Cy Coleman's Memorial

[robbiej]

Posted: 1/10/05 at 3:14pm

I've never actually gone to one of the memorials for Broadway's greats when they passed. I always thought it would be odd, since I didn't really know the person. But my boyfriend managed to get tickets, so I went.

For not knowing the man, I have to say I was moved to tears. To be able to sit and watch performers, who owe their careers (or at least their highpoints) to Cy, sing his the songs he wrote as a 'Thank You' was incredibly emotional. To get an inkling of what Jim Dale was like as Barnum was a wonder. His 'Sucker Born Every Minute' and 'Colors of My Life' were simple and stunning.

It was a joy to once again see James Naughton and Gregg Edleman tear into 'You're Nothing Without Me'.

Michelle Lee was spellbinding as she revisted 'A Little Trav'lin' Music, Please'.

Alan Bergman broke hearts with his slightly altered 'Real Live Girl' and 'Witchcraft'.

Chita appeared twice. Once to sing the glorious 'Where Am I Going?' and once in the opening...a hoot of a 'Big Spender', with Anne Reinking and some lovely chorus gals.

Chuck Cooper's 'You There in the Back Row' was powerfully sung, Bea Arthur's 'It Amazes Me' was sublime and John Schneider's way with a rope is delightful.

I never thought I'd get to hear Judy Kaye's 'Never' live, and you could see why the role made her a star.

But nothing musically could compare to Lillias White singing the song that won her the Tony, 'The Oldest Profession'. It was hilarious and, oddly, so life affirming. It's what this day was about.

Neil Simon, David Zippel and Wendy Wasserstein spoke so lovingly of one of the theatre and popular music's greatest writers.

The show was closed by Stokes, subbing for an ailing Tony Bennett. His 'Best is Yet to Come' made us all remember what a talented class act Coleman was.

You will be missed, Cy.

[NBC]

Posted: 1/10/05 at 5:33pm

Actually, Michele Lee revisited I'm Way Ahead, from Seesaw. (And was smashing, IMHO.)

A Little Trav'lin' Music, Please was the final song, written for a show that was (is?) slated for Broadway in the fall of '06, and sung via recording by Cy, while a spotlight fell on the empty piano stool.

And I did get a thrill from hearing Donna McKechnie sing If My Friends Could See Me Now, and seeing her recreate some of the Fosse choreography.

[robbiej]

Posted: 1/10/05 at 5:38pm

OOOOOPS!

Sorry! I actually had to leave before the final song (a 2 1/2 hour lunch was already pushing it!)

Thanks for the correction!