Dark Monday • Carol Channing is a Jazzz Baby!

In 1967, there was a delightful movie musical with three ladies leading the way, all of whom were pretty damn impressive in their own right. Julie Andrews, Mary Tyler Moore, and Carol Channing stole the movie with their bubbling personalities, so effervescent, you might think you are watching the musical through a glass of champagne. The soundtrack features new tunes by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn, mixed in between classic songs from the 1910s and 1920s.

In the story, Carol Channing plays Muzzy, the recently widowed step-mother of Dorothy Brown, played by Mary Tyler Moore. She is the epitome of the flapper, loving parties, dancing, and Jazz music. She really loves life, and doesn't mind sharing with others. For me, my favorite number by Channing in the movie is "Jazz Baby", a song written by M.K. Jerome and Blanche Merrill in 1919. The song was originally recorded on March 14, 1919 by Lieut. Jim Europe's 369th U.S. Infantry ("Hell Fighters") Band, with vocals by C. Creighton Thompson. But I am not sure there is a version that can top Channing's, whose big and bold personae is perfect for the song. This is vintage Channing, so please enjoy Miss Channing singing "Jazz Baby".

Julie Andrews plays the role of Millie Dillmount, who fancies herself a thoroughly modern you woman, for she left behind life in the Midwest to move to New York City to make her name. She plans on marrying well, seeking a wealthy man, with no intention of falling in love. Needless to say, along the way, Millie does fall in love, and and he falls for her. And just as expected, hilarity ensues. In the midst of all that, there are songs to be sung. When Millie first meets Trevor Graydon, played by James Fox, she is charmed by him, and while trying to interview to be his secretary. Dhe is distracted by his "Baby Face", and sings the song written by Harry Akst and Benny Davis in 1926. It was a huge hit for Jan Garber. Al Jolson and The Revelers also had success with the song. But here, we get to hear Julie Andrews sing "Baby Face".

These songs are delightful, and the movie is so very charming. While these ladies are fantastic, Beatrice Lille almost steals the show. She plays Mrs. Meers, the kindly widow who runs the Hotel that many of the young girls stay. When some of the girls go missing, more fun follows. The fashions worn by the ladies are great fun, and earned Jean Louis an Academy Ward nomination. Channing also earned a nomination as Best Supporting Actress. You can find both these songs on the 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' Soundtrack album. You can find it on iTunes and Amazon. You can also find the DVD on Amazon.

Dark Monday • Gavin Creel

I try to dedicate my Monday nights to theater, as a nod to the years I spent working behind the scenes in Off-Broadway shows. Now I have given Gavin Creel some room on this blog talking about the Pop recordings he has made as an indie singer/songwriter. OF course, there is no reason NOT to talk about Creel. I mean, the man is gorgeous to look at, but there is so much more. His voice is amazing, so pure and sweet, with a richness of tone. Well, he is also quite the talented actor, having earned two Tony nominations since his debut in 2002. And Gavin has been out and proud, and was one of the founders of Broadway Impact, an organization fighting for equality and the LBGT community. Wow, that is one busy man. For a little rest and relaxation, I guess, Gavin has performed on Rosie O'Donnell's RFamilyVacations cruises. Here is a clip of Gavin singing with Broadway authority Seth Rudetsky, giving an outstanding performance of "Corner of the Sky" from the musical Pippin. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Pippin debuted on Broadway in 1972, directed and choreographed by the great Bob Fosse. I am sure both would give a bit thumbs-up for this performance.



Once again, Gavin accompanied Rudetsky on "Something's Coming" from West Side Story. I mean, how can you go wrong with this gorgeous man singing a song with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim? The musical, which debuted on Broadway in 1957, may be 55 years old, but still sounds fresh in the hands of an excellent artist like Gavin.



In 2002, Gavin made his Broadway debut in the show Thoroughly Modern Millie. The show was based on the 1967 film starring Julie Andrews, Mary Tyler Moore and Carol Channing. With music by Jeanine Tesori and lyrics by Dick Scanlan, the Broadway show was nominated for eleven Tony Awards, and took home six of them. Among those nominated was Gavin, in the category of Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. The following clip is Gavin singing "What Do I Need With Love", his big number from the first act.



Gavin originated the role of Claude in the 2009 revival of Hair. The original production, with book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by Galt MacDermot, opened on Broadway in 1967. The revival immediately became a sensation, with standout performances from both Creel and co-star Will Swenson. In fact, both were nominated for Tony Awards, Gavin for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, and Swenson for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical. And both men also went with the show to London in 2010. Here is Gavin singing "Where Do I Go", the song that closed the first act, and gave Creel the opportunity to bring down the house night after night.



For more about Gavin Creel, you can visit his official website. You can find the 2010 EP, Quiet, available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon. You can also find his 2012 album, Get Out, on both iTunes and Amazon.