Dark Monday • Funny Girl

It is almost impossible to believe that just over 50 years ago, A young Barbra Streisand was starring on Broadway as Fanny Brice in the original production of 'Funny Girl'. It is true, for on March 26, 1964, the musical opened at the Winter Garden Theater. At the time, Streisand was just 21 years old. The reviews for her performance were outstanding, and it seemed as though an overnight star was born. However, she had already had a showstopping number in the show 'I Can Get It For You Wholesale', and having carved are out a career as a club singer, both in Manhattan and elsewhere on tour. She also had appeared on 'The Tonight Show' in 1961, and began her recording career, with three albums on the shelves before the opening night. And she had also appeared on 'The Judy Garland Show' the year before, putting in an iconic duet with Garland. So being an 'overnight sensation' was years in the making.

Left: Barbra Streisand as Fanny Brice in 1964. Right: Streisand in concert in 2006.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the musical, with music by the great Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill. The production was directed by Garson Kanin and choreographed by Carol Haney, under the supervision of Jerome Robbins. Streisand was joined on stage by Sydney Chaplin, Kay Medford, Danny Meehan, Jean Stapleton, and Lanie Kazan. The show was nominated for 8 Tony Awards, but won none. Streisand lost out to Carol Channing in 'Hello, Dolly!', which dominated the 1964 award ceremony. I thought I would offer up a track off the Original Broadway Cast album. Picking which one would be a tricky one, especially for me. I love them all so much. So I finally decided on a song that director Kanin wanted to cut from the show, over the objections of Streisand. She recorded the song for her 4th album, and it was the title cut. The song was released early, and became a hit, and convinced Kanin to keep it in the show. It was said early audiences would applaud when the music was played in the overture. This is Barbra Streisand singing "People" from the 'Funny Girl' original cast album.

Now, I couldn't just leave it at that, could I? So jump into the time machine, and set the destination for 42 years later, 2006. Streisand was out on tour, setting house gross records in 14 of the 16 arenas on the tour. At age 64, she was still the hottest ticket to be found. The show covered the music of her storied career, spanning the previous 4+ decades. Among the set list for the concert was music from the show, 'Funny Girl'. I thought I would include two performances from the concert, and show that while she might have been older, she might very well have been as good, if not better. This is Streisand singing the songs "Funny Girl" and "The Music That Makes Me Dance", both from the Broadway musical 'Funny Girl'.

Earlier this year, a special 50th Anniversary version of the album was released. You can find The original Broadway cast album for 'Funny Girl' from iTunes and Amazon. From what I could tell, it was a repackaging of the original release, with an additional 48-page booklet included. I didn't purchase it, for I had to old one I've had forever. That said, you can purchase the 'original' original Broadway cast recording for $2 less from iTunes and Amazon.

Dark Monday • Diana Ross Sings Funny Girl

In 1968, of on the great acts of Motown released four albums, the second being 'Diana Ross & the Supremes Sing  and Perform 'Funny Girl'. For whatever reason, this was not their first Broadway-based cover album, having already done an album of Rodgers and Hart music the year before. the group, which at that point was Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Cindy Birdsong, sung some of the best songs of from the Broadway hit. Here is a clip of the ladies on the Ed Sullivan Show, with them singing a medley of songs found on the album.

The score for 'Funny Girl' was written by Jule Styne, with lyrics by Bob Merrill. It starred, of course, Barbra Streisand, both on Broadway, and in the film. While much of the soundtrack in both was the same, there were songs that were left out, replaced by songs sung my Fanny Brice herself. One of those songs left on the Broadway stage was "Coronet Man", a song that help make Fanny a name early in her career. In the film, the song was replaced by "I'd Rather Be Blue Over You (That Be Happy With Somebody Else)", written by Fred Fisher and Billy Rose. Interestingly enough, Rose was the husband Brice married after Nick Arnstein, the 'love' interest in 'Funny Girl'. This is the Supremes singing the sexy and bluesy "Coronet Man"

It is funny how things change. In 1967, Motown's Berry Gordy let go Florence Ballard, and replaced her with Cindy Birdsong. Rumor had it Ballard was struggling with her demons then, and Gordy was not happy with her gaining weight and inconsistent behavior. It is thought this was the basis for the future Broadway musical, 'Dreamgirls'. Once she was gone, Gordy also changed the group name to Diana Ross & the Supremes, clearly putting Miss Ross out in front. In 1970, Ross left the group to begin her solo career. Ballard was signed to a record label after her time with the Supremems, but it went nowhere. She struggled with additions, but in 1975, seemed to be pulling things together. In February of 1976, Ballard died following a cardiac arrest, which brought on a coronary thrombosis. She was 32 years old. Meanwhile, Ross was seeing great success, with 'Lady Sings the Blues" in 1972, and she was working on 'Mahogany' at the time of Ballard's death. And she had music hits with "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," as well as "Love Hangover", so things were going well for the star. The Supremes struggled to remain pertinent after Ross' departure, and by 1977, the group called it a day.

GLEE Redux • Choke

Tonight we get to watch the eighteenth of twenty-two episodes this season, meaning that the senior year for some of our favorite McKinley High students is drawing to a close. We know that there are students auditioning for theater schools, and others going to Ivy league schools. And others just hoping to graduate high school. So who do we think might Choke, as the episode title suggests? One thing we know, that Glee happens.

Clockwise: My Fair Lady; Chicago; The Boy From Oz; Alice Cooper; Phantom of the Opera; Funny Girl; Kelly Clarkson; and Florence and the Machine.

The episode starts with Rachel walking down the hallway, discussing the celestial beings known as stars, what she wants to be. Soon she is doing mantra's in the mirror, telling herself she is a star. Next Finn is chatting with Puck, who plans to pass European Geography class by flirting with the teacher. Soon, Coach Beiste walks by, sporting a shiner. Santana makes a joke about Beiste and hubby Cooter, when Coach Roz overhears and is offended by jokes using domestic violence. She tells Sue about it, and they find a point of agreement. Sue tells Mr. Schue about the problem, and he doesn't believe his kids would make such jokes. Back in the auditorium, Kurt is practicing for his NYADA audition. He is singing The Music of the Night from the 1988 Broadway musical, Phantom of the Opera.



Puck makes his big move on the teacher, who rebuffs him. She tells him it is time to crack open a book, and he is angered, and sings School's Out by Alice Cooper, off his 1972 album of the same name.



After the song, Puck walks out of the chorus room. Coach Beiste, Coach Sue and Coach Roz are talking to the ladies of Glee about domestic violence, and Sue makes the assignment for the girls to sing songs of empowerment. In the locker room, Finn notices Puck is still missing, and he tells the boys that "No man is left behind," so they all must make sure Puck passes the class and graduates with them. Rachel and Kurt are in a panicked mess, as Rachel hears about his decision to change the song. They decide to stick with the old favorites. In the auditorium, the girls sing Cell Block Tango from the 1975 Broadway production of Chicago, as well as the 2002 film.



Sue and Roz are appalled, for the song celebrates violence, not how to empower women to move past it. But Coach Beiste leaves the auditorium, upset. They find out Cooter has punched her. No one thought he might have really hit her, so they are surprised. And shocked she took it. But they learn she was fearful no one else would love her. Sue tells her she is staying the night at Sue's house, no arguments. Puck is cleaning a pool, and tells the cougar he is leaving town, and then sees his father. Daddy Puck borrows money to pay rent, and Puck sees his father's life pass before his eyes. He goes to the boys to ask for help, so he doesn't end up like Daddy Puck, with no diploma. The guys will help him. As Kurt is about to sing Music Of The Night, he realizes it is the safe choice, and makes the on-the-spot decision to sing Not the Boy Next Door from the 2003 Broadway show, The Boy From Oz starring Hugh Jackman.



He is decked out in gold lamé pants, and gives a big, over-the-top performance. The judge loves it, and congratulates him for taking a big risk. Rachel is concerned, knowing she is going with a song she started singing as a two-year-old. Rachel is back in the mirror, with affirmations of stardom. Finn comes in with flowers, and says she is definitely ready for her audition. She announces she will sing Don't Rain on My Parade from the 1964 Broadway show Funny Girl, and the 1968 film of the same name.



A minute into the song she forgets the lyrics, and when she restarts she messes up even sooner. The audition judge tells her there is no more chances, and it is over for her. She choked, and is a crying mess. The boys are in the room, helping Puck cram for his test. He is tired and cranky, and somehow is asked about the rainfall in Spain, so the boys of course break out an electrified version of The Rain in Spain from the 1956 Broadway production of My Fair Lady, also the 1964 film.



Afterwards, they are back to studying. Coach Sue is upset, Coach Beiste did not stay with her - she moved in with her sister instead. She tells the kids, hoping to teach them a lesson. The kids are moved, and she tells them she has moved out. She tells the girls they inspired her. In the classroom, Puck took his test, and some of those questions were in The Rain In Spain. Others were not. But he thinks he did well, so the boys can "hug it out" in the hallway. The girls apologize to Coach Beiste, and sing for her. They choose Shake It Out by Florence and The Machine, off the 2011 album Ceremonials.



This is a lovely acoustic version of the song. While they are singing, we discover Beiste has moved home, giving Cooter another chance. At Rachel's locker, Kurt tries to cheer her up, but it doesn't work. Rachel is still crushed, for it was she who choked. She cries, and Kurt gives her a hug, and leaves her to be by herself. She closes her locker and starts to sing Cry by Kelly Clarkson, off the 2009 album All Over Yet.



While she is singing, Puck gets his test back, and discovers he didn't pass. As she finishes the song in tears, the screen fades to black.

Dame Shirley Bassey Sings Broadway

Earlier this week, the amazing Dame Shirley Bassey celebrated a birthday. She was born on January 8, 1937, and found fame in the 1950s, singing with a beautiful instrument. By the 1960s, she was best known for singing some of the great movie theme songs out there, from the James Bond films Goldfinger (1964), Diamonds Are Forever (1971), and Moonraker (1979). The supple and rich tone of her voice, coupled with a true exuberance, was often amazing, and never disappointing.



She has often been referred to as the most successful female vocalist in the UK for the 20th century, and some would argue she was the tops for all times. And it would be hard to argue with that, as she has sustained a career for over six decades, and shows no signs of of lessening the glow of her talent. "For services to entertainment", Bassey was created a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) on 31 December 1999 by Queen Elizabeth II. She was awarded France's top honor, the Legion d'Honneur, to signify her popularity and importance in the culture of France.

But all that can take a back seat to what brought such accolades, the voice. Here is a collection of songs Bassey has performed that had their start in a Broadway musical, starting with a little number from a Broadway musical I first saw while on a trip the London back in the 1970s. A Chorus Line opened on Broadway in 1975 to much acclaim. And a great deal of that was given to Marvin Hamlisch, who composed the music with lyricist Edward Kleban. Here is Dame Shirley singing Kiss Today Goodbye from A Chorus Line.



With music by the immortal Jule Styne, and lyrics by the brilliant Bob Merrill, how could a show go wrong? Based on the life and love of singer/comedienne Fanny Brice, Funny Girl opened to rave reviews in 1964. Oh, yes, it had a little-known performer playing Fanny, a Miss Barbra Streisand. And here is Dame Shirley to sing People from Funny Girl.



Well, what can be said about any show that has music and lyrics by the incomparable Stephen Sondheim? Other than to say this song seems just perfect for Bassey, sitting in a luscious spot in her register, and her history certainly adding a layer or two of depth and pain. Dame Shirley sings Send In The Clowns from A Little Night Music.



Bassey can do more than just nail a ballad, that is for sure. In 1966, a little music with musical with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and book by Neil Simon, opened on Broadway to stellar reviews. It was directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, and starred Fosse's wife, Gwen Verdon. The show about working girls in Times Square offers Dame Shirley an opportunity to have a bit of fun when she sings the delicious Hey Big Spender from Sweet Charity.

Sunday Evening with Barbra Streisand

For this Sunday evening special, I thought I would bring out some old Barbra, from her early television appearances, from the early and mid 60s. Take, for example, her appearance in 1961 on The Tonight Show With Jack Parr, which went on to become the legendary show with Johnny Carson. At this point, Streisand was an unknown, playing in clubs in New York City and touring with the night club show. After the song, it is wonderful to see the interaction with famed comedian Phyllis Diller and with Mr. Parr. Enjoy A Sleepin' Bee, which appeared on her debut, The Barbra Streisand Album.



The following year, Barbra was cast in the show I Can Get It For You Wholesale, which brought her much attention. The next year, she released her debut album, which had many of the standards she had used in her night club show. Soon she was back on Broadway in a the show Funny Girl, which, of course, went on to be made a great film and won Barbra the Oscar in 1968. In 1965, she had her first television special, My Name Is Barbra. For one on the final segments, she did a medley of song from Funny Girl, and ended with a song not in the Broadway show, but that she wanted to bring in to the movie. The song was My Man, a song long identified with Fanny Brice.



An album also named My Name Is Barbra not only closed with the Fanny Brice song, but it included the beautiful and haunting song Why Did I Choose You? Barbra is beautifully photographed in this clip.



In 1966, Barbra had her second TV special, Color Me Barbra. She did a song from The Third Album. It is the amazing song It Had To Be You, and breathed new life into the old standard.



Barbra sang the lovely and enchanting He Touched Me as part of another TV special, A Happening In Central Park. It was filmed on June 17, 1967, live in front of an audience in New York's Central Park. She was already a Broadway star, as well as a TV and Recording star. Soon, with the release of Funny Girl, she would be a movie star as well. Over 135,000 people showed up to hear the girl from Brooklyn sing, a staggering number. And it was well worth it.

Dark Monday - Barbra Streisand Sings Show Tunes

This week, I thought I would try something different. Here are some performances from the last couple of decades of the lady herself, Barbra Streisand, singing some Broadway Show Tunes live. We start off with Something Wonderful/Being Alive from the 2001 concert Timeless. Something Wonderful is from the musical The King & I, written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Being Alive is by the incredible Stephen Sondheim from the show Company.





This clip is from the 1994 HBO Special filmed in Las Vegas. The songs are Stephen Sondheim's I'm Still Here from Follies, Everybody Says Don't from Anyone Can Whistle, also by Sondheim, and the classic Don't Rain On My Parade by Jules Stein from Funny Girl.





While there might be a million versions of this out there, few can top Streisand singing Send In The Clowns, another Sondheim song, this one from A Little Night Music. This is the One Voice concert tour in 2006.



Also from the 2006 tour, Streisand sang two songs from Funny Girl that were part of the Broadway show, one made it to the movie, the other did not. Funny Girl was part of both, and is absolutely gorgeous. Then there was The Music That Makes Me Dance...





And how can you not include My Man from the motion picture Funny Girl? Yes, it wasn't part of the Broadway show - having replaced the original song, The Music That Makes Me Dance. Originally sung by Fanny Brice herself, it was used in the movie. This is the song as part of the 1975 television special Funny Girl to Funny Lady.