How Liza, Ben, Tap Dancers & Angela Inspired Me

Today, I thought I would take a look back at some of the music that inspired me, and helped to form what is now quite a vast array of music. While growing up, I was not only exposed to Pop music that was playing on the radio, I also had my older brothers and sister with their music. But in high school, something changed. I did some of the yearly musicals, which exposed me to some different music. But it was when I sent on the yearly trip to New York City, just over a 2 hour drive from my home town, that I got y first taste of professional theater. And my first show was a magnificent way to start. It was 'Pippin', with words and music by Stephen Schwartz, starring Ben Vereen, John Rubinstein, Jill Clayburgh and Irene Ryan, directed and choreographed by the brilliant Bob Fosse. Sitting in the theater and watching it all come to life blew me away, and excited me in a way few other things did. This is a video of Ben Vereen singing "On The Right Track" from 'Pippin'.

I had no idea what to expect when I went to see 'The Act', featuring Liza Minnelli. I was already a big movie buff, having watched many a musical on television, including many starring the late, great Judy Garland. I had seen Liza on the screen, but this time I would actually get to see her on the stage. I was so excited, and have to say, Minnelli lived up to the it all. I was blow away by the shear bravura of her performance. I mean, she was just electrifying in person. The show, which was little more than a star vehicle for Liza, showed off her talents as a singer and dancer. And certainly showed that John Kander and Fred Ebb were still excellent songwriters. This is Liza Minnelli singing "City Life" from 'The Act' in a performance from the 1978 Tony Awards.

Once I left high school, I went to college. At Albright College, in scenic Reading, PA, I found another school that planned yearly theater trips to New York, only now, you got to go for a weekend, and catch more than one show! One of the shows I saw was a phenomenal one I knew nothing about, 'A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine'. The show, which combined original songs with music by Frank Lazarus and lyrics by Dick Vosburgh with other music that fit the needs of the story, was a tribute show of sorts. The first act was a valentine to Hollywood, with humor and heart. The second act was a look at the Marx Brothers famous film 'A Night in the Ukraine'. Both were filled with reverence, camp, and a lot of love. Near the end of the first act, the cast performed a number without the orchestra, using their tap dancing shoes and voices to create a special moment. This is the cast of 'A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine' singing "Doin' the Production Code".

I was also lucky enough to get to a preview performance of a new musical by Stephen Sondheim, a little show called 'Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street'. Once again, I walked in blindly, knowing only I already was a fan of Sondheim's work. I found the entire show fascinating, from beginning to end, often getting chills from almost every aspect of the show. Angela Lansbury was perfect as Mrs. Lovett, and Len Cariou amazing as Sweeney. A young and handsome Victor Garber played Anthony, with an impressive voice. It was exciting, beautiful, scary, and sweet, sometimes all at once. In one of the sweeter moments in the second act, this is Ken Jennings with Angela Lansbury singing "Not While I'm Around" from 'Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street'.

I purchased the original cast album for all four of these shows, and several others. I still have them, and listen to them to this day. I became a fan of the shows, and the cast who were in them. in a few years, I moved to New York City, and began to work in the Circle Repertory Theatre, in the West Village. I worked behind the scenes, as a carpenter and production manager. There were some fantastic shows, and some memorable bombs. I worked with some incredibly talented people, like designers John Lee Beatty (who I had a bit of a crush on), Dennis Parichy, and Jennifer Von Mayrhauser, as well as many talented actor, directors, and playwrights. I knew the late Lanford Wilson, and worked on Sam Shepard's 'Fool For Love'. And I don't think that would have happened without starting to see the shows I mentioned above, inspiring me.

Happy Mother's Day • Jonathan Groff & Christian Borle

To continue with my celebration of Mother's Day, I thought I would offer up a clip I recently found on YouTube. It stars the deliciously talented duo of Jonathan Groff and Christian Borle, singing a duet as a part of MCC's 'Broadway Miscast'. I am telling you, those clips can entertain me for hours. The premiss of the yearly concert is bringing on Broadway standouts, and give them a chance to perform a song for a role in a show in which they would never be cast. Groff and Borle, both known for incredible performances on Broadway, as well as strong performances in TV and film, chose to play sisters Baby June and Louise from the iconic show 'Gypsy' when they sing "If Mama Was Married". The score for 'Gypsy' was written by Jule Styne, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. I think Jonathan and Christian do a great job with the song, and make me smile from deep inside. This is Jonathan Groff and Christian Borle with "If Mama Was Married" from 'Gypsy'.

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Dark Monday • Stephen Sondheim Wins

I must admit, the first time I saw composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim across an empty theater in Saratoga Springs, New York, several decades ago, I instantly had a crush. He was so damn handsome, and I was already in awe of his work. I was still in my early twenties, and in a relationship, but I never admitted my thoughts to Bill. It was my own secret to carry with me for the next thirty-some years. And now I have unburdened myself of this, and shared it with you all.

I first became familiar with the work of Stephen Sondheim when still very young, when I first saw the film 'West Side Story'. It took a while before I realized he was the lyricist, for that show, as well as for 'Gypsy'. In college, I worked on a production of 'A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum', and soon I was listening to the cast recordings of other shows, like 'Company','Follies' and 'A Little Night Music'. Quickly, I became addicted to his work. In college, we also took yearly 'theater weekend' trips to NYC, and I managed to see my first Sondheim Broadway production when I saw Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou in 'Sweeney Todd'! I was enthralled, transported, and amazed.

Once I moved to NYC to work in the theater, I was able to see a new production, 'Sunday in the Park with George', and being mesmerized by the performances of Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin, and by the outrageous score. I was a Sondheim fanatic, and quickly discovered that in the 1980s, you were either a fan of Sondheim, or of Andrew Lloyd Webber, but never both. And that worked well for me. I must admit, whenever I have seen a picture of ALW, I never had any inappropriate thoughts. To celebrate my love for Mr. Sondheim, I thought I would share with you a clip I found on YouTube showing his Tony wins.

As a young theater geek working off-Broadway, I would go to Tony parties every year. When 'Sunday in the Park with George' lost out to 'La Cage', an apartment filled with theater queens gasped. I am not sure some of us recovered for the rest of the year. However, since I did manage to miss his birthday, which he celebrated just over a week ago, I thought I would share another video of which I am very fond. As part of the PBS show 'Great Performances' in 2010, Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin sang a stunning version of "Move On" from 'Sunday in the Park with George', and reminded me all over again why I loved the show, and both of these luminous stars.

I still have a crush on Stephen Sondheim, and also find it impossible to resist his music. I still remember that seeing him and seeing his shows in a theater both made me catch my breath. For that, I have nothing but thanks to the talented composer. And suggest you all go to wherever you purchase your music these days, and add some of his shows to your collection. Really, it doesn't matter which one, or ones, you can't really go wrong.

Dark Monday • Raul Esparza & Lin-Manuel Miranda

When I first discovered this clip, I giggled like a tween girl finding her first One Direction music video. After all, Lin-Manuel Miranda is adorable, and so very talented. He was the man behind 'In The Heights', writing the music and lyrics. And Raul Esparza is my future husband, he just doesn't know it yet. He is talented, gorgeous, and has a wonderful smile. Together, they are just Papi realness, and I can't resist it. They take on "A Boy Like That"/"I Have A Love" from 'West Side Story', the amazing musical with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

I must say, I wasn't sure how well their voices would sound together, but I was more than pleasantly surprised. I love it, and keep hitting play again and again. This was taped as part of 'Miscast 2014', produced by the Manhattan Class Company, a group founded in 1986. The event allows Broadway performers to take on songs they wanted to sing, but had no chance of ever being cast without it. After watching this, I don't see why Lin-Manuel and Raul are not cast as Anita and Maria!

Dark Monday • Bernadette Sings "Not A Day Goes By"

When it comes to some of the amazing women I have managed to see performing on Broadway, I think Bernadette Peters ranks among the top. Now, I've seen some incredible talents, but her work in 'Sunday in the Park with George' still resonates with me, and that was a few decades ago. She was incredible live, sounding great, and acting the role of Dot to perfection. I was already a fan, but this still blew me away. It was said she has been a muse for Sondheim, and it was easy to understand why with this performance.

She went on to star in 'Into the Woods', as well as revivals of 'A Little Night Music' and 'Follies'. She also performed live at Carnegie Hall in 1996, as part of a fundraiser for Gay Men's Health Crisis. The show featured song from several shows Peters had starred in, and she dedicated the second half of the performance to the works of Sondheim. The recording was later released as a live album, entitled 'Sondheim, Etc.' I must admit, I do love the album, and it inspired me to do this post. One of the songs Bernadette sang was the amazing "Not A Day Goes By", a song from the 1981 Broadway musical, 'Merrily We Roll Along'. The show was directed by Harold Prince, with a book by George Furth and music and lyrics by Sondheim. The show as not a success, running on Broadway for only 52 previews and 16 performances. It marked the end of the Harold Prince-Sondheim collaborations for 22 years, which had been fruitful for both. But the score was wonderful, and Bernadette had picked this song well. This is Peters singing "Not A Day Goes By".

To learn more about Bernadette Peters, visit her official website. You can also 'like' her on Facebook, and 'follow' her on Twitter. You can find "Not A Day Goes By" on 'Sondheim, Etc.', which can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon. If you like what you heard above, you should think about buying the album - available for just $5.99 at both online stores.

Dark Monday • Neil Patrick Harris

Top: Neil Patrick Harris with Christina Hendricks. Bottom: The cast of 'Company'.

To mark the occasion of the wedding this coming Saturday of my niece Amanda to her wrestling madmen, Mark, I thought I would bring up a little Stephen Sondheim, for it is impossible to go wrong with Sondheim. When I combine Stephen Sondheim with Neil Patrick Harris, it only gets better, right? And when I start off with a shirtless picture of NPH, it is beyond good, and into the levels of tasty that shouldn't be allowed, at least not in respectable blogs. Well, thankfully, this blog is not the kind of blog that might keep you from enjoying a little Stephen, a little Neil, and a little "Marry Me A Little" from the 2011 production of 'Company'.

Neil Patrick Harris was just the cherry on top of this star-studded production. Also in the cast were Stephen Colbert, Craig Bierko, Jon Cryer, Katie Finneran, Christina Hendricks, Aaron Lazar, Jill Paice, Martha Plimpton, Anika Noni Rose, Jennifer Laura Thompson, Jim Walton, Chryssie Whitehead, and the always amazing Patti LuPone. You can purchase the DVD of 'Company' starring Neil Patrick Harris from Amazon. You can also rent of buy 'Company' from Amazon Instant Video. The production can also be found on iTunes, where you can rent or buy it!

Dark Monday • Elaine Stritch

This evening's taste treat comes from Elaine Stritch, The veritable Broadway generator, capable of lighting up any stage with with just the first words of any Sondheim song. Well, a song by any of the great songwriters who have written for the some of the most talented men and women around. Earlier this year, Stritch announced to the world she would be moving out of New York City, to Birmingham, Michigan, to be closer to family. The following clip was at the Royal Variety Performance in 1979, at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London. Someone was smart enough to ask Elaine to sing "It's Today" from 'Mame', with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman.

Stritch starred in the national touring company of 'Mame' back in the late 1960s. She made her Broadway debut in 1946 in a show 'Loco'. Elaine went on to appear on Broadway in 'Angel in the Wings', 'Pal Joey', 'Bus Stop', Noel Coward's 'Come Sail Away', 'Wonderful Town', 'Company', and many others. In 1972, she moved to London for a decade, returning after the passing of her husband. Upon her return, she slowly lipped back into the New York theater scene, making a big splash in the 1993, appearing in a concert version of Sondheim's 'Company'. This is a clip from the performance, as Elaine sings "The Ladies Who Lunch".

Stritch now lives in Michigan, but has not ruled out returning to Broadway if the right role came along. But if not, there are plenty of ways she can still entertain us all. If you don't have the recording of 'Elaine Stritch At Liberty', her one-woman-show from 2001, you should. The recording is filled with wonderful stories from Elaine's life, both professional and personal. And, of course, some truly amazing performances. You can purchase 'Elaine Stritch At Liberty' from iTunes and Amazon. If you are a fan of the theater, or of this courageous lady, it is worth having. I can tell you I love my copy!

Dark Monday • Raúl Esparza

I decided I wanted a little bit of Sondheim for this post, and started checking out his shows. I opted for 'Company' and was exploring for more inspiration, and then it hit me, like a ton of bricks. How have I managed to go this long and not feature the very talented and sexy Raúl Esparza? I mean, come on. Look at that picture up there! And he was born in my home state, in Wilmington, Delaware! And his voice is really kind of amazing. And he come out in an interview in the New York Times as a bisexual, meaning I stand a chance. Well, I'll come back to that thought later, much later. He has starred in several Broadway shows, both musical and dramatic. In the 2006 Broadway Revival of the Sondheim classic 'Company', Esparza took on the role of Bobby, and did so with élan. Here is a clip of Raúl singing "Being Alive", one of the several iconic songs from the show. He is performing at the 2007 Tony Awards telecast, where he as nominated for a Tony Award, but inexplicably lost out to David Hyde Pierce. Enjoy.

While checking things out, I also came across this performance by Esparza when he was a guest of Seth Rudestky's show. It seems Raúl had sung a particular song written by Stephen Schwartz in some performances he had, even though he had not sung the song as part of the stage musical. Well, it would not be likely that he would be cast as Elphaba, so he would not have the chance to sing "Defying Gravity" from 'Wicked' on Broadway, or any touring company, any time soon. Thankfully, we have this video in place of the cast album.

For more about Raúl Esparza, visit his official website. You can also "like" him on Facebook, and "follow" him on Twitter. And to the best of my knowledge, Esparza has no album of his own, although he can be heard on original Broadway Cast albums, including the wonderful 2006 'Company' Revival release that includes "Being Alive". That Original Cast album is available from iTunes and Amazon.

Dark Monday • 'Mama Rose' Streisand

There has long been a rumor that a new movie version of 'Gypsy', the Broadway show with music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents. It opened on Broadway in 1959, and was adapted for film in 1962, featuring Rosalind Russell in the iconic role of Rose Hovick, the mother of Louise Hovick, who went on to find international fame as burlesque queen Gypsy Rose Lee. It has been said Streisand has long been interested in playing the role, even though some scoff, as the star recently celebrated her 71st birthday. In fact, for the last few years, the entertainment columns have contained report after report, stating the project is moving forward, and Barbra will direct, to hearing the project has stalled, as Arthur Laurents has refused to allow her permission to direct the film. Well, on her last tour, Streisand took the bull by the horns, and performed a medley of songs from the show. Here is a clip of Barbra performing "Rose's Turn" and "Some People", with the added bonus of "Don't Rain On My Parade", reminding everyone she is no stranger to the music of Jule Styne, or the movie musical. Enjoy.

This video was from a performance in Philadelphia on October 8, 2012. At the age of 70, she sure sounds great to me. If the movie happens, I am willing to buy my ticket now!

Dark Monday • Not A Day Goes By

Barbara Cook, left, and Vanessa Williams, right.

I am still sad that I managed to not be in the audience of the 2010 production of 'Sondheim On Sondheim', a musical revue much like 'Side By Side By Sondheim' which was first heard 34 years earlier, in 1976. Both picked some of the great music written by Sondheim over the course of his career, with the latter revue having the benefit of some additional great musicals written in the years since. It featured the amazing talents of singer/actress Vanessa Williams, as well as the legendary singer Barbara Cook. The ladies appeared on 'The View' together to perform a number from the show, which was a mash-up of two song from two different shows. Enjoy as the ladies deliver the goods on "Not A Day Goes By" from 'Merrily We Roll Along' and "Losing My Mind" from 'Follies'.

Both ladies are brilliant performers, as can be seen in the clip above. You can purchase the Original Broadway Cast recording of Sondheim On Sondheim on iTunes and Amazon.

Dark Monday • Nancy Walker Sings Sondheim

In 1973, an event was put on quite unlike most. The line-up of talent was incredible for 'Sonheim Evening: A Musical Tribute', a one-time performance featuring the stars of stage and screen, coming together to celebrate the work of an incredible artist. They all wanted to take part in this event, held at the Schubert Theater in New York City on March 11. Among the many performing was the ginger firecracker Nancy Walker. Walker had begun her career on Broadway, and made the transition to the Hollywood musical in shows like 'Best Foot Forward', 'Broadway Rhythm' and 'On The Town'. Soon Walker began playing character parts, and showed a deft hand with comedy. For many, she is best remembered as the consummate New York mother on 'Rhoda' or the maid name Mildred on 'McMillan And Wife'.  Still others might recall her playing the waitress Rosie when hawking Bounty paper towels, "the quicker-picker-upper." But on that night in 1973, Walker commanded the stage as she sang "I'm Still Here" from the show 'Follies'. Listen to this clip from the live recording.

You can purchase the CD from the show on Amazon.

Dark Monday • Not While I'm Around

It is Monday, and time to take a look at the world of musical theater. I was happy to remember a wonderful clip of the great Patti LuPone and the always adorable Neil Patrick Harris singing in Stephen Sondheim's 'Sweeney Todd'. The two performed together in a 2001 concert version of the show, with LuPone tackling the role of Mrs. Lovitt, and NPH taking on Tobias Ragg. Here are the astoundingly talented singing the sharming song, "Not While I'm Around".

You can purchase the performance of 'Sweeney Todd' on DVD from Amazon.

Dark Monday with Billy Porter

Now I have to admit something right off the start here. I have a big crush on Billy Porter, and when he sings, it gets even worse. Many will remember him as the singer for "Love Is On The Way", the theme to 'The First Wives Club', starring Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton, and Bette Midler. But he is also a star in the theater, having been featured in some of the great musicals of our time. He's been featured in show such as 'Grease!', 'Ghetto Superstar (That Man That I Am)', 'Topdog/Underdog', 'Jesus Christ Superstar', 'Dreamgirls' and 'Angels In America'. He is currently working on the production of 'Kinky Boots', the musical with music and lyrics by the fabulous Cyndi Lauper and a book by the great Harvey Fierstein, due on Broadway in 2013. He will, of course, be playing the role of Lola, the drag queen who saves the day for a shoe factory that has lost it's way. While I do regret never having the chance to see him perform live so far, it hasn't stopped me from adding the music he has released so far to my collection.

Sadly, his performance of the great song written by John Kander and Fred Ebb for Liza Minnelli, "And The World Goes 'Round", has yet to be recorded, but thankfully, it was caught on video from a performance at Joe's Pub in New York City. The song was written for the Soundtrack to the 1977 film musical, 'New York New York', starring Minnelli and Robert De Niro, and directed by Martin Scorsese. The movie centered on the troubled relationship of Big Band singer Francine Evans and musician Jimmy Doyle as they explored love and lost their way. One of Francine's hit songs was "And The World Goes 'Round". Here is Billy Porter giving his own take on the song.

When I listen to his brilliant 'At The Corner of Broadway and Soul', an amazing live recording that soars, I swear I hear the angels singing background for him. He sings many of the great songs by some of the great composers of musical theater, including one of my favorites. He does and incredible version of "Sunday" from the musical 'Sunday In The Park With George' by the great Stephen Sondheim. While the following clip is not from the performance captured on the live album, it is a performances with the Broadway Dreams Foundation, performing arts training program. With a faculty made up of talented Broadway stars, casting directors, choreographers and agents dedicated to giving back to the theatrical community, to provide invaluable training to anyone who aspires to a career in musical theater.

The work he did with those kids was amazing, wasn't it? Billy's brilliant album 'At The Corner of Broadway and Soul' can be purchased and downloaded from iTunes and Amazon, and can order the physical CD from CD Universe. For more about Billy Porter, 'like' his page on Facebook.

Dark Monday • Elaine Stritch

A young Elaine Stritch, and a more contemporary shot.

Elaine Stritch, a true grand dame of the American musical theater, is truly a Broadway legend. She made her stage debut in 1944. Yes, sixty-eight years ago. One of her finest roles was written by Stephen Sondheim, playing Joanne, the brassy, no nonsense character who had the song that brought down the house every night in the Broadway production of Company. The show opened on April 26, 1970 at the Alvin Theatre. "The Ladies Who Lunch" not only gave her the applause, but also a Tony nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical. Here is a spellbinding clip of her in the studio recording the song for the Original Cast album, along with Mr. Sondheim.



That was great drama, and it was fantastic to see Mr. Sondheim looking so young and so very handsome. But for those who would like to see the song, here is a clip of Stritch singing "The Ladies Who Lunch" in 1993. Twenty-three years later, still amazing.



While I am at it, here is a clip of her singing another great song by Stephen Sondheim, "I'm Still Here" from the amazing show Follies. The show opened in 1971, and Stritch was not a part of the original cast, she was part of the 1985 concert version of the show at the Avery Fisher Hall, in the Lincoln Center. I think this clip was taped in 2010 as part of Sondheim's 80th birthday celebration, so Stritch was 84 or 84. And she still has it.



Hope you enjoyed the amazing Elaine Stritch!

Dark Monday • Losing My Mind by Barbara Cook

Barbara Cook was a big star on Broadway in the late 1950s, capturing hearts of many with starring roles in Candide and The Music Man. She made her Broadway debut in 1951 in a short-lived musical, Flahooley. Not only did the audiences love her, but her peers were equally impressed, and she earned a Tony Award for her role as Marion the librarian in original production of Meredith Wilson's The Music Man. By the time the 1970s rolled around, Cook struggled with her demons, a battle that continued through music of the decade. But by the end, she was gaining back her life, and started headlining concerts that were must-have tickets. Her voice was still angelic, and she was known as a great interpreter of the Great American Songbook, and the new music of the American theater as well. Listen as she sings Losing My Mind from the great Stephen Sondheim show, Follies.



You can purchase the Original Broadway Cast recording of Sondheim On Sondheim on iTunes and Amazon. Cook as a member of the original cast, and, in fact, sung "Losing My Mind" and "Not A Day Goes By" with the beautiful Vanessa Williams. You can also check out her official website, where you can hear more great music, and find out more about this amazing artist.

Happy Birthday, Stephen Sondheim!

Today is Stephen Sondheim's 82nd birthday. In tribute to this great composer, I thought I would find some performances of his songs by some interesting performers, something I think I managed to accomplish. I will start with a brilliantly written song from the musical 'Company'. The show offered up several wonderful songs, but I really did love this version by Madeline Kahn, a woman with impeccable comedic timing. Watch this clip as she sings "Getting Married Today".



I just love Tim Curry's voice, so when I found this clip of him singing "Losing My Mind" from 'Follies', I was ecstatic. I can overlook the lack of a stirring picture because the audio is just so damned good.



Do two voices get alone any better than those of Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters? I am not sure it is possible, especially when they are singing the devastatingly gorgeous "Move On" from 'Sunday In The Park With George'.



Now, I could hardly do this post and leave off La LuPone, could I? She has such and amazing voice, and such strong control of it, is seems only right to end the post with her beautiful "Being Alive" from the musical 'Company'.



So Happy Birthday, Mr. Sondheim!

Dark Monday • Pretty Women

Stephen Sondheim's brilliant and amazing Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street has long been a personal favorite of mine. Of course, it doesn't hurt that I saw the original production in previews a very long time ago. Under the direction of Tim Burton, Sweeney Todd's tale of love, jealousy and revenge is most certainly front and center. Johnny Depp's Sweeney has a demonic edge, and Alan Rickman's Judge Turpin is deliciously sinister, as can be seen in this clip, with the dark souls singing Pretty Women.



What was all the commotion about? Well, a pretty girl, of course. The judge's ward, who also happens to be Sweeney's lost daughter, and, as the fates would have it, has fallen for young and handsome Anthony, a friend of Sweeney.



Anthony is played by Jamie Campbell Bower, who also plays King Arthur in Camelot on the STARZ network. However, here he is singing the stunning love song Johanna, about a girl he has only seen, and never met.

Dark Monday • Dame Judi Dench Sings

A London-based tribute to Stephen Sondheim was on the BBC last Christmas, featuring Dame Judith Dench singing the iconic Send In The Clowns from A Little Night Music. AS in everything she does, Dame Judi is spectacular.

Dark Monday • A Little Number

One can never underestimate how the greatness of Stephen Sondheim can make your week start just a little bit better. This is a clip of some amazing ladies singing Broadway Baby from the show Follies. The original production opened 40 years ago, and a revival just recently opened.



To learn more about the revival, check out the official website for the here. There is tons of information, and you can find how to buy your tickets there, too! The limited engagement has been extended through January 22, 2012!

Dark Monday • Bernadette Covers Madonna

Bernadette Peters's version of Stephen Sondheim's Sooner or Later from Dick Tracy from her 1998 concert at the Royal Festival Hall in London. The song, written by Sondheim for Warren Beatty's movie, was originally sung by Madonna. She played Breathless Mahoney, Night Club Singer with a thing for crime bosses and detectives. Well, Bernadette brings the sexy to the number, and sings it beautifully.