I saw a musical called La Cage Aux Folles. It was based on a French move called the Bird Cage. It starred Gene Barry and George Hearn. This show began with all these dancers singing I Am What I Am…one of my favorite songs. The dancers spotted me in my seat and waved at me. I did go backstage and said hello. I had tickets to see it the next evening. I sent each dancer a long stemmed white rose. About a week later they sent me a handmade thank you card and they all signed it. I still have that card today.
I loved the Lion King. When those performers came down the aisles dressed as different animals…I couldn’t believe my eyes. What unbelievable music. My favorites were Circle of Life and Can You Feel the Love Tonight.
When I close my eyes I can still see the cast singing those songs … The award winning singer and songwriter Sir Elton John has a repertoire of so many hits. One night I went to a restaurant called Craig’s. Sitting at the next table was Sir Elton and his company. I did not look him in the eye as I was so nervous. I looked straight at my food.
The very talented Jim Dale starred in Barnum… Based on PT Barnum’s life. During one scene he sang and walked a tight rope. Now that took talent. His wife owned a store that sold handmade products. Every time I went to New York I stopped in her store to buy presents for people.
There was a singer that made her debut in Flora the Red Menace. That famous singer was Liza Minnelli. She sang a song called Sing Happy. Everyone in the theater gave her a standing ovation. She is certainly a one of a kind lady who had a mother that sang her heart out named Judy Garland. Ms.M starred in other musicals and performed all over the world.
I really enjoyed Sweet Charity. This show was based on a movie that starred Shirley MacLaine and Chita Rivera. The star of the show is a singer, a dancer, an actress, and acclaimed director….Ms Debbie Allen.
Ms A had a tv show called Fame based on the movie. She invited me to be on one of the episodes. I was there to help motivate an overweight lady.
Anthony Newley starred in a show called Chaplin based on the life of Charlie Chaplin. I don’t know how to describe his voice. One of his famous songs that was not from Chaplin ….is Who Can I Turn to When Nobody Needs Me.
He had a voice like no other. At one time Mr. N was married to Dame Joan Collins. I met Dame Collins a few times and I have to tell you she was more beautiful than Elizabeth Taylor.
Then there was Gypsy….based on the life of Gypsy Rose Lee. A famous burlesque queen. This show was based on the movie Gypsy with Rosalind Russell and Natalie Wood. I saw Tyne Daly playing Gypsy’s mom. My favorite song is called Everything’s Coming Up Roses.
I heard so much about Wicked. I met a couple in line who had seen the show twenty times. I knew it was based on the Wizard of Oz. The sets and costumes were dazzling. My favorite song was Defining Gravity.
A Chorus Line was a very unique musical. The show began with all of the performers holding up an 8×10 picture of themselves and how they wanted to make it in show business. The big songs were One. And What I Did for Love. On a Saturday morning several of the cast members came and took class with me.
Fiddler On the Roof…Oy vey! Did you know Bette Midler played Tzeitel. Her Broadway debut in 1968…Who can forget the song s. Sunrise Sunset and If I Were a Rich Man.
I hope you enjoyed this tour of Broadway musicals. Maybe some of these songs made you tap your feet. If someone had to play you in a musical about your life….who would play you?
