Posts
I watched the Tony Awards last night--my only chance each year to see some excerpts of those wonderful New York musicals. The performances inspired me so much that I thought I'd reminisce about some of my favorite songs in musicals, specifically those that were televised, and therefore made up the movies whose soundtracks I sang all through my childhood. These examples only scratch the surface of my list of favorites, but maybe you'll enjoy reminiscing, too.
I begin with my favorite: Julie Andrews. There is no one better. I saw her in concert once and experienced her immense talent live--what a wonderful experience that was. But I first fell in love with her as Mary Poppins and Maria Von Trapp. Her five-octave range and sweet vulnerable face made her a hit throughout the world. Here's one of her great performances from THE SOUND OF MUSIC.
I loved everything that the lovely Shirley Jones appeared in, from OKLAHOMA! to CAROUSEL; this is a favorite of mine from THE MUSIC MAN--one of the most romantic of the musical ballads.
Ever since I saw Mitzi Gaynor play Nelly Forbush in SOUTH PACIFIC, I can't really see anyone else in the role, nor have I heard the man who can outsing Rossano Brazzi from the 1958 version of the musical.
I couldn't even find Rossano Brazzi on youtube, but I did find this gorgeous clip of his voice, singing my one of my all-time favorite songs. (Have you figured out that I am a chronic romantic?)
This performance by Ted Neely is still my favorite version of JESUS from Andrew Lloyd Webber's JESUS CHRIST, SUPERSTAR (1973). His high reedy voice sweetly captured the vulnerability and strength of Christ.
My sister and I both loved the 1956 movie BUNDLE OF JOY. Back before Eddie Fisher left Debbie Reynolds for Elizabeth Taylor (a barely-remembered scandal), they had quite a nice chemistry together, as you can see here. My sister and I can sing this song in harmony. :)
And another classic: Audrey Hepburn in MY FAIR LADY. She famously didn't sing her own part, but this clip is her own voice before the overdub. Not always on key, but very sweet.
What is it about musicals that makes me so happy (mind you, the rest of my family left the room while the Tonys were on).
What are your favorites?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
Don't get me started--my parents attended a lot of Broadway musicals in the 1950s. I have all their original cast albums (and added a few from my teen years), and know all the words--my sister and I used to dance (mainly polka, at high speed) to them.
I found myself thinking, as I watched part of the event last night, that I was collecting fodder for some future Jeopardy questions.
How about People Will Say We're in Love from Oklahoma? Another Shirley Jones romantic.
Sheila--we really need to get together at some point for a PDD sing-along. Liz can play the guitar. :)
LD, that is a classic. So many wonderful melodies by R and H, not to mention the great lyrics.
What was that song Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer danced the Lindsey (I think) to in the film version of The Sound of Music? I love that one...
My favorite musicals are on the darker side: Cabaret and West Side Story. I do love My Fair Lady, though, mostly because of Audrey Hepburn.
Jenny, they were dancing the ländler, which was an Austrian folk dance. But later they sang "Something Good." Very romantic!
Sandra, I like the dark ones, too. Sweeney Todd et al--even Carousel was rather dark, I thought. But great music!
Post a Comment