Dark Monday • Cats

When a new music based on 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' by T. S. Eliot opened on London's West End in 1981, no one really knew what to expect. I mean, hopes were high, since it had music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and was directed by Trevor Nunn. But it was, as the title indicated, a show about 'CATS'. There were all kinds of cats in the junkyard in which the show is set, but would people really pay to go see a show about stray cats? Well, 'CATS' proved that the theater-going-public would indeed do just that. It became a big hit in London, and we opened on Broadway the following year. The West End production ran for twenty-one years, and the Broadway production for eighteen, setting new records in both countries.

While there are several show-stopping songs, perhaps the two that are most well known are "The Song of the Jellicles" and "Memory". The former was sung by the cast, a group song that allowed the audience to get to know many of the feline creatures crawling about the stage. The latter, however, was a huge moment for any actress playing Grizabella, including Elaine Paige on the London stage, and Betty Buckley on Broadway. For the 1983 Tony Award show, 'CATS' was nominated for ten Tony Awards, winning six of them. That included a Tony for Best Musical, another for Andrew Lloyd Webber for best score, and one for Betty Buckley for her portrayal of Grizabella. On the 1983 broadcast, the show brought two songs to life, the first being "The Song of the Jellicles", and the second being the iconic "Memory", sung by Betty Buckley.

You can purchase the original Broadway Cast recording of 'CATS' from iTunes and Amazon.

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 Friday Night

I remember when I was living in New York City in the 1980s that there were plenty of DJs out there mixing all the music they could, including some of the great Broadway songs. Some where made much more to order than others. There were songs like One Night In Bangkok from the musical Chess by former ABBA members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, with lyrics written by Tim Rice & Ulvaeus. Before it was a show, it was a concept album, and Pop singer Murray Head was hired to sing One Night In Bangkok, which he did with great style. In fact, his recording was quite the hit worldwide, topping the charts in Europe, and making it to #3 on the US and Canadian charts.



Now, it is tough to say that La Cage Aux Folles was anything other than landmark - a mainstream Broadway musical focusing on the lives of a gay couple. It also has the benefit of a book by the talented Harvey Fierstein, and music and lyrics by the incomparable Jerry Herman. Herman wrote the song of the decade when he wrote the ultimate song of bravery and honesty in I Am What I Am. I remember when the disco versions were coming out, but nothing topped when diva-licious Gloria Gaynor got hold of the song, and really make it iconic.



In 1975, a show opened up on Broadway that had plenty of people talking even before the first preview in Baltimore. Yes, people were abuzz about the Afro-centric retelling of the classic Wizard of Oz story, with an all-African-American cast. The Wiz featured Stephanie Mills as Dorothy, who truly made a name for herself with her big voice. It was such a hit, there was immediate talk about a movie version. When thee move was released in 1978, it starred Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, two of the biggest names in Pop music, as well as Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, Mabel King, Lena Horne and Richard Pryor. With Ross and Jackson singing Ease On Down The Road, how could you go wrong?



And, finally, there is the delightful show that opened on Broadway just last year, following runs in Sydney, London, and Toronto. Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert was getting great reviews everywhere it opened, and that was partly due to the company never resting on their laurels, and always adapting to the different setting with music that would speak to the audiences. And, when it came time for the Broadway production, it didn't seem likely that they could ignore one of the greatest dance songs ever written, by all kinds of different artists. Check out The Priscilla Diva Mix featuring members of the original Broadway Cast, touching on some of the highlights of the show.



On the 2011 Tony Award broadcast, the Broadway cast was joined by Martha Wash in a very special and glorious performance of It's Raining Men, a standout song for the show. The song was introduced by Paul Shaffer (of Letterman fame), who wrote the song with Paul Jabara. Ms. Wash, of course, was one of the original Weather Girls, who made the song a huge hit 30 years ago, in 1982.

Good Friday - Jesus Christ Superstar

Some consider Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 movie musical Jesus Christ Superstar, to be the hottest son of God ever. Like most superlatives, that would be open to discussion, I am sure. But his Jesus was perhaps the most human Jesus to date. But the film, with music and lyrics by the prolific team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, was transported by director Norman Jewison to a dessert locale, with the Roman soldiers in lilac tank tops, fatigues and shine helmets, driving tanks. Jesus and his disciples were all kinds of hippie/rock stars, with lots of cotton and fringe as well as the more traditional robes. As part of the Good Friday posting, here is the crucifixion scene from Jesus Christ Superstar.

Chess in Concert: Interview with Josh Groban | Great Performances | PBS

Chess In Concert is playing on PBS on Wednesday night, and I will be glued to the TV. Besides Groban, it also stars Adam Pascal [of Rent fame] and Idina Menzel [the lucky beyatch married to Taye Diggs].



OK, I ordered this on DVD because Josh Groban is spectacular. When he sings 'Anthem,' it sends chills up my spine.

Chess in Concert: Interview with Josh Groban | Great Performances | PBS

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