might say "a memoir," this is ultimately a love letter to the theatre by a unique American artist.

You can hear part of it in her own voice here. Here is a clip of her discussing her memoir.



Ms. LuPone has a rich history in the theater, singing in some of the best musicals to hit Broadway in the last few decades. Here she sings a duet with and other Broadway superstar, Audra McDonald. The amazing voices join to sing Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again.



Here she sings Being Alive from the Sondheim musical Company. The clean, clarion vocals are trademark LuPone, not to be mistaken with anyone singing today.



For more about Patti LuPone, check out her official website here.